Alfie the Sniffer Pup (December '12 Edition)

Alfie the Sniffer Pup is a monthly feature here on A Reading Daydreamer where I spotlight exciting upcoming releases and book-ish news which my pup, Alfie has kindly 'sniffed' out for me!

Wow.  We're into the last month of 2012!!!    This year has gone by super quick but I'm looking forward to seeing what new books 2013 will bring.
It's super cold over here and I sense that snow will soon be making an appearance so why don't you join me in drinking hot chocolate and picking up one of these pretty releases?

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Independence by Shelly Crane

Blood-Kissed Sky by JA London

Louder than Words by Laurie Plissner

The Girl in the Wall by Daphne Benedis-Grab

Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

Alfie is signing off for the year and he'd like to wish you all a lovely Christmas and he says he can't wait to see you all again in the New Year!

Which books are you looking forward to this month?

Happy reading,
Alfie and Bev x

Alfie the Sniffer Pup (October '12 Edition)

Alfie the Sniffer Pup is a monthly feature here on A Reading Daydreamer where I spotlight exciting upcoming releases and book-ish news which my pup, Alfie has kindly 'sniffed' out for me!

Okay, time is seriously flying by far too quickly! I didn't even realise October was coming up! Anyway, October looks set to be another month filled to the brim with awesome releases so I won't wait any further to show you what Alfie has sniffed out! [all covers link to their Goodreads page]

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
Breathe by Sarah Crossan
The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Crewel by Gennifer Albin
Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Dark Star by Bethany Frenette
Gravity by Melissa West
Beta by Rachel Cohn
Blind Spot by Laura Ellen
The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson
Velveteen by Daniel Marks
Hollow by Richard Denney
The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver
Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Wow.  And these are only just a few of what is to be released.  I adore the covers of The Lost Prince and Crewel.  I'm excited to read Breathe and Eve & Adam even though they've both had mixed reviews - I'll just have to judge for myself.  Dark Star, Gravity and The Shadow Society all sounds really kick-ass so I'll be checking them out too.

Thank you to Alfie for this month's sniffing work :D

Are you excited for this month's releases? Which ones are you eagerly anticipating?

P.S. Don't forget to enter My Super Sweet Sixteenth Birthday giveaway to win an e-copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris and a pretty swag pack.

Alfie the Sniffer Pup #2

Alfie the Sniffer Pup is a monthly feature at A Reading Daydreamer where I get to gush about the wonderful new book releases in the coming month that Alfie, my dog, has kindly 'sniffed' out for me!  Anything related to books and exciting book-ish news will also be included!

I was planning to skip the Alfie the Sniffer Pup for May due to exams and LOTS of revision, but I couldn't resist writing one so here I am typing away at 10pm on a cold Saturday night (Note: it's scheduled for Sunday morning)

So without further ado, here are the books coming out in May in the UK:

[Book covers and synopses taken from Goodreads]

Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum 

Kate may have defeated her boyfriend's nemesis, showing off her sword skills in the process, but Vincent is sure that she will be at risk as long as they stay together. What's more, it's becoming clear that their relationship might prevent him from fulfilling his true purpose: saving the lives of others.

They might have the romance of the century, but will that be enough?

This was released on the 3rd and I must admit I wasn't aware of this series until the release of this book which seemed to create a storm across the blogosphere!  The series sounds really interesting and isn't the cover just gorgeous? I am eager to get my hands on Die for Me, the first book.


 Endure (Need #4) by Carrie Jones
Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she’s successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn’t enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn’t sure what her role is anymore. She’s not just fighting for her friends; she’s also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can’t even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . .

I've heard many great things about this series so once summer comes round, I'll have to check them out.  Come on, there's pixies, what more can you ask for?

We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) by Jenny Han

One girl.  
Two brothers.
The biggest decision of her life . . .

Just when she thought she had all the answers . . .
Isabel has only ever loved two boys, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher.
One broke her heart; the other made her happier than she ever thought she'd be. But each brother is keeping a secret, and this summer Isabel must choose between the Fisher boys, once and for all. Which brother will it be?

OMG, I am so so so so excited to read this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ok, I haven't read It's Not Summer Without You, the second book, yet but I am so sad that it's the end for Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah.  I LOVED the first book and I can't believe the trilogy is finished forever :(  It's Not Summer Without Those Books.  

  New Girl by Paige Harbison

They call me 'New Girl'...  
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

I literally just found out about this book and I'm loving the sound of it.  It's sort of a contemporary read with a mysterious twist, definitely one I should check out!

How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro

The Official Truth about dating the male human species!
Can taming a gorgeous boy really be as easy as walking a dog?
Circe Shaw is on a mission. She must transform into a fabulously sophisticated journalist and discover the amazing scientific truth about boys. Urgently.
But life is beyond complicated. Circe has to deal with a poisonous rival, her mum’s annoying ‘just friends’ men and her own Dark Past.
Can Circe’s daring investigation really teach her the facts of love? 
Will it help her finally get a boyfriend? 
Or will it break her heart…?

I just had to throw this into the post because it sounds like such a fun read!  Imagine if handling boys was just as easy as keeping a pet (like Alfie!)?

And this month I have some exciting book-ish news for you to sink your teeth into:

The shortlist has been announced for this year's Queen of Teen!  Here are the authors who have been kindly nominated:

Cathy Cassidy

Sarah Webb

Joanna Nadin, 

James Dawson

Cathy Hopkins

Samantha Mackintosh

Chris Higgins

Hayley Long

S.C. Ransom 

Maureen Johnson

Who are going to be voting for?  And don't you think it's amazing that a male author has been nominated, maybe they'll have to change the title to 'King of Teen'?  It just proves that teenage girls can enjoy books written by men as much as women!

And since I mentioned Jenny Han up above, I had to let you all know that she is collaborating with Siobhan Vivian, author of The List, on a new trilogy about three girls.

I can't wait to read Burn for Burn which is the first book and it comes out  in September (although that's only in the US, so we'll probably have to wait longer here in the UK :(  But if you're desperate to read it, you could always get it off The Book Depository)

And finally before I wrap up, I'd like to announce that I'm taking part in the Daemon Invasion.  My amazing team leader is Jana at The Book Goddess and I can't wait to get started on all the fun tasks with the team!  Go Team Luxing After Daemon!!!!!  Wish us luck and hopefully we will rock this thing and WIN!!!!!!

Happy reading and hope you all have a wonderful May,

From Alfie and

Alfie the Sniffer Pup #1

I'm super excited for the first Alfie the Sniffer Pup!  This is where I get to gush about the wonderful new book releases in the coming month that Alfie, my dog, has kindly 'sniffed' out for me!  Anything book related will also be featured!

If you would like to find out more about this original feature, click HERE!

So here are the April releases that I am most excited about [summaries taken from Goodreads]:

Ascend by Amanda Hocking (Book Three in the Trylle Trilogy)

The final book in the Trylle Trilogy.. 
With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy's fate seems sealed.But everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can't save the ones she loves. Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it's all coming to an end.

Amanda Hocking's books have been described as 'phenomenal' and I cannot wait to get my hands on her books.  Ever since I heard about them, I have wanted to read them so hopefully once Ascend is released I can go out and get the whole trilogy!

The List by Siobhan Vivian

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

I LOVE the sounds of this book, it seems like a really thought-provoking read so I will definitely look out for it on my next visit to Waterstones!

The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter? 

Being a fan of 90210 and Gossip Girl, this delicious read seems perfect for me!  I recently read the first book in Joanna Philbin's Celebriteens series, so I think Lauren Conrad's new book will be a great step-up!

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. 

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. 

I can't believe this series is ending!  I really enjoyed reading Wings and Spells and I didn't realise Wild (book three) had been released until I found out that Destined (the fourth book) is being released later this month!  I think I have some catching up to do...

Coverlicious:

NEVER LET ME GO meets HIS DARK MATERIALS in a beautiful, haunting YA debut, the first book in The Hybrid Trilogy.

Eva and Addie live in a world where everyone is born with two souls, but where only the dominant one is allowed to survive childhood. Fifteen years old, and closer even than twins, the girls are keeping Eva, the ‘second soul’, a secret. They know that it’s forbidden to be hybrid, but how could they ever be apart?

When a dramatic event reveals what really happens to hybrids if they are discovered, Eva and Addie face a dangerous fight for survival, neither wanting to be the one left behind… 


Here is the book cover of What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang.  Isn't it just gorgeous?  I love how it's so soft and ethereal and it really makes me want to find out more and read the book.  I fell in love with it even more when I read the synopsis!  It is released in late September so we have a long wait until then so hopefully the content will live up to its beautiful cover! 




So that's it from me and Alfie!  Are there any other books which are released this month that you're excited about?  Do you like the cover of What's Left of Me?  Please let me know in the comments!  Alfie the Sniffer Pup is a new feature so any suggestions/comments etc. will be greatly appreciated :)


And to coincide with the first post of this new feature, it is Alfie's 2nd birthday today so excuse me while I take the day off to go for a long walk and spoil him with belly rubs and treats!  

Hope you are all having a bookish Easter break!

Happy reading and daydreaming,

Introducing Alfie the Sniffer Pup!

I'm back, sorry for abandoning you all!  Exams and revision have taken up most of my time for the past few weeks and I still have my Listening and Practical exams for Music to go, then I will be free to post as much as I like to make up for my absence!  So...

Today I would like to introduce you to Alfie, A Reading Daydreamer's newly recruited sniffer dog!  At the end/start of each month, Alfie will be 'sniffing' out upcoming book releases and any news that's related to teen or YA fiction! 

Why Alfie the Sniffer Pup?

This is probably what you're thinking right now!  I am a BIG animal lover (if you've read my About page, you'll know that I want to be a vet!) and I love my chihuahua Alfie to bits, so I thought it would be great to involve him on A Reading Daydreamer and for all my blogging friends to 'meet' him!  But how could I include my little dog on a blog which focuses on books?  Then I realised that a lot of blogs were doing posts about new book releases and things related to reading and I wanted to join in with all the fun. *Eureka!!!!*  It suddenly came to my mind that I could mix Alfie in with the monthly posts!  So that is how Alfie the Sniffer Pup was formed (the name of this new feature is pretty self-explanatory so I'm not bothering to explain it, it just popped into my head!)

The first Alfie the Sniffer Pup post will be up at the end of March/beginning of April so keep any eye out for it!

Please comment to let me know whether you like this new feature and if you would like me to continue with it.  What are your thoughts?  Are there other things you would like to see in this feature other than book releases?  Do you like my dog? (You either love chihuahuas or you hate them, if you don't like him, though I respect your opinion, do not write anything rude or nasty: they will be deleted)

Happy reading and daydreaming,