Zøe Haslie's Blog, page 7
January 29, 2018
#Review Beauty and the Beast, by K.M. Shea
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Once upon a time Elle made a mistake. A small miscalculation sends her through the roof of an enchanted chateau. Stranded until her broken leg mends, Elle is forced to rely on the good will of the sour chateau owner —the cursed Prince Severin.
Prince Severin—the commanding general and staunch supporter of his brother the crown prince—is cursed to look like a beast until a maiden falls in love with him. However, he has given up all hope of shattering the curse after several painful and failed attempts to break it. As such he has only disdain for Elle, leaving her to the devices of his bossy servants. This suits Elle perfectly as she dislikes the entire royal family, Severin included.
Unfortunately for the unsuspecting pair, the chateau servants are determined to break the curse and spend the majority of their time pushing Elle and Severin together. After bonding over gardens, animals, and terrifying squirrels Elle and Severin show signs of friendship, and perhaps something more…
But not all love stories can end that easily. After all, Elle is not what she seems, and Severin’s life is placed in danger when hostilities flare between his brother and the monarchs of a neighboring country.
If they really want the love of a lifetime Elle, a loyal liar, and Severin, an indifferent beast, will have to use every trick they know to survive.
I just finished reading this book and I absolutely loved it! It’s not only the first book by KM Shea that I read, but also the first retelling I read, believe it or not! This beauty fell in my hands a few weeks ago, when I saw it was available for free on Amazon Kindle and I decided to downloaded. (If you want to keep track of freebies, follow me on Facebook!)
The story is beautiful, simple, old and yet new.
“Once upon a time there was a handsome prince who was cursed by an evil witch. No. Once upon a time there was an illegitimate prince—the son of the King—who was sentenced to insanity by a wicked witch and was rescued by the curse of a beautiful enchantress.”
It starts a bit slow and there are long scenes that got me a bit distracted, but then, on the blink of an eye, it started picking up, things started happening and I just couldn’t put the book down!
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The characters are full of flaws, prejudices and tenderness. I fell in love with Severin right away by the way his employees “wrote” about him and as the story unfold I couldn’t help to like him more and more. Elle, on her side, is sweet, bold, secretive and busybody. Just what Severin needs to break the curse!
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More than love, the story focuses on friendship, Elle and Severin are constantly fighting and making up, mocking each other’s flaws and making us readers laugh. I think I had a silly smile on my face throughout the book and I might still have it as I write this review!
Serverin’s servants are also quite something. Emele is by far one of my favorite characters. She is mischeivous and adorable. But Oliver, Bernardine and Burk are also highly treasured in my 
If you are looking for a heart-warming retelling, you should definitely give this book a go!
Some quotes:
“Forgive me if my heart does not bleed for him.”
“Loving a person isn’t a magical, sparkly passion. It’s hard work. It’s putting the other person before yourself. It’s companionship and being able to trust and depend on each other. That loquacious true love everyone spouts about is really finding a partner who will go through the heartbreaks and joys of life with you.”
“Am I being rewarded for walking?” she asked.
“Yes,” Severin said.
“Like a pet?”
“Yes.”
“Must all your sources of amusement involve pushing your nose into business that is not your own?”
“Mostly, or it wouldn’t be half as fun.”
January 28, 2018
Quote Special
As you well know by now, I am a QuoteFreak! So, today I’ll make a special on quotes I loooooove of books I love as well ^^
“Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn’t make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song
“He kissed me, and I knew I was home.”
― Kayla Tirrell, All The Things We Lost
“What a treacherous thing to believe that a person is more than a person.”
― John Green, Paper Towns
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
“To die will be an awfully big adventure.”
― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
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If you are a quote freak like me (and I know I’m not alone out there!), don’t forget to visit the YA Love Quotes Special and the First Line Sentences Special.
Happy reading everyone!
January 26, 2018
Friday news
Hi, guys! How are you doing? It’s been a while since I told you how much I appreciate you stopping by at the blog, so I wanted to take a few minutes to do that!
Also, I wanted to share my new Review page on the blog Which I just created since I didn’t want the reviews getting lost.
Lastly, last night I joined Instagram! So we can now follow each other there ^^
Don’t hesitate to drop your Instagram links on the comments so that I can follow you! I promise to post a thousand and one quotes on movies, books, and series, a lot of cats and bookish things that I love =)
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January 25, 2018
Meet Kendra Radke
Today, author Kendra Radke visits my blog to talk about her life and her books! She is sarcastic, funny, and has a lot of spark! Let’s meet her ^^
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Q. Shortly introduce yourself. Name, genre(s) you write and anything you’d like to share about yourself.
A. Warning: I have a very dry, sarcastic sense of humor that sometimes goes straight over people’s heads. I do not apologize for it. But if you stick around long enough you might feel the corner of your mouth tilt up. My favorite name is Wonderwoman. Unfortunately that is not what I was named at birth. Depending on who you are—my kids, husband, mortal enemies—will depend on what you call me. We won’t go over the things my mortal enemies call me. You can just call me Kendra.
[image error]Q. What’s the first book that had an impact in your life and why?
A. Let me tell you “Curious George” had me scared as a child. He was always getting caught and I thought surely if I did anything bad it would blow up in my face. And then I became a teenager and destroyed that notion.
Q. When did you start writing?
A. Oh gosh, let’s take you back to my high school years where eyebrows were nonexistent and drawn in and lip liner was clearly darker than lipstick. Just an FYI, my eyebrows were always existent. Was my writing great? I don’t know the computer used, caught a virus, and to be honest, thank goodness there aren’t any copies of my work that will show up to haunt me.
Q. What’s the first book you published? Was it self-published? Any stories you’d like to share…
A. My first born child made in print is Entangled Collateral. To keep it safe from Rumpelstiltskin… I’m kidding! You don’t need to keep your print baby from Rumpelstiltskin, it’s the trolls you have to worry about. It is self published and I personally, highly recommend it to you. It was formerly known as Dead Man’s Hand, I revamped it like Puff Daddy—who is now P. Diddy.
Q. Where do you publish your books? Can you explain your readers the importance of their reviews and their impact on your work as an author?
A. On Amazon of course! Reviews make a huge impact on author’s ability to advertise and promote their book. There are websites that require so many four-five star reviews before they’ll consider advertising your book to help you reach new readers. Positive reviews are the best! To know someone truly enjoyed what you wrote is like finding a unicorn.
Q. Where do you get inspiration?
A. Eveywhere. From the things children say, or watching a great movie. Trying new food, or watching your dog. Reading is a big one, you cannot be a writer if you don’t read books! Eavesdropping on conversations that no one thinks your listening to—it is truly amazing what people will say if you have earbuds in your ears. My end goal is to make you laugh throughout my books, sometimes cry. Depending on what you’re Reading.
Q. Do you like hearing from readers? If so, can you let them know how to contact you?
A. I LOVE hearing from my readers, and talk to alot of them every day. Most of them just become friends, we talk about books, authors and bookish stuff. What is bookish stuff you ask? Book sleeves (which I make), mug rugs because alot of readers drink coffee or tea. Prints depicting characters, inspired bookish candles. Want to know more? Just message me! Through instagram, facebook, my blog, email, I’m open! Unless I’m sleeping—then you’ll have to wait a few hours. If you liked reading any of my answers contact me! Alot of this humor is found in my books.
Q. What piece of advice would you share with aspiring authors?
A. There will be good reviews, and there will be bad reviews. When you get a good one, suck it dry for all its positivity. Roll in it. Read it over and over again. Make people read it. Show it off! For the bad reviews—once you’ve woken up from your drunken stupor after reading it—make sure you take the time to look yourself in the mirror (maybe after you brush your hair and teeth) and point to the person in the mirror and say, “You my friend, are a great writer.”
Q. Do you read self-published authors? Which ones are your favorite?
A. I do! I go through the writer facebook groups and check out their books. I recently read Blood Promise by Debra Kristi, and Zombie Fallout by Marc Tufo. We should always be supporting each other!
We apreciate Kendra stopping by! You can follow her online:
www.pinterest.com/keradkebooks
www.keradke.wordpress.com – you can sign up for my author newsletter here also!
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#Review The Triplet’s Curse: Hope’s Story, by Marsha Black
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When the moon is full
High above the Earth
Three daughters shall be born
On their 16th birthday, their destiny will begin
One daughter, born with the knowledge of the future, yet blind of those closest to her
As Hope’s 16th birthday nears, weird things happen. Then on the night of her 16th birthday, Hope awakens with a scream. An unbelievable nightmare becomes her reality, and she questions her sanity.
Bryce, a new guy in town, arrives to help.
In order to survive, three must work as one, or all is lost.
Will Hope learn to use her ability in time?
Watch book trailer here before we start with the review!
It has been since I last read a fantasy and I don’t freaking now why because I looove the genre! The Triplet’s Curse, by Marsha Black was certainly a great read!
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This one has all the key elements to a great captivating story: weird events going on, a bad-ass curse that goes way back in time, triplets, a few very good twists in the pot, some romance, and a lot of ice!
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I will start by saying that Hope reminds me a lot of Elsa in Frozen, for her personality, her courage, her “badassness” and, of course, her ice-related abilities. This fact alone was a great start for me
As every good curse-related story, it all begins the day Hope and her sisters turn 16 and weird events start unfolding around Hope. Specially when Bryce is around and that blue and gold sparkle ignites between them. To Hope’s dismay, Bryce doesn’t seem surprised. In fact, he seems to have answers to the black-outs she’s been having, among other things.
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As they spend more time together and the atraction between them grows, Hope comes to learn unbelievable facts about her key rol on a curse affecting triplets from centuries, and Bryce’s part on it and on her life. At the same time, a series of misterous events seem to affect some of their class-mates, and Bryce and Hope must figure it out before someone gets hurt!
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One of the things I loved the most about the book, however, is the fact that it revolves a lot around family. Hope and Bryce spend a looot of time with their parents, even though they are teenagers and most teenagers in books don’t usually do this, or if they do it’s not central to the plot. Here, however, adults are involved and they are as badass as the main characters.
All in all, I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I’m looking forwards to more! I strongly recommend it if you are looking for a sweet and misterious story.
Visit Marsha’s website to know more about her work and to follow her online!
January 24, 2018
WWW Wednesday!
Hosted at Samannelizabeth’s blog, WWW Wednesday consists of answering 3 bookish questions:
[image error] What are you currently reading?
The Triplet’s Curse, by Marsha Black.
Marsha is a lovely author whose book I’m enjoying a lot!
If you are looking for a good fantasy YA, this is perfect for you
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What did you recently finish reading?
All The Things We Lost, by Kayla Tirrell.
This was a great Contemporary YA read. I really loved it!
You can read my review here ^^
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Just for a While, by Zøe Haslie!
I re-read my book to make sure it looks good on electronic devices, so I guess it counds. And as of last night, it’s available on Barnes & Noble, and Kobo, soon coming out on Amazon, so stay tuned
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What are you reading next?
Better Than This, by Tia Souders
Tia is hosting a giveaway, so you might get a copy of this beauty if you hurry up!! 
January 23, 2018
First Line Sentences Special!
A few days ago I saw this great idea on Michaela’s blog (which is awesome and you should totally check out!). When I asked her if I could borrow/steal this idea, she said yes, and I can’t thank her enough since I am a quote addict!
A few weeks ago, I made a YA love quote special. So if you missed it, make sure you check it out
TTT Ten Books I Really Liked but Can’t Remember Anything/Much About
It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! TTT is a fan initiative currently hosted at ThatArtsyReaderGirl.
Today’s topic: Ten Books I really liked but can’t remember anything about. For me, forgetting about a book I really loved is like a sin, so this is a good excercise to review my re-read list for this year!
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On the Fence, by Kasie West: I remember very little about this book but I remember I loved it. It’s on my to re-read list for 2018!
The Guardian, by Nicholas Sparks. I remember there’s a dog! And the dog is a total hero. That’s it. I read too many novels by Nicholas Sparks in a row and the result is that this one wasn’t apreciated.
Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater: I really, really, reaaaaally need to re-read this. I can’t remember much, but I remember the interior design of the book.
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4. Hush Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick. I remember I loved this one, but hated every single book that came up next on the series, so I’m not rereading this one.
5. The Perfume, by Patrick Suskind. I read this for school, like ten years ago (I’m old!) I really liked it, can’t remember much. Except peaches!
6. The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson. I actually remember a lot of this book, but not as much as I would like to. So, I guess it made it to the list for that reason!
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7. Warm Bodies, by Isaac Marion. Again, I absolutely loved this one, but it’s been a long while so I could use re-reading it!
8. Where Rainbows End, by Cecelia Ahern. I hate it that they changed the name of this one to “Love, Rosie” because of the movie. I find it pathethic! The book was long and sweet. That’s all I recall.
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9. Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. It’s one of my childhood’s favorite, but it’s been a while that I haven’t reread it, so maybe I should get to it!
10. Royally Lost, by Angie Stanton. I’ve read it quickly before leaving on a long journey, so I should reread it ^^
Anyways, that’s all for me! Looking forwards to your sins!
January 22, 2018
#Review All The Things We Lost, by Kayla Tirrell
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After her mother’s death, eighteen-year-old Katie finds herself in a town she never thought she’d see again. Lost in turmoil and sadness, a ray of hope shines brightly when she comes face to face with Julian for the first time in years.
However, he isn’t the same boy she left behind. Reserved and covered in bruises, everyone in River Valley avoids him. Rumors of his activities run rampant.
Despite his cold attitude toward her and her own sadness, Katie can’t keep her thoughts from straying to her childhood friend.
Julian is barely keeping it together. He’s the sole provider for his family after his dad leaves. His dreams to go to college are ruined. Even his relationship with his older brother leaves its mark.
But, Katie’s back in town and is stirring feelings in him he thought were lost forever.
Can they find hope and love in each other, or will the struggle to survive their desperate situations prove too much?
This is the first book I read by Kayla Tirrell and it certainly won’t be the last one
[image error]Katie and Julian have been friends forever… Until Katie’s parents divorced and she moved away.
Years later, Katie finds herself back in Julian’s life, but the circumstances have change and their friendship no longer stands.
Whereas Katie wants to approach him, she gets shut down by Julian’s cold attitude and looks. But Julian is not that bad, he cares so much for her that he doesn’t want to drag her into his chaotic life… And he doesn’t think he could stand another loved one walking out on him.
As the story unfolds, Katie starts hanging out with Gwen and Mitch, who happen to be friends with Julian, which means Katie and Julian inevitably get to spend time together and can’t run away from their feelings, much as they want to.
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“All The Things We Lost” is a story about second chances, love, family and friendship. It is through loss that it adresses all the themes and it is only through that loss that the characters get to apreciatte what they have, even if it doesn’t seem much.
It is a book I strongly recommend, since I really enjoyed it and I could relate to certain situations and characters in the story.
January 20, 2018
Goodreads Author Profile
Hi, guys! How are you? It’s Saturday and I was thinking of taking the weekend off and just read so that I can post some cool reviews next week, but…
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I also wanted to create a quick post today to celebrate my Goodreads author profile! I’m very excited about it, since I used to be a Goodreads user and now I get to join the other side with my pen name ^^
Please add me so that I don’t feel lonely ^^
You can also add my recently published novel, Just For a While, to your TBR list. If you missed the presentation of JFAW, read all about it here =)
And if you want to read a sample, you can get it here!!
Now I’m really off to read! Happy reading, everyone!
