Review: The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love (Sarvenaz Tash)

Title: The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love
Series: standalone
Author: Sarvenaz Tash (site)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: June 14, 2016
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person (Graham), Present Tense
Content Rating: Teen (some language)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

John Hughes meets Comic Con in this hilarious, unabashedly romantic, coming-of-age novel about a teenager who is trying to get his best friend to fall in love with him from the author ofThree Day Summer.

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy...
Archie and Veronica...
Althena and Noth...
...Graham and Roxy?

Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.

But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever—moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.

When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Simon & Schuster!

In a Sentence: A fun but contemplative story about first love, expectations, and the chaos of real life.

Eager to admit his more-than-guy-best-friend feelings to his female partner in comics, Graham plots the perfect setup to say the three little words at the New York Comic-Con. But when nothing goes as planned and he ends up revealing his feelings at an awkward time, her reaction forces him to reevaluate his expectations as he realizes that fantasy and reality can be vastly different things - and sometimes reality is so much better.

This was a quick and quirky read that really scratched my comicon itch with a peek into the New York Comic-Con. It was more contemplative than I'd anticipated, digging deep into the emotions of first love, the dynamics of boy-girl friendships, the fallout of one-sided love, and the difference between fiction and reality. But despite these more sober issues it was a light read with plenty of playful banter and all the fandom references a geek could ask for, including some epic Princess Bride action (#InigoMontoyaSmackdown). The writing was solid with snappy dialogue and an easy read voice, and the diverse cast was realistic and effortless to invest in from the first page. How things went down between Graham and Roxy actually rather surprised me (you'd think the title would've been a blaring clue), but just like Graham I found closure and even anticipation of things to come by the end of the book.

Conclusion: While not quite the zany comic convention adventure I'd hoped for (and the cover led me to believe), Geek's Guide was an engaging tale of first love and fantasy vs. real life. Definitely recommend for contemporary romance lovers with a geek streak.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Prudence Read-Along: Chapters 5-8 (+ Imprudence Giveaway!)

Welcome to the second review in the PRUDENCE READ-ALONG, hosted here on Skye's Scribblings and the Goodreads Gail Carriger Fan Group! (For information on the Read-Along, see the Introduction post here.) Below are my brief thoughts on this week's chapters, as well as a Q&A with the author and yet another giveaway, this time for a finished copy of the sequel, Imprudence!

Title: Prudence

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Orbit

Links: Goodreads  |  Barnes & Noble

            Amazon  |  Book Depository

Summary: 

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

This week we read Chapters 5-8.

WHAT HAPPENED:

After an unconventional run-in with a mysterious lioness and two even more mysterious women at the exotic Maltese Tower, the Spotted Custard proceeds to India where they dock and attend a garden party. There they make intriguing acquaintances, engage in cryptic conversations, and receive a curious communication, and upon returning to the ship discover a surprise visitor...

MY THOUGHTS ON... 

Settings: Hodgepodge docking ports such as the Maltese Tower are one of my favorite settings! While the Tower had its historical elements, it reminded me more of something out of science fiction with its patchwork construction and cultural melting pot. I also loved how exotic the excitement was at the Tower as well, with its rampant lioness and women in robes and teahouse in the rough. I'd actually forgotten about the Tower from my previous read until right before they arrived and really enjoyed rediscovering it all over again.

Plot: Rue's misunderstandings and misinterpretations of discussions with new acquaintances was initially amusing but essentially a bit frustrating. It's easy to tell they are speaking of something rather different and usually more important, but Rue refuses to really acknowledge it or just brushes it off in favor of her own amusement. While it makes for fun dialogue at the time, it feels as though it is impeding the plot flow a bit.

FAVORITE... 

Character: A tie between Spoo and Virgil. Both, especially when together, are a pure delight to read.

Scene: Sidheag's introduction. The playful familial banter was such fun, and she has always been a favorite through the series. A close second is the garden party as a whole with its tea espionage, mistaken identity, multiple intriguing introductions, and peppered curry.

Quotes (there were so many I couldn't pick just one):

"Ah, to be young and agile again," said Primrose.
"We were never that young," replied Rue.
"More to the point, we were never that agile," said Prim with a soft smile. 

"But...sparkles," said Prim forlornly. 

Much as Percy was deadly attractive to the ladies, his sister had a similar effect on the gentlemen. Rue gave a little mental sigh. No one would ever describe her as deadly attractive. She brightened a bit. Perhaps she could aspire to just deadly? 

One could not blame a people for disliking vampires. Vampires were like Brussels sprouts - not for everyone and impossible to improve upon with sauce. There were even those in London who disapproved of Dama, and he was very saucy indeed.

So what were your thoughts on Chapters 5-8? Join the discussion on the Gail Carriger Fan Group HERE or Comment below!

NEXT (6/26 - 7/2) WE READ: 

CHAPTERS 9-12

Q. What are some of the things that you got to do / explore in Prudence that you didn’t or couldn’t in your previous series?

A. Issues of colonialism, imperialism, and colonization. This is my first real opportunity to question British behavior, or (more precisely) to have my characters travel far enough out of their safe upper crust worldview to start questioning themselves and their Empire.

Author Links: 

Website | Blog | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

In honor of the Read-Along, Ms Gail has generously donated two signed Prudence ARCs!! As these would be a special addition to any Carriger fan collection, this giveaway will be open to Gail Carriger Fan Group Members only. (US addresses only though, apologies International fans!) Want an ARC for your collection? Just be or become a Fan Group member and join the read-along discussion!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG GIVEAWAY

And don't forget I'm also holding a giveaway here on Skye's Scribblings for a Carriger button set procured from Gail Carriger's Zazzle merchandise account! To enter, spread the word about the read-along and join the discussion either below or on the Gail Carriger Fan Group!

GIVEAWAY #2

But that's not all - the publisher (thank you, Orbit!) has generously donated a finished copy of Book 2 in The Custard Protocol, Imprudence, which releases July 19th! To win, just fill in the extra entry on the Rafflecopter form and continue to join the Prudence discussion!

(Important Giveaways Note: If you post your discussion comments on the Goodreads Fan Group, your single post link can be entered into both giveaway forms - you don't have to post at both locations, or do more than one post. Unless you want to, of course! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The #FridayReads Review (6/24/16)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (PBK)
My Harry Potter re-read continues, and Harry is already about to enter the Chamber! I've found this book better written than the first, which comes as a surprise because it was originally my least favorite. The things we discover about favorite childhood books when we read them as adults...

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (PBK)
4 Stars. Rather more choppy than I remember from my younger reads, but still the engaging and magical story I know and love.

The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey (HBK)
4 Stars. A well-researched and engaging read with lots of great tips and tricks on how to be more productive and put less pressure on yourself. Already purchased a personal copy (initially read from the library) and look forward to re-reading it soon!

>> READING NEXT <<

Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (PBK)

Continuing my Harry Potter binge re-read!

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: Poison or Protect (Gail Carriger)

Today I'm delighted to spotlight the release of Poison or Protect, A Delightfully Deadly Novella by one of my favorite authors, Gail Carriger! This standalone adult novella features one of the minor characters from her Finishing School series, now all grown up and doing what she does best. It's currently only available in digital form (*sob*), but plans for a print version are thankfully in the works. For now, procure yourself a nice cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, and download this beauty onto your ereader!

Title: Poison or Protect
Author: Gail Carriger
Release Date: 6/21/16

Lady Preshea Villentia, the Mourning Star, has four dead husbands and a nasty reputation. Fortunately, she looks fabulous in black. What society doesn’t know is that all her husbands were marked for death by Preshea’s employer. And Preshea has one final assignment. 

It was supposed to be easy, a house party with minimal bloodshed. Preshea hadn’t anticipated Captain Gavin Ruthven – massive, Scottish, quietly irresistible, and… working for the enemy. In a battle of wits, Preshea may risk her own heart – a terrifying prospect, as she never knew she had one. 

Buy Poison or Protect today to find out whether it’s heartbreak or haggis at this high tea. 

Warning: Contains men pleasing women, and ladies who know what they want and ask for it, sometimes in detail. May also contain plaid, appearances from favorite characters, and the strategic application of leather gloves.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Prudence Read-Along: Chapters 1-4 (+ ARC Giveaway!)

Welcome to the first review in the PRUDENCE READ-ALONG, hosted here on Skye's Scribblings and the Goodreads Gail Carriger Fan Group! (For information on the Read-Along, see the Introduction post here.) Below are my brief thoughts on the first four chapters, as well as the first Q&A with the author and a special surprise giveaway at the end for Carriger fans!!

Title: Prudence

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Orbit

Links: Goodreads  |  Barnes & Noble

            Amazon  |  Book Depository

Summary: 

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

This week we read Chapters 1-4.

WHAT HAPPENED:

After pilfering a mysterious snuffbox via slightly scandalous means at a private ball, Rue is given a delightful dirigible and a secret tea mission to India by her adopted father, Dama. Wrangling some old acquaintances into ship service, they set off by stealth with only a few hiccups (or, more accurately, moments of flatulence) for the Maltese Tower...

MY THOUGHTS ON... 

Characters: It's always exciting when minor characters (especially children) from an author's previous series grow up to become major characters in their own books! When Rue's special ability was revealed in the Parasol Protectorate I immediately knew she required her own series, and couldn't have been happier when The Custard Protocol was announced. The addition of the Tunstell twins and scamp Quesnel (who was always a favorite) were simply lemon curd on the crumpets.

Introductions & Floating: I really enjoyed how playful the introductions were for the main cast: amused Rue with her shifting of both shapes and personalities, flirtatious Prim with her casual composure in the face of Rue's machinations, unmanageable Quesnel with his rakish mischief, and Professor Percy with his eccentric diversions. The Spotted Custard's introduction was a delight thanks to its initial quirky crew, and its preparation and maiden departure were an interesting look at just what such an undertaking involves. I really enjoyed learning the details and trials involved with floating - in previous parasolverse series (but especially Finishing School) we spent a great deal of time in the air, but here we finally got to see just how it works.

FAVORITE... 

Character: While it's impossible not to adore the entire cast, with his bookish proclivities, harried young valet, and cat named Footnote, how could Percy not be my boy?

Scene: Definitely Percy's introduction, as it is filled with books and wit and a cat winds through it.

Quote:

"Good. That's him safely ensconced," said Rue.
"You're not worried he'll escape?" Prim watched her brother with affectionate exasperation.
"I've given instructions for the footmen and porters to wall him in with his own books. By the time he reads his way out, we should be ready for float off."
"You'll leave a feeding hole?"
"I'm not a monster."

So what were your thoughts on Chapters 1-4? Who was your favorite character? Favorite quote? Join the discussion on the Gail Carriger Fan Group HERE or Comment below!

NEXT (6/19 - 6/25) WE READ: 

CHAPTERS 5-8

Q. With well over a dozen novels, novellas and short stories set in your parasolverse, what appeals to you so much about the world that you enjoy and are able to write in it for so long?

A. I am goddess of my universe and I get to control all the players! *Insert evil laugh here*

Seriously? I really just love the characters and I want to know more about them. As a writer, that translates to writing about them.

Author Links: 

Website | Blog | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

In honor of the Read-Along, Ms Gail has generously donated two signed Prudence ARCs!! As these would be a special addition to any Carriger fan collection, this giveaway will be open to Gail Carriger Fan Group Members only. (US addresses only though, apologies International fans!) Want an ARC for your collection? Just be or become a Fan Group member and join the read-along discussion!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG GIVEAWAY

And don't forget I'm also holding a giveaway here on Skye's Scribblings for a Carriger button set procured from Gail Carriger's Zazzle merchandise account! To enter, spread the word about the read-along and join the discussion either below or on the Gail Carriger Fan Group!

Important Giveaways Note: If you post your discussion comments on the Goodreads Fan Group, your single post link can be entered into both giveaway forms - you don't have to post at both locations, or do more than one post. (Unless you want to, of course! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The #FridayReads Review (6/17/16)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (PBK)
We're currently re-watching the movies and my itch to re-read the books finally become too much to bear. I'd forgotten just how different the book is from the movie, and I'm really enjoying rediscovering the wizarding world!

The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey (HBK)
Only a few chapters to go! My personal copy just arrived (I've been reading a library copy) and I'm already looking forward to re-reading (and marking up) the more personally relevant chapters and putting some of the great ideas into practice!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash (ARC)
4 Stars. A fun but contemplative story about first love, expectations, and the chaos of real life. Review to come.

>> READING NEXT <<

Imprudence by Gail Carriger (ARC)

I'm still drafting my Prudence Read-Along reviews so I'm waiting to read this until they're done. Oh, the torture... T-T

So what are you reading this week?

Prudence Read-Along, A Beginning!

Today kicks off the PRUDENCE READ-ALONG, co-hosted here on Skye's Scribblings and the Goodreads Gail Carriger Fan Group! (If you haven't yet heard about the Read-Along, check out the Introduction post here!)

Title: Prudence

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: March 17, 2015
Publisher: Orbit
Links: Goodreads  |  Barnes & Noble
            Amazon  |  Book Depository

Summary: 

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

So here's how the read-along will work: Each Sunday through Saturday for the next 4 weeks, we will read 4 chapters of Prudence, breaking down the month thusly:

June 12th through June 18th: Chapters 1-4
June 19th through June 25th: Chapters 5-8
June 26th through July 2nd: Chapters 9-12
July 3rd through July 9th: Chapters 13-16 

The Saturday of each week (Friday evening on the Goodreads Fan Group), I will post a brief review of that week's chapters, along with a single Q&A with the author. If you Comment with your thoughts on either the Fan Group thread or the post, you earn major points towards my giveaway for a set of Carriger buttons! Want to share your thoughts live as you read? Tweet them using #PrudenceRA! But be sure to collect and share your comments on the weekend post to earn giveaway points.

So here we go! Make yourself a nice cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, open your copy of Prudence to Chapter 1: The Sacred Snuff Box, and begin... 

"Lady Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama was enjoying her evening exceedingly. The evening, unfortunately, did not feel the same about Lady Prudence...."

Questions? Comment below or on the Fan Group post here!

Giveaway: In honor of the read-along I'm holding a giveaway here on Skye's Scribblings for a Custard Protocol button set procured from Gail Carriger's Zazzle merchandise account! To enter, spread the word about the read-along and join the discussion either below or on the Gail Carriger Fan Group!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The #FridayReads Review (6/10/16)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by Sarvenaz Tash (ARC)
Finally!! As expected I'm loving this geeky romance set at a comic convention. Already devoured half of it yesterday and excited to devour the rest this weekend!

Shinobi Life vol. 1 by Shoko Conami (PBK)
Found vols. 2 & 3 for half price at the Comicon so I'm enjoying a re-read of vol. 1 before finally continuing this time-hopping ninja story!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Prudence by Gail Carriger (PBK)
4.5 Stars. Loved the second read even more than the first! With its young, adventurous, and rather rebellious cast of characters, this latest series set in Carriger's parasolverse will definitely appeal to New Adult fans. Want to give it a try, have some fun, and win some swag? Join the Read-Along here starting June 12th! 

Kamisama Kiss vol. 21 by Julietta Suzuki (PBK)
4.5 Stars. With its devastating new twist, this was an exceptionally powerful volume that even had me tearing up a bit. Can't wait for vol. 22!

>> READING NEXT <<

Imprudence by Gail Carriger (ARC)

*FLAILS*

So what are you reading this week?

Review: The Knights of Crystallia [Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #3] (Brandon Sanderson)

Title: The Knights of Crystallia
Series: Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, Book 3
Author: Brandon Sanderson (site)
Publisher: Starscape (Tor)
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Adventure
Told: First Person (Alcatraz), Past Tense
Content Rating: Young Teen (fighting and violence)
Format Read: Hardcover (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

The Knights of Crystallia is the third action-packed fantasy adventure in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. These fast-paced and funny novels are now available in deluxe hardcover editions illustrated by Hayley Lazo.

In this third Alcatraz adventure, Alcatraz Smedry has made it to the Free Kingdoms at last. Unfortunately, so have the evil Librarians--including his mother! Now Alcatraz has to find a traitor among the Knights of Crystallia, make up with his estranged father, and save one of the last bastions of the Free Kingdoms from the Evil Librarians.

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Tor!

Series: This is the third book in the five-book Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series. For my review of the first book see Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians (second book review to come).

In a Sentence: Although not quite as exciting as the first two books, this proved another fun and witty installment in the Alcatraz series!

After many adventurous detours, Alcatraz has finally made it to his birthplace in the Free Kingdoms. But with its castles and costumes and controversies little is familiar, and nothing is quite as he'd anticipated. For one thing, his family is sort of a big deal. For another, he is an even bigger deal. But while he initially enjoys the fame and perks, Alcatraz quickly learns that being a big deal also comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities, like foiling assassinations, saving kingdoms, and attending Council meetings. To accomplish all this he is forced to befriend a recovering Librarian, ride a hog, read mysterious books, and break many, many things, and in doing so stumbles upon several shocking revelations about his family and his powers.

This book wasn't quite as good as the first two for me - the wit just wasn't as striking, the setting as impressive, and there was little excitement until well into the second half of the book. That said though, the wit still had its moments as Alcatraz used his signature chapterly tangents to talk about chapter breaks, after-school specials, and fish sticks, all of which and more had me snickering at length on numerous occasions. And birthplace Nalhalla had its highlights, from some unusual modes of transportation (spoiler: dragons!!), to its Royal Archives (not a library), to the Honorable Guild of Evil Warlords. Also, while I felt I was predicting some nigglenutted behavior in the plot as the story escalated, I was eventually proven infinitely wrong (which I really should have expected, this being an Alcatraz book) before a thrilling climax and an intriguing epilogue left me eager for the next installment. Some new and quirky characters were added to the mix as previous ones were shuffled a bit and, while I wasn't as impressed with Alcatraz's character development in this book, I adored Bastille's growth and strength, even in her suffering. She's been one of the toughest female characters I've ever read, and I look forward to her continued perseverance in the face of limitations, adversity, and Smedrys.

Conclusion: While not quite as quotable or adventurous as previous installments, The Knights of Crystallia was still a fun read with good humor, great characters, and a strong ending - I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed the first two books. Can't wait for Book 4, The Shattered Lens, releasing July 19, 2016!

For Fans Of: Harry Potter

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Prudence Read-Along, An Introduction (plus Giveaway)

What: It is with great excitement as host that I announce a read-along of the first book in the Custard Protocol series by Gail Carriger: Prudence!

Title: Prudence

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: March 17, 2015
Publisher: Orbit

Summary: 

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

Why: To prep for Imprudence, the second book in the series, which releases July 19, 2016!

Who: Whether a first, second, or twelfth read, anyone can join the fun and discussion!

When: Sunday, June 12th through Saturday, July 9th (4 weeks)

Where: I will be cross-hosting the read-along here (Skye's Scribblings) and on the Goodreads Gail Carriger Fan Group. There is also a Twitter thread at #PrudenceRA.

How: After a launch post June 12th I will cross-post brief four-chapter reviews on my blog and the Fan Group every Saturday starting June 18th summarizing what transpired in said chapters and commenting on my favorite tidbits, then encourage the sharing and discussion of participants on the Fan Group, my blog, and Twitter. Each review will also include a special series-related question answered by the author herself!

Questions? Comment below or on the Fan Group post here!

Giveaway: In honor of the read-along I'm holding a giveaway here on Skye's Scribblings for a Custard Protocol button set procured from Gail Carriger's Zazzle merchandise account! To enter, start spreading the word now and then join the discussion during the read-along!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The #FridayReads Review (6/3/16)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Prudence by Gail Carriger (PBK)
The re-read continues. It's been a crazy week so I sadly haven't made much progress, but when I do get to read I thoroughly enjoy it! I especially enjoyed the exotic Maltese Tower - I'd forgotten about it and really loved discovering it again! 

The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey (HBK)
Getting a lot out of Part Five - will definitely have to re-read it again!

>> JUST FINISHED <<

The Heiress and the Chauffeur vol. 1 by Keiko Ishihara (PBK)
4 Stars. A premise right up my alley, although there isn't much sustenance to it. That's to be expected with a two-volume series, though. Looking forward to the final volume in August!

Toradora! vol. 1 by Yuyuko Takemiya & Zekkyo (PBK)
3 Stars. A little rowdy and wordy for my usual tastes, but overall a playful story with a fun premise. Will definitely try the next volume.

>> READING NEXT <<

Honey So Sweet vol. 2 by Amu Meguro (PBK)

I wasn't that impressed with the first volume but found this on the library shelf so I'll give it another volume.

So what are you reading this week?