Elect by Rachel Van Dyken Review

Synopsis:

Would you die for the one you love?

Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the love of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family's enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family's sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend... But Trace isn't ready to give up on a future with Nix--and if he won't fight for them, she will.

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

Review:

This time the story was told from the point of views of the males, three to be precise, between Phoenix, who I had come to hate due to the first book, all the way to Chase in the love triangle he had been forced into for the most part. So I am going to take it piece by piece with my thoughts on characters.

Starting out with Phoenix, his point of view was usually a few pages, keeping it short and simple but it definitely got it directly to the point, yet it gives such an insight into his thoughts and brings up the quote that you never can judge a book by its cover. It is so easy to hate a character without really knowing what is really going on behind the scenes in their head so I loved that it gave a peek into how his life had been, I actually started to feel bad for him towards the end of the book.

Chase, oh what can I say for my man Chase. I have been on team Chase from the beginning, I loved him being a smart ass, he was that comedic relief the book needed. This time around however I found myself sighing and rolling my eyes when it came to his points, he was just so sappy and love sick as he tried to figure out where he and Trace stood in the love life.

Nixon, he just stopped seeming like such a bad ass, he was so consumed with this girl it seemed to take away from him. I did like how smart he was when searching for the answers and finding proof that he wanted . I really really didn't like how controlling and possessive it was when it came to Trace. Ok, so a guy looks at Trace with lust in his eyes, checks her out, looks at her butt whatever, and he is ready to shoot them. I don't mean it figuratively either. He is ready to throw them in the river. 

The plot twist in this book was seen a mile away, which did not bother me because I loved how they went about finding the proof to support the plot twist. It was not just thrown in there it was actually dug up and we got to go along as piece by piece of dirt was uncovered and lives where changed.

The only thing I hated about this book was how consumed everyone seemed to be with Trace, It was like she was the air that they breathed. Even in real life I can't stand when people are like that.

I loved the new girl Mil though, she makes me happy and I look forward to reading more of her story and Chase's answer to the proposition at the end of the book.

I am a little sad with who Trace ended up with in the end of this book, I am not gonna lie I think she made the wrong choice but what can ya do? 

Rating: 

4 out of 5 Stars!

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Review

Synopsis:
For Tracey Rooks, life with her grandparents on a Wyoming farm has always been simple. But after her grandmother's death, Tracey is all her grandfather has. So when Eagle Elite University announces its annual scholarship lottery, Tracey jumps at the opportunity to secure their future and enters. She isn't expecting much-but then she wins. And life as she knows it will never be same . . .

The students at Eagle Elite are unlike any she's ever met . . . and they refuse to make things easy for her. There's Nixon, gorgeous, irresistible, and leader of a group that everyone fears: The Elect. Their rules are simple. 1. Do not touch The Elect. 2. Do not look at The Elect. 3. Do not speak to The Elect. No matter how hard she tries to stay away, The Elect are always around her and it isn't long until she finds out the reason why they keep their friends close and their enemies even closer. She just didn't realize she was the enemy -- until it was too late.

Review:
It is so funny looking back at the original review I made for this book 5 years ago in 2013. 5 years is a long time. In a world that is constantly moving and changing it is no wonder that my views on this book have changed during this re-read. 

So, lets get started.

I loved the start of the book. How can you not enjoy a prologue that starts off 

         

           " Whoever told me life was easy, lied." 

            " Everyone has a story that needs to be told."

So, as we begin to understand our main character, Trace ( Who I for some reason always called Trace-y in my head despite it just being Trace) it starts off with her pulling up to large gates that will lead into her new boarding school for the rich and privileged. 

For those of you reading, if you have ever come across the manga or K-drama Hana Yori Dango, and enjoyed it, then this book is gonna be a win for you. This book gives such a Hana Yori Dango vibe it is not even funny. Considering I thoroughly enjoyed both the manga and show, it is no wonder that I enjoyed the book. 

5 years and I had actually forgotten just about everything that there was when it came to this book, so it was like I had decided to read it for the first time all over again. That is what I love about a good re-read, you rediscover books you love and get fresh insights into them.

I loved the nerdy references they made in this book, from Harry Potter to Batman, it made my little nerd girl heart happy. 

I also loved one saying that I will probably end up stealing and incorporating into my every day life whenever I can. And that saying comes from after Trace has had a run in with some school bullies, she is bruised, she is broken and Nixon makes her take a bath on the promise that she won't fall asleep and drown. Her response, she won't be 'mermaiding it." 
I am gonna be honest, I snickered over that because the amount of sass in such a statement is one I can see me giving my husband without missing a beat. 

Also, I know this is completely superficial but I love tattoo's and piercings.. who doesn't right? I  mean we all harbor secret ( or not so secret) fantasies for a bad boy in our love lives. 

So now here comes the hard part of any review, no matter how much good there is, there is gonna be some bad.


I don't know why I didn't notice this when I first read the book but Trace's moods are up and down to the point I have no clue what is going on in her head. She gives the term teenage hormones a run for it's money. One minute she is happy, the next she is sassy and won't back down, then she is weepy, then she is weak, then she is swooning over Nixon. It made it hard to relate to her because I didn't understand how she could be so tough one minute and the next just be the complete opposite.

It also confused me how Nixon went from hating being touched to straight up mauling Trace in the elevator...it briefly explains later on in the book that he is ok with it only because he is in control but it was such a weird characteristic trait to focus on when it didn't follow through.

Overall I still enjoyed the book, not as much as I did when I was younger but it is still one that is worth the read. 


Rating: 
4 out of 5 Stars!

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler Review

Synopsis:

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A “touching father-daughter story” (Kirkus Reviews) from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.


Review:

This was not a planned read for me, I was visiting my family and the books I brought with me were not calling to me. So, I decided to peek into the TBR piles of my sister. Coming from a family of readers with various tastes, I knew that there had to be a book somewhere that would scratch that itch. And I wasn't wrong.

There sitting on my sisters table halfway down her pile was 'The Book of Broken Hearts' by Sarah  Ockler. I actually forgot that this is in my TBR pile until I went on to goodreads to upload my review and found it.

But this book was a quick and easy read, I finished it in one day actually. While it is a clean read there is still enough drama to keep me tuned in. I think what I liked best about this book is that it talks about a subject near and dear to my heart. Alzheimer's.

Growing up my mother worked in Assisted Living homes, and there were plenty of men and women who would get lost in their minds and forget things. I saw not only the struggle of their family as they were forgotten but the fight the patients went through as well. So when Jude is struggling with her fathers illness I couldn't help but relate. Each outburst and "senior" moment her father had made my heart ache for her a little more.

I liked that despite how Emilio's brothers were he was adamant that he was not like them. Just because you come from a big family does not mean you are automatically going to end up just like your siblings. As the oldest of 4 I can attest to that. Each of us has our own personalities and quirks, both good and bad.

I liked that Jude found something that helped her father with his memories and worked with him. Her sisters comment that they didn't know it had gotten so bad and they were amazed that she was able to calm him down so easy.

This is a sweet gentle read perfect for any rainy day and one I would recommend to just about anyone looking to pass the  time.

Rating: 
4 out of 5 Stars.

Secondborn by Amy A. Bartol Review

Synopsis:
Firstborns rule society. Secondborns are the property of the government. Thirdborns are not tolerated. Long live the Fates Republic.

On Transition Day, the second child in every family is taken by the government and forced into servitude. Roselle St. Sismode’s eighteenth birthday arrives with harsh realizations: she’s to become a soldier for the Fate of Swords military arm of the Republic during the bloodiest rebellion in history, and her elite firstborn mother is happy to see her go.

Televised since her early childhood, Roselle’s privileged upbringing has earned her the resentment of her secondborn peers. Now her decision to spare an enemy on the battlefield marks her as a traitor to the state.

But Roselle finds an ally—and more—in fellow secondborn conscript Hawthorne Trugrave. As the consequences of her actions ripple throughout the Fates Republic, can Roselle create a destiny of her own? Or will her Fate override everything she fights for—even love?

Review:
I actually don't remember where I got this book. I was bored and scrolling through my kindle TBR pile while I waited for some kind of appointment to finish up and there it was. And the cover looked intriguing so I said sure why not.

And then I fell in love with the book from the first chapter. The cover may have attracted my attention but the writing  held it.

So lets get started.

This had a definite 'Divergent' feel to me. It was like watching Tris walk into Dauntless all over again. Only this time it is Roselle being placed in a military training facility because she is a second born and not just any second born but one who comes from a family of great importance.

That was one of the things I liked about this book actually. A lot of these books they have the family unit so perfect, the mother loves all her children, all the children are good, ect . But in this book the mother has no emotional connection with Roselle other then fear that she might one day be a usurper  and kill her brother. I liked that her mother was such a mean unlikeable character. It made sense, it even made sense that her father had nothing to do with her and the only father figure she had was her fighting instructor named Dune, who drops a bomb shell as they are leaving, that he is a third born.

So lets fast forward to when Roselle is doing her duty as a second born and going into the military where she will probably be killed due to her families importance and the anger over how second borns are treated, they are stopped by a terrorist attack where a new weapon is exposed that renders their electronic weapons *cough* light saber*cough* useless, including the chips in their hands that say who they are.

And then the love interest enters. Hawthorne....where do I even begin. I know a lot of people like him...but I don't. I don't like that he comes into her life as a lie. I have trust issues... and for me that is a big no no. AND he pretty much drops contact with her once circumstances make him a first born.
I get it, he helped her emotionally through some things...but to all but disappear from her life is a huge emotional trigger for me.

I actually like the rebel she saved. He is who I am rooting for and I don't really have any reason why other then the fact he seems like the most suitable person interested in her.

One of the things I did not like about this book was how it would introduce characters and then they would vanish without any reason. Roselle meets Hawthornes friends and becomes friends with them but all of a sudden it is like there were only two friends instead of 3.

AND she decides to go to someone to create a new weapon that will render the rebels weapon's useless. A hydro blade mix, because something like that can go unnoticed in a military base...no wonder they are being attacked.

Overall I loved this book, I am eagerly awaiting the second in the series and I think the action and intrigue makes up for any plot holes.


Rating:
4 stars!

Poison Princess Review by Kresley Cole

Title: Poison Princess

Author: Kresley Cole
Author's Page : HERE

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.She could save the world--or destroy it.
Sixteen year old Evangeline"Evie" Greene leads a charmed life--until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, killing everyone she loves, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future--and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally trust Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side...

In Poison Princess, New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces a dark and intriguing world, full of unspeakable danger and irresistible romance.

Review:

I can remember when I first picked up this book. It was actually by accident, a simple suggestion from Amazon after I bought a book and I have been hooked ever since.

The cool thing about this book is the Tarot Card's being based on actual people in past games. Games that were started by the God's because they were bored. A major disaster signals the games and young adults have to battle, life or death style, to win and reset  the world. 

I like that this book does not have the typical dystopian factors. Sure there are bagman who resemble zombies, and there is anarchy from the slavers. I like that the author picked a topic I have never seen done before. Tarot cards.

This book is one of my all time favorite to go to reads. I actually own the entire series in print and in galley format that way I know that I will be able to read it whenever the mood strikes.

I love the tension that arises between Evie and Jack, their snarky back and forth makes my heart patter because it is a lot like my mouthy husband lol. 

This book has it all. A great build up in the romance department, action and intrigue for those who want something a bit more fast paced.

It is a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Especially with those cliff hangers at the end.

Notable- Quotable!: 

• "“Hey, you've still got your endangered hymen. Which means you'll make it to closing credits - I'm s.o.l.”
• “You have two choices, grasshopper. Out-slut Clotile - or go Springer on her ass. I'm down for the assist in both scenarios.”

Rating:

5 stars!

Intertwined & Tethered by Jenn Marie Tour Stop!

About the Author:

Jenn Marie currently lives in sunny California with her wonderful husband. When she's not writing Young Adult Fiction, she can be found reading, plotting or spending time with her crazy, lovable family. No matter what's going on in her life, whether good or bad, writing is always there to lift her spirits.

Intertwined Synopsis: (Book 1)
Quiet seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Parker is looking forward to another mellow summer with her goofy relatives: sun tanning at the beach and staying out of trouble. Which is why the thought of her younger cousin participating in what is, clearly, a setup disguised as an initiation, worries her to the point of intervention.
One that backfires … big time …
Mistaken for her cousin, Elizabeth finds herself transported to an abandoned plantation, a place deeply haunted with unresolved mystery and where horror reigns every summer between July 20 and August 13.
It is there, locked in the pitch dark, where she finds herself paired with the strange and mysterious Adam Hunt—an unexpected trespasser with his own agenda. Together, they find a list of instructions—follow the clues to various possessions in the house, store them in the backpack provided, and find the key that will grant escape.
Having snuck in to document the haunting, Adam offers to help her find the key so long as she helps him record paranormal activity along the way. But as they make their way through the house, they soon discover unexplained anomalies…
For the first time in the plantation's recorded history, the haunting deviates from its known cycle of events, thrusting Elizabeth and Adam in a series of perilous circumstances that ensue long after the night is over.
As the last day of the haunting draws nearer, and as forces beyond their control ignite their growing attraction, Elizabeth and Adam must work together to uncover the plantations mysterious past before its too late.
Or die trying.

Warning: Occasional coarse language. Intended for Mature Young Adult audience.

Tethered Synopsis: (Book 2)

A previous lifetime. A malevolent curse. A love they can’t live without. Will their past claim them once more? Elizabeth and Adam are about to find out ...

Elizabeth and Adam survived the century old curse that nearly claimed the lives of their counterparts, Josephine and Braden, but at what cost?

As the veil between timelines continues to diminish, they yet again find themselves in a race against time to cheat death in the past in order to salvage their futures. But with the curse given form, everything is changing, leaving them vulnerable to new threats. No longer are the dangers of their former lifetime contained to the Jefferson Plantation—a land fraught with peril and where horror reigns every summer between July 20 and August 13.

Until now ...

Having changed the past, history has rewritten itself, extending the last day of the haunting to August 31—their new expiration date. Without the aid of visions, though, Elizabeth and Adam must find a new way to uncover their past, leaving Adam to scour the plantation for clues, while Elizabeth learns how to access Josephine's subconscious.

Meanwhile, the Callahans—a vengeful family intent on keeping Elizabeth and Adam apart—will stop at nothing to preserve their bloodline and keep the curse from destroying their family. Will their ruthless antics prove tragic once more?

Now more than ever, their love will be tested as Elizabeth and Adam contend with the forces of the curse and fight to save their counterparts in 1905.

Will they overcome the odds stacked against them? Or will the curse claim them for good?

Warning: Occasional coarse language. Intended for Mature Young Adult audience. 

Review:
I would first like to thank the lovely YA Bound Book Tours for providing a copy of both books in this series as a part of the tour.

When you read the synopsis of these books you can't help but immediately be intrigued. I know that was the case for me and I eagerly gobbled up this book. I could not read it fast enough. This series is one you are going to want to read over and over just to make sure you get all of the information as you try to figure it out before the end.

I love the characters. They felt like family, it made me think of all the summers and weekends I spent at my grandmothers house with cousins who were very different from myself. I like that despite their differences you can tell they are very close.

This series has it all! Twists and turns that leave you gasping and eagerly turning the page, curses and magic, true love.

Even if you think of yourself as the best sleuth when it comes to mysteries and finding out those plot twists, I can guarantee this author will have a few that will blow your mind. You won't be able to see them all coming.

Rating:

Book Blitz!

It's that time again ladies and gents! Book Blitz time! And this time I am proud to present a blitz put together through Sage's Blog Tours, this blitz includes an awesome trailer and an even better giveaway below. So, Check it out!

                                                                                                                                    


Between You and Me
By Lynn Turner
Genre: Contemporary Romance

About the Book
Love at first sight strikes Seattle Scientist Finnegan Kane at the worst possible moment, paralyzing him as he’s pitching his cutting-edge idea to powerful New York venture capitalist Emanuela Monroe…
Finn survived the crash that killed his parents when he was sixteen. Twenty years later, his smart devices are about to redefine what it means to be disabled.
Emanuela makes dreams come true for a living, but still longs to fulfill her own. Despite Finn's stunning secret, she thinks his idea might be worth the risk...and he’s determined to show her that he is, too.


About the Author
Lynn Turner inherited her writing gene from her mother, who created fantastic tales about witches, invisible worlds and talking animals, and read them to her children at night. Lynn isn’t as great with the voices as her mother, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.

She discovered romance far too young, when a mission to find a young adult fantasy title led her to historical romance. She spent hours skimming those sumptuous pages, drinking in the vivid descriptions of settings and clothes, feisty heroines and looming lords, and poetic language. (She may or may not have enjoyed the PG-13 bits too, tucking a new title beneath her pillow at night).
She enjoys character-driven narratives most, and anything that transports her someplace else. Passionate about food and travel, she features healthy doses of both in the stories she crafts. Above all, she is dedicated to writing inclusive stories that explore what it means to be imperfectly human.
When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling, dreaming of traveling, or watching old Samantha Brown travelogue videos and wishing she had her job. She and her husband share their home in California with their two extraordinary children, and hope to add a floppy kitty to the family very soon.

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnTurnerAuthor

On Twitter: www.twitter.com/Lynn_Writes

Website: www.LynnTurnerAuthor.com

On Amazon: http://a.co/0P56DxD

ON B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940158704680

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35441767-between-you-and-me#other_reviews

An Excerpt:
All the emotions from that night washed over him and the onslaught churned his stomach. “It was the same for me. But at the same time, I wanted to get far the hell away from you.” He watched her face for any sign of hurt, but to his relief, she just nodded.

“I know.” She frowned. “It was so strange. Almost made me sick.”

He drew in a sharp breath, noticing her stiffen in response.

“What?” she asked.

“That’s exactly how it was for me. It’s how I’m feeling right now.”

She nodded again. “We were both a little off. But your pitch was one of the more memorable ones I’ve had.”

“Don’t remind me. I don’t think I’ve ever botched it like that before.”

“Excuse me?” She smacked his chest. “Maybe I should rescind that offer.”

He chuckled. He knew she was wide open, and he wanted her to trust him. It was his turn to be exposed. He tapped his leg. “This is the best one I’ve had so far, except I can’t deep sea dive with it.”

She reached for his hand. “How many do you have?”

“Just one. But I’m waiting for the military to finish developing those bionic legs so I can lift cars with my foot.”

Her slim fingers traced his bigger ones. “You don’t have to do that, you know. Self-deprecate. You’ve already seen me naked.”

His eyes raked over her, his pulse jumping at her words. “You have no idea how much I’d like to see that again,” he said, sensing her shiver. “But first I want you to see me too. The real me.” He looked down at their hands. “Only if you’re comfortable.”

“I want to see. I just didn’t know how to ask. Or if I should ask.” She smiled. “I didn’t want to offend you.”

“You haven’t asked me to spank you with it, so this is already an improvement from my last date.”

Emanuela gasped. “No…”

He laughed at her horrified expression. “’Fraid so.” He gently removed her legs from his lap and stood in front of her. “And that was an improvement from the date before that.”

“Oh my God.” She snickered. “That’s awful.”

“Well, some kinky stuff is fun.”

“Ugh.” She narrowed her eyes. “Just drop your pants already!”

He grinned and turned away to do just that, bending to tug them off before coming back to sit beside her. Without further ceremony, he pushed on the front of the leg and a tiny motor whirred. “It’s vacuum sealed,” he said. “The button is hidden beneath this sleeve.”

He pulled down the flesh-colored skin covering his knee and the prosthetic leg. Then, he removed the prosthesis and propped it against the end table, glancing at Emanuela.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“It’s a sock. Just makes it more comfortable. Tighter fit.”

“How does it feel to take it off? Is it like taking your shoes off at the end of the day?”

“Wow.” He smiled wide. “That’s not half bad… It’s more like taking off a snug pair of jeans. Just by the way it feels.”

She nodded and he removed the sock, then peeled off the liner to leave his stump bare.

He watched her a moment, letting her take it in. Her eyes widened. Much of his leg was intact, halfway to his shin. It was smooth and conical, with a long pink scar at the tip of the stump.

“Some assembly required,” he said.

She made a sound that was half-gasp, half-laugh. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I was shocked the first time I saw it too.”

Her lips parted and closed again, darkness clouding her eyes. Finn could read everything in her face, and he silently agreed with the conflict he saw there. Part of him wanted to share the details about what happened, but another part of him wanted to preserve a moment that was new and exciting and full of promise. Another time. If she gives me a chance.
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Cinderella Necromancer by F.M. Boughan

Cinderella, Necromancer
    -by F.M. Boughan
Publication Date:  September 5, 2017
Publisher:  Month9Books
Goodreads
Check out the Tour!











Synopsis:

Darkness can only be controlled by those with the darkest of hearts.
Ellison lost her mother at an early age. Now, sixteen, her father has found love again. He’s happy and doesn’t quite notice that Ellison does not get along with his new wife or her vicious daughters.
When Ellison discovers a necromantic tome while traveling the secret passages of her father’s mansion, she wonders if it could be the key to her eventual freedom.
Until then, she must master her dark new power, even as her stepmother makes her a servant in her own home. And when her younger brother falls incurably ill, Ellison will do anything to ease his pain, including falling prey to her stepmother’s and stepsisters’ every whim and fancy.
Stumbling into a chance meeting with Prince William during a secret visit to her mother’s grave feels like a trick of fate when her stepmother refuses to allow Ellison to attend a palace festival where she might see him once more.
But what if Ellison could see the kind and handsome prince again? What if she could attend the festival? What if she could have everything she’s ever wanted and deserved by conjuring spirits to take revenge on her cruel stepmother? And what if she actually liked watching her stepmother suffer?
As Ellison’s power grows, she loses control over the evil spirits meant to do her bidding. And as they begin to exert their own power over Ellison, it becomes harder to tell whether it is she or her stepmother who is the true monster.
CINDERELLA NECROMANCER is CINDER meets ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD and was inspired by a real medieval grimoire of necromancy from 15th-century Germany


About the Author:
F.M. Boughan is a bibliophile, a writer, and an unabashed parrot enthusiast. She can often be found writing in local coffee shops, namely because it’s hard to concentrate with a cat lying on the keyboard and a small, colorful parrot screaming into her ear. Her work is somewhat dark, somewhat violent, somewhat hopeful, and always contains a hint of magic.


Review:
I liked the feel of this book, it struck true with how the old fairy tales are told. I could literally see this book sitting on the shelves it had that much of an old school feel to it.

I also liked that actions had consequences. You want power?  Cool, here it is but there is a price. While this book isn't a fast paced action page turner, neither are most of the original fairy tales. I think that is part of the charm though.

What I didn't like about the book was how easily Ella was able to vanquish the bad guys. I get that this is a book that had to have a happily ever after where the good guys come out on top but it was so simple it felt like she just twitched her nose and everything went away.

Overall I love fairy tale retelling. They are some of my favorite reads, they are books that I will always snap up and try out . I liked the nifty twist on it that helped make it an interesting read. 

Note able Quotable:

Page 12

"...and mirrors wherever I turned. 'To remind yourself that you're beautiful no matter what state you're in, morning noon or night' my mother said" 

Purchase Links: 

Google Play  BAM Chapters Indies

 Amazon B&N Kobo TBD iBooks

Rating:

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Book Blitz Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats

Hello again my lovelies! I am bringing you another great book to check out called Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats. I even have some words from the author in a lovely interview with author Carla Rehse and a little sneak peak of the book to wet your appetite. This Blitz was provided for by YA Tours. 

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old homecoming queen, Gracie Mason, is a budding burglar.

While attempting her inaugural break-in, Gracie blacks out and wakes up far away from the scene. It turns out she accidentally intruded on a male witch’s “circle of power,” and now she’s bonded to him for life.

Gracie quickly learns that dissolving the bond with Asher, admittedly a very handsome and charming witch, is more complicated than she initially thought. To break the bond, Gracie must delve deeper into a society of witches that involves a secret club, a shadowy council, and all sorts of magical mischief. And right when it seems things can’t get any worse, witches start turning up dead.

It’s clear that Gracie is out of her depth as her quest to sever the bond magically turns into a murder investigation. But if Gracie and Asher don’t quickly uncover the killer, they might be next on the list


Carla Rehse Interview Questions

Tell us a little about your main character.

Gracie is rather complicated. She’s trying to figure out what she wants in life, like a lot of seventeen-year olds. She also has a strong sense of loyalty and a fuzzy moral compass.
Gracie is the person you’d want in the foxhole with you, as she’d do anything to get everyone out alive.

What actors/actresses do you envision for a Hollywood adaption of your book?

Gracie:  Griffin Arnlund
Asher:   Dylan Sprayberry
Willow: India Eisley
Uncle Jonah: Matt Bonner

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m very much a plotter. I have a “storyboard” wall in my office with three chalkboards for outlines, plot threads, and characters. It helps me to be visual.

How many books have you written? Published?

I’ve written 5 books, but Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats is the first to be published.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a sequel: Pink Duct Tape and Glittery Broomsticks

And a fun question, what crazy thing do you want to do?

I want to touch a penguin. I have no idea why, but they fascinate me.

Lastly, where can readers find you?

I’m on twitter at @CRehse. You can also find updates on my website: carlarehse.com
From 9-3-17 to 9-9-17, Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats will be on sale for $.99.

And now, a little sneak peek of the book: 

~One~
New Hobbies


Daddy told me years ago that to succeed in life I need a strong plan, the right tools, and the gumption to follow through. His words of wisdom helped me get elected homecoming queen, become co-captain of the cheerleading squad, and voted on the student council. Now I plan to use them to help me pull off my first burglary.
My plan is solid. I’ve also never backed down from a challenge, not even last year when Brittany Thomas became overly friendly with the entire football team in a sad attempt to deprive me of my crown. People say I started the rumor about the rash of STD cases spreading through the boys’ locker room faster than a brush fire. I didn’t, of course. Why start gossip when the squad of doctors from the local Health Department did it for me?
I take a deep breath as I enter the Trinity Building. At almost four o’clock on a Friday before a three-day weekend, the place is deader than a PTA meeting. It helps that today is the hottest July first on record for Central Texas and the air conditioning in this building is dismally subpar. The Trinity Corporation may claim to have the most upscale rental space in town, but one look at the gold leopard granite floor paired with peach-painted walls shows that’s a downright fib.
The only guard on duty leans back in his chair and sucks down a Sonic Route 44 Coke like his life depends on it. I wave as I pass the security desk, wearing a megawatt smile and fully confident in the strength of my lavender-scented Lavanila deodorant—vegan, of course. Deputy Dawg gives me his usual perv stare before returning to the comic book balanced on his knee.
Centex Therapy, LPC occupies most of the first floor office space. A small bell tinkles when I open the frosted glass door. What decorum the overall building lacks, the waiting room has in spades. Brown leather chairs sit on a bamboo rug and pastel paintings from local artists brighten the walls. A tall grandfather clock in the corner softly chimes four times. This late on a Friday means the room is empty of other patients. Perfect.
Jane, the receptionist, fans herself with a copy of Country Living. “Cutting it awfully close, Gracie. Go on in.”
Dr. McDozzle gives me a pained smile as I enter the room.
“Good afternoon, Miss Mason. Have a seat.” For a head shrinker, he’s incredibly formal. And a non-Texan, who hates football and sweet tea. I haven’t learned much more about him in the last month, but that’s enough to get him tarred and feathered if word got out.
The leather recliner squeaks when I sit down. “Thanks for seeing me on a Friday, Doc.” I twirl a strand of newly highlighted platinum hair around my finger. It goes wonderful with my bubblegum pink manicure. “Mr. Anderson, Daddy’s new lawyer, is now insisting I have two sessions a month with you. Of course, Mama’s lawyer says once a month is just fine, seeing how I’m such a well-adjusted high school senior and all. Almost a senior, I guess, since school’s not started.”    
Dr. McDozzle straightens his glasses. “Yes, well, your parents do seem to have quite the barrage of attorneys involved in their divorce. Have you worked on the homework I gave you during our last session?”
This is such a waste of time. My parents have spent the last five years embroiled in a divorce dirtier than a greased pig-wrestling contest. Both sides of the family have more money than sense, much to the delight of every lawyer in the tri-county area. Not that I want my parents to get back together. Anytime they’re within spitting distance of each other, the tension between them gives me a migraine. Besides, if they hadn’t split up, I never would’ve met Ben.
Ben’s the son of Daddy’s ex-girlfriend. Until four months ago, they all lived together in Daddy’s condo. Ben is a sophomore at the local college and is truly hot, in a geeky, stud muffin, save-the-world, kinda way. Crushing on my almost stepbrother might seem a bit sketchy, but it’s legal—I Googled it twice.
Which means it’s time to start step one in my Get Ben Plan.
I toss my hair over my shoulder before pulling out a pink glitter notebook from my Eiffel Tower-shaped mini-purse.
“You wanted me to write down my feelings about my parents’ shared custody thing. Honestly, I don’t understand why the lawyers are so panty twisted about me spending a week with Mama and the next with Daddy. It means I get double the wardrobe. Hello? What girl would say no to that? It’s way better than Heather’s situation. I told you about her last time, I think. The girl with the hideous frizzed-out curls but drives a cute BMW Z4 roadster? Anyway, her parents are insane.” I continue a steady stream of babble until Dr. McDozzle’s eyes glaze over.   
There’s no clocks in the room, but Dr. McDozzle keeps checking his watch. I’m sure the poor man created a nice therapy plan for me, but I’ve completely derailed it. Mama always says a girl has many tools to choose from in her arsenal—perfectly curled hair, well-placed boobs, and endless chatter are my faves. Besides, Daddy’s been paying therapists a fortune for years to show the divorce court how concerned he is about me. Dr. McDozzle’s earning his car payment today.
I snap my notebook shut and sit up straight. “Thanks, Doc. I feel so much better. Maybe I should go to the reflection bench for a spell?”
He nearly trips over himself to hustle me out to the courtyard in the center of the building. The concrete patio surrounded by four walls radiates enough heat to grill a steak, not that I eat meat anymore. Ben’s a founding member of the Texas Animal Army Movement, which preaches a vegan lifestyle and the rescue of abused animals.
Dr. McDozzle wipes at the sweat running down his reddening face. “You have fifteen minutes until the doors are locked for the weekend. We’ll continue our, uh … conversation next time. Jane will email you with an appointment date.”
I sit down on the edge of the bench. My hot pink and black-checked miniskirt is mucho cute, but doesn’t offer my thighs much protection from blistering plastic. “Will do, Doc. Enjoy your holiday.”
He leaves with a quiet sigh. During our first session, I blathered for a solid forty minutes while barely taking a breath. Daddy says I’d make a natural politician. In desperation, Dr. McDozzle hit on the idea of the “reflection bench” out here. He’s not really a bad therapist, but I only chose him ‘cause his practice is in the Trinity Building.
My iPhone beeps a two-minute warning. I head inside. The lights appear off at Centex Therapy. I hotfoot it to the Ladies’ room across the hall. It’s not the most sanitary place to wait until the coast is clear, but I brought santi-wipes.
I scroll through my photo album to pass the time. Ben has an entire folder dedicated to him. When he and his mom first moved in with Daddy, I thought he was an obnoxious douche with his constant sermons about how humans are destroying the environment and enslaving animals.
After a few stormy months, I shut my trap and listened to him. Ben knows what he wants out of his life and is determined to get it. I’ve never met anyone so brave and determined.
So, I gave up meat, and threw out my makeup in favor of vegan-only skincare lines. Now, I can’t live without my fuchsia metallic lip tar from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I even got Barksie, my cream-colored, toy Yorkiedoodle, on an all-natural diet. I haven’t gone all cray cray and converted Barksie to a vegetarian, but it is my responsibility as a pet parent to ensure he gets the least processed food available.
Fate is a true bitch, though. Just as I realized Ben was The One, Daddy decided his mom wasn’t. Now, Ben and his mom live across the city in a tiny apartment and Daddy is dating Whitney, who really knows how to put the “w” into witch.
Ben’s gone through a lot of turmoil lately. Not only did he move to a new zip code, but also his girlfriend of two years dumped him. Sad for him, but perfect for me. I now have the chance to catch his attention.
My plan? Simple. To get information that really means something to Ben. He’s too soulful to be distracted by short skirts and tight shirts; trust me I’ve tried. No, I need to prove I’m a true partner in his cause—rescuing abused animals.
The mission: break into the office on the fifth floor of this building.
Labpartners, Inc. sounds like an innocent enough company. In truth, their office owns two huge warehouses that supply care products for lab animals. All I need to do is break in, riffle through their files until I find their mailing list. And then I can hand over a list of every animal broker they sell to. Ben will be so stoked. Not only will we know who’s raising the poor bunnies to be tortured, we’ll also know where their labs are.
Footsteps ring in the hall. I duck into the last stall with my heart hammering against my ribs. As expected, the security officer cracks open the door. “Anyone in here?” He waits a few seconds before turning off the light and shutting the door.
Too bad my bestie is on vacation, ‘cause no one’s better at creating a diversion than Abigail. And my usual wheelwoman, Seraphina, is also out of the country. Without my girls, I had no choice but to recon the building last Friday in my cheerleading outfit under the guise of seeking new sponsors for the school’s booster club. The Lanier Day Spa actually agreed. I need to remember to tell Coach Sanders. Mr. Smith, the accountant, offered me his cell phone number so we could discuss my college plans, as long as I don’t call on the weekend when his wife is home.
Five video games later and my phone buzzes a warning. It’s six o’clock, time to get started. Conventional wisdom might say a burglar needs to dress in black and wait until midnight to do the deed, but screw that. If I get caught, all I need is a few tears about getting locked in and a weak cell signal. Besides, who’s gonna believe I’m a thief in Michael Kors wedges and pearls?
Time for step two.
Most of the security cameras I’ve seen are focused around the elevators. I head toward the stairs next to my therapist’s office. None of the doors to the stairs have alarms, or at least the SWAT team has never jumped me for using them before. After climbing three flights, with two more to go, I’m seriously rethinking my choice of footwear. And what the heck is the smell in here? The Trinity Corporation really needs to change janitorial services.
At the fifth floor, I’m forced to take a breather for a few minutes. My heart is pounding and my knees shake. Thanks to my daily kickboxing routine, I know it’s not due to poor fitness. Once I leave this stairwell, I’m committed. Should I really do this? Then I think of Ben in his cute glasses and cargo shorts.
Hells yeah, I’m doing this.
I edge open the door, cringing at the squeak. The hall is dim with security lights mounted on the walls offering the only illumination. Four quick steps and I enter a dark breakroom. The Coke machine chooses this moment to kick in, startling me into swallowing my gum. Too gross.
The room has a well-used appearance to it. I scanned it last week under the pretense of a desperate PMS need for a Snickers. The soda and candy machines are crammed along one wall. Across from them is a small table holding an icky microwave splattered with the Ghost of TV Dinners Past and a coffee pot missing its carafe.
Businesses have come and gone in the building. This wasn’t always a breakroom, since the microwave table blocks a door leading into Labpartners, Inc. When the nice receptionist let me in last week, I spied the other side of this door. A potted palm tree tried to hide it.
I shove the table to the side. My knees are still shaking, but my hands are steady as I retrieve the hot pink lock picking kit I bought online for $12.99. It even came with a brochure, though it warned its customers not to use the product for criminal deeds. After watching a few online videos, I spent a week roaming around Mama’s house, practicing my skills. The front door gave me some fits at first, but I opened the cupboard in the hallway where she hides her erotic novels and European chocolates without a hitch.
Daddy gave me a faux diamond encrusted pocket light for Christmas three years ago. I balance it in my mouth, while I bend down to work on the door lock.
Footsteps sound in the hall. The flashlight tumbles from my mouth, and I freeze rabbit still. Ringing in my ears makes it hard to determine if the footsteps are coming toward me or moving away. Should I replace the table and bluff my way out or quickly open the door? Is it the security officer or some dimwitted, no-life office worker?
Damn it. Make a decision.
Opening the door, it is.
It’s a simple generic lock. I can do this. The footsteps stop and then start again. I balance the flashlight on the microwave table and aim it at the lock before inserting a tension wrench into the keyhole. I turn the wrench, then insert the pick, hoping I can rake the lock pins up. I try the handle. It doesn’t move. Freaking fantastic.
Sweat dots my forehead as I listen for footsteps. Someone’s close by, muttering something in a singsong fashion. Italian, maybe? I use a wider pick on the lock to try again, though a voice in my head loudly tells me to stop. The door still won’t open, and I want to throw the tension wrench across the room.
Why won’t it work? I can tell the pins in the lock are moving. It should freaking work. The Italian singing in the hall gets louder, more like chanting. Stomach acid burns a strip up my throat. I’m failing, and I don’t do failure.
I stare at my kit, unsure of which pick to use, before acquiescing defeat. My concentration is blown due to the idiot outside. Ben’s adulation will have to wait for another day. I edge my way to the door and peek outside. Some guy in a dark hoodie is kneeling and sprinkling something on the floor. If he’s the cleaning crew, no wonder this place is a mess.
His back is to me, giving me the opportunity to sneak across the hall to the stairway. I step outside and my shoe skids across chalky powder. I flail my arms, eyes going wide.
A bright blue flash blinds me and then there’s nothing.