Review: What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae

What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae
Published: March 29, 2016 by Bloomsbury
Source: ARC from the publisher

If Only . . . he was the boy she's been dreaming of. The If Only line continues in this fun high school theater-themed romance!

Drama girl Maddie Brooks has always had high standards for guys. But she has yet to find one who can live up to the romantic, classic Hollywood heartthrobs, especially the dreamy song-and-dance man Gene Kelly. When Maddie begins to carpool with Jesse Morales, her new neighbor and star pitcher of the baseball team, she's struck by his wit, good looks, and love for his family--but a guy so into sports is definitely not her style. Then Maddie discovers that Jesse was raised as a dancer and still practices in the community theater dance studio to keep in shape. Perhaps her perfect dream guy exists after all! But when it becomes clear that baseball--not dance--is Jessie's passion, can Maddie find a way to let her dream guy go and appreciate the charms of the amazing guy in front of her? [goodreads]

What You Always Wanted is definitely something I've always wanted to read when it comes to YA contemporaries.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth is soaked into the pages of what could have been just a light, airy read.  Kristin Rae has a talent of creating a story that so many can relate to, yet adding substance to keep it unique and personal.  I adored her debut novel, Wish You Were Italian, for the same reasons, and she's done it again with her sophomore novel.

Maddie has just moved to Texas from her life in Chicago with her parents.  She's been uprooted in the middle of her high school career, leaving behind a life on stage, yet bringing her love for classic movies and musicals with her.  As someone who is familiar with the genre of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, but not necessarily a frequent viewer of their talents, I found it educational and fun to learn more about it as its sprinkled throughout the novel.  She is a fish in a brand new pond and instead of being afraid, she takes this opportunity to reinvent herself -- which is something I really admired.  I loved her unique, quirky personality, and how it became so infectious to those she was around.

As she settles into her new life, she's also making new friends and goals for herself.  What she thought she may have wanted for herself has a funny way of showing itself when she least expects it.  There's enough character growth to give this story a well-rounded, over-all enjoyable experience.  We see Maddie evolve through her new experiences, but we also see her question these changes, which so many can relate to.  What You Always Wanted shines bright on the literary stage, possessing a story I'll want to revisit time and time again.

Review: Scarlet & Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet (Scarlet, #1) by A.C. Gaughen
Published: February 14, 2012 by Walker Childrens
Source: purchased book

Will Scarlet is good at two things: stealing from the rich and keeping secrets - skills that are in high demand in Robin Hood's band of thieves, who protect the people of Nottingham from the evil sheriff. Scarlet's biggest secret of all is one only Robin and his men know...that she is posing as a thief; that the slip of a boy who is fast with sharp knives is really a girl.

The terrible events in her past that led Scarlet to hide her real identity are in danger of being exposed when the thief taker Lord Gisbourne arrives in town to rid Nottingham of the Hood and his men once and for all. As Gisbourne closes in and puts innocent lives at risk, Scarlet must decide how much the people of Nottingham mean to her, especially John Little, a flirtatious fellow outlaw, and Robin, whose quick smiles have the rare power to unsettle her. There is real honor among these thieves and so much more - making this a fight worth dying for. [goodreads]

If you're a frequent reader of my blog, then you know I fall under the contemporary umbrella when it comes to my reading tastes.  However, every once in awhile a story outside my comfort zone will lure me away from my contemporary fiction loves.  This series, in particular, has not only pulled me out of my reading habits, but it's completely swept me away into a world I don't want to see end!

With this being my first Robin Hood re-telling, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  What I experienced was every bit riveting, rich with emotion and constant adventure.  A.C. Gaughen gives an authentic feel to a very well-known tale, putting her own spin on it.  The attention to detail spoke to my love for historical fiction as well.  From the dialogue to the feel of the setting, it places the reader in another time, that flowed effortlessly with the plot.

The series begins with Scarlet's adventures in joining Robin's band of thieves.  We start to get a glimpse of the past she's been running from, and how it all begins to catch up with her.  The slow pull between Scarlet and Robin was a nice addition to this romantic's literary heart.  I was worried it would detract from the story, but it kept everything at a nice, even pace, allowing the reader to really develop alongside the characters.

Upon finishing Scarlet, I knew I had to get my hands on the rest of this series!  It's such a unique, enchanting story that I have truly found myself falling head over heels for.  Sometimes it's nice to venture out and try new avenues, you might be pleasantly surprised as I am.

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Lady Thief (Scarlet, #2) by A.C. Gaughen
Published: February 11, 2014 by Walker Childrens
Source: gifted by my #OTSPSecretSister

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of.

Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again. [goodreads]

Adventure continues in the second book of this series.  Scarlet has found herself fighting for the people of Nottingham, but also fighting for the love she feels in her heart for Robin.  This continuation took a much more emotional turn than the first novel.  Deeper feelings, and suppressed fears begin to emerge as Scarlet unearths secrets she had no idea existed.  The plot thickens, keeping this reader up late into the night, turning pages, biting nails, uncertain how it will all play out.

Once again, A.C. Gaughen has hit my sweet spot.  She delivers an adventurous, yet so romantic re-telling.  She's truly made these characters her own, giving them a voice that speaks volumes.  There is one scene in particular about half way through when my heart dropped out, sending my stomach plummeting with it.  Though it left me very much unsettled, it captured my thoughts even when I wasn't reading the book.  I love when stories can do that!

I was forewarned that I would need the third and final book upon finishing this one, and boy were they right!  I am hoping to wrap up this incredible series before the end of the year.  It's definitely become a favorite, one I know I can absolutely recommend to reluctant readers outside of contemporary fiction.  Scarlet and her band of thieves have stolen my heart and completely run away with it.

Review: The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

The Devil You Know by Trish Doller
Published: June 2, 2015 by Bloomsbury
Source: From the author

Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.

A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. [goodreads]

When my friend, author Trish Doller, told me she was working on something a bit different, naturally I was intrigued.  I might be biased in saying that I love everything this woman writes since I also adore her as a person, too -- but even so, her words are powerful and poignant.  And she has a gift of story telling, one that needs to be shared and read by all.  So when she gifted me with her latest YA novel, of course I felt compelled to stop whatever I was doing and read it right then.

For Arcadia (or Cadie), life is a routine.  It's all about taking care of her family's needs before her own.  But in the back of her mind a spark of adventure lies dormant, waiting for the right opportunity to come alive.  When she's presented with a choice to tag along with two strange (but very hot, I might add) boys for the summer as they make their way across Florida's camp sites, she sees her open window.  The adult in me is shouting at her to stop and think, do you really know these boys Cadie?! Is it safe??  That's the fun in literature, you can shout all you want, but these characters have minds of their own and will venture into danger no matter what the warning signs are.  You just have to be prepared to hold on tight.

In true Doller fashion, you are submerged into the story's setting immediately.  The richness of Florida's landscape came alive on every page and I truly felt like I was there, alongside Cadie and the boys, as they ventured into the wilderness and beyond.  From the beginning I had an unsettling feeling, and as the story unfolds, that feeling only heightens.  Cadie finds herself on an adventure full of thrills and page-turning induced excitement.  I could not put this novel down until I got to the very end.

For fans of Trish Doller's previous work, you will definitely be delighted with her latest -- though the premise is something a bit different, it's also refreshing to see Doller's capacity to branch out and explore alternate avenues.  The Devil You Know should be on every reader's summer book list.

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
Published: March 31, 2015 by Bloomsbury
Source: ARC from the publisher

Following her pitch-perfect debut Open Road Summer, Emery Lord pens another gorgeous story of best friends, new love, & second chances.

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live? [goodreads]

During our young adult years, we encounter road blocks of many different shapes and sizes.  These obstacles have the potential to slow us down, cause us to find a new route, or even stop us from moving forward all together.  Paige Hancock's road block has demolished her path, forcing her to stop in her tracks and question if moving on is even an option anymore.  With the aide of her family and best friends, she rediscovers her footing and slowly, but surely, wonders down a path opening her eyes, and her heart, to new experiences.

Emery Lord writes her characters as if they are people you know; someone you can share a latte with, or wave hello to as a passerby on the street.  Their voices become something more than just words written on a page, they beg to be heard, listened to, and you find yourself wanting to respond. I really appreciate the attention to detail that Emery Lord affords her characters, building their identities rich with color and volume.  The Start of Me and You, her follow up to debut Open Road Summer, was like revisiting an old friend.   There's a contentment to her writing that fills a void in my literary heart that I didn't even know was missing.

As Paige navigates her new path, with it comes new obstacles.  She's torn between moving on, but not quite ready to let herself go into the abyss of a potentially new normal.  I identified with this theme strongly throughout the novel, causing me to reflect back on my own obstacles in my youth.  The decisions we make today will affect us for the tomorrows to come.  I found myself rooting for Paige, urging her to take that next step and rediscover her place in this wide open world.

The romance that builds throughout this story was kept simmering just below the surface, allowing it time to marinate between the characters, giving it an authentic and climatic journey.  This story portrays one of my favorite moments in YA romances that I have ever read.  It brought me back to a place where young love can be so freeing and undone.  The hope that lies ahead for these characters warmed my heart to a degree of comfort and nostalgia.

Fans of contemporary YAs will devour this novel page for page, wanting to come back for seconds just to satisfy that irresistible craving Emery Lord has gifted this literary world with.

Check out the gorgeous & inspiring book trailer for THE START OF ME AND YOU below:

Blog Tour: Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan + GIVEAWAY!

I am super excited to be a part of the official blog tour for NOT IN THE SCRIPT by Amy Finnegan!  Below is a fun look at tabloid journalism, which plays a role in Finnegan's debut novel.  I must admit, I feed into the hype when I'm standing at the grocery store check out line and notice all the outrageous headlines occupying the news stand.  I can't imagine how exhausting that must be for a celebrity to see your face, and your story, no matter how fictional it may be, splashed across the tabloids.  Author Amy Finnegan gives us a closer look at this phenomena that's always been itching to be read.

Tabloid Journalism: A Celebrity’s Best Frienemy?

Many say that celebrities need tabloids to truly make them famous. But is all publicity really good publicity?

Personally, I think these statements are total B.S., and yet I support them—and pad the pockets of those who propel these myths—every time I pick up a tabloid.

But sometimes I can’t help but be curious, because what if the royal family really did have something to do with Princess Diana’s accident? What if Marilyn Monroe’s death truly was staged by the White House to cover up her affair with JFK? And was President Kennedy actually killed by the mafia? This is compelling stuff!

Some of it might even be true.

Elvis really could still be alive and living out his days on a secluded island. Right? After all, according to the Weekly World News, “experts” claim that his grave was exhumed and that the tissue samples collected from the body therein did not match the DNA of The King. They can say this with “100 percent certainty.”

It really irks me that deceased celebrities continue to be the perennial subjects of scandals and exhumation rumors. Weren’t they harassed enough while they were alive? So why do stories like these keep popping up in tabloids decade after decade?

While I was doing research for NOT IN THE SCRIPT, which features characters who have to deal with relentless paparazzi and destructive gossip on a worldwide scale, I wasn’t surprised to discover that tabloid journalism began with a tale of guts and gore. Literally.

Du Jour magazine reports that at the scene of a ghastly car accident in 1957, the guy who started the National Enquirer noticed how eager bystanders were to get as close as they could to the carnage, and zowie, a new and improved way to rubberneck was born—now from the comfort of your own living room couch.

photo credit Tim Graham

Although tabloids have definitely extended their reach since then, their obsession with sensationalizing trauma to make it even more traumatic for all involved continues. For example, I just performed a Google search for “tabloid stories Princess Diana crash photos” and it produced 2.6 million results.

Just imagine how many times tabloids have caused Prince William and Prince Harry to relive the death of their mother. It makes me sick.

And it’s not just those left behind by their loved ones who have to deal with this type of never-ending aggravation. For NOT IN THE SCRIPT, I had to put myself in the shoes of a teenage celebrity whose love life is “perfect fodder for the tabloids.”

Emma Taylor, a successful actress in my novel, has had three boyfriends in a row cheat on her, and various tales of the drama have been reported over and over again in the entertainment news. To even begin to understand what that would feel like for a teenager, I read my very angst-ridden and love-stricken diaries from high school and imagined how I would feel (even now) if those pages were published—the good, the bad, and the ugly—for the entertainment of the entire world. And not only published, but embellished, misquoted, misinterpreted, and explained by people who hardly knew me or didn’t even know me at all.

Uhhhhhhggggggg!! What a horrifying thought!

Isn’t it hard enough to figure out life and love when your first kisses, crushes, humiliations, and heartbreaks remain relatively private? What if you couldn’t even trust that your best friends would keep your secrets? Could you be certain—without a doubt—that they would all pass up the opportunity to earn a few thousand bucks every time they dished on you to a tabloid?

My guess is that it would be awfully difficult to confide in anyone.

For NOT IN THE SCRIPT, I had to consider how far I wanted to delve into the practices of professional dirt bags tabloid journalism. I knew immediately that I could go really dark with this story. And I also realized I could make the story downright silly. Ultimately, I decided to just portray life as it truly is for most teenagers, whether or not they’re famous.

I went for realistic.

We all have ups and downs, good days and bad. Sometimes people gossip about us in damaging, heartbreaking ways, and once in a while, rumors are outrageously generous (A few days ago a teenager told me, “I heard you’re a super famous author!” Hahahahaha! But that was nice).

photo credit nymag.com

In NOT IN THE SCRIPT, Emma struggles to ignore the increasing presence of the press and paparazzi in her life. She feels desperate to protect a new relationship that she knows could lead to something much bigger and better than any relationship she’s had in the past—if she can keep it a secret, at least until she and Jake figure things out for themselves.

If you want to know more about the ins and outs of tabloid journalism and how tabloids get away with the totally bogus stories they often tell (I mean, how many children should the ever-expecting-or-adopting Jennifer Aniston have by now? A few dozen at least!), I highly recommend this “Stuff You Should Know” podcast by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant.

You will never look at entertainment news or tabloids in the same way again.

Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
Published October 7, 2014 by Bloomsbury

About the book: The best kinds of love stories don’t follow a script.

Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma wonders if any part of her life is real anymore . . . particularly her relationships.

Jake Elliott’s face is on magazine ads around the world, but his lucrative modeling deals were a poor substitute for what he had to leave behind. Now acting is offering Jake everything he wants: close proximity to home; an opportunity to finally start school; and plenty of time with the smart and irresistible Emma Taylor . . . if she would just give him a chance.

When Jake takes Emma behind the scenes of his real life, she begins to see how genuine he is, but on-set relationships always end badly. Don’t they? Toss in Hollywood’s most notorious heartthrob and a resident diva who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways.

add to goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Author Bio:

Amy Finnegan writes her own stories because she enjoys falling in love over and over again, and thinks everyone deserves a happy ending. She likes to travel the world—usually to locations where her favorite books take place—and owes her unquenchable thirst for reading to Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling. Her debut novel, NOT IN THE SCRIPT, came about after hearing several years of behind-the-scenes stories from her industry veteran brother. She’s also been lucky enough to visit dozens of film sets and sit in on major productions such as Parks and Recreation and Parenthood.

You can follow Amy on Twitter: @ajfinnegan, Instagram: StrangerThanFictionWriter, Facebook: Amy Finnegan, Author. Or Visit her at www.AmyFinnegan.com.

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Want to read your very own copy of this book? Enter below for that chance! Contest is open to US residents only and provided by Bloomsbury Publishing.
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First Loves Blog Tour: Kiss! Kiss!

I am very excited to be apart of the FIRST LOVES Blog Tour hosted by Bloomsbury, including YA authors: Mandy Hubbard, Jillian Cantor, Kristin Rae, Emery Lord, and Lindsey Leavitt.  There is so much to discuss when it comes to "first loves", so narrowing down my question to ask each author was tough. I thought it would be fun to ask each of them to tell their story about their first kiss! Those first lip-locking moments can happen at any age: on the playground at recess, standing at the door just after the school dance, or perhaps that scandalous backseat row at the movies! The details we remember from that first kiss can be swoon-worthy, or hysterical. Whatever that first kiss story may be, please share it with us!

Mandy Hubbard, on her first kiss...

At the time, my first kiss seemed pretty mundane, but looking back now it seems terribly romantic! I was in 7th grade, living on a big dairy farm where I’d ride horses every day. He was the boy next door. We’d hang out for hours on end, and then he asked me out—you know, in that way where you go “Will you go out with me,” and then someone says yes and you are boyfriend and girlfriend without having ever actually GONE anywhere. Anyway, we’d been going out for a month or two before he made a move! I was on my horse, and he walked over and said, “come here,” and wiggled his finger. So I leaned down and he kissed me. And then he turned to walk back over to his house and I galloped off on my horse, my heart beating as fast as his hooves hit the dirt!

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Jillian Cantor, on her first kiss...

My first real kiss happened when I was in tenth grade with my high school boyfriend (who is now my husband). We went to a mutual friend’s 16th birthday party together, as friends. He’d offered to drive me (He had his license – I didn’t). We’d been friends for awhile, and I really, really (really!) liked him but I thought he only saw me as a friend. But as we were dancing together at the party that night, he leaned in and kissed me. After that night we started dating. We’ve actually been together ever since and have now been married for almost fourteen years!

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Kristin Rae, on her first kiss...

Hi, Ginger! My Texas friend! First kiss, first kiss, let’s see. I was sixteen (almost seventeen), and it was Valentine’s Day. I’d been hanging out with this guy (I was a figure skater, he was a hockey player, go figure), but it should have been a flag that his grades were so bad his parents took his driving privileges away. I had to drive any time we went somewhere together. His mom brought him to my house for Valentine’s Day so he could give me candy and some stuffed animal that I rolled my eyes at. The whole situation was super awkward. When they were leaving, he leaned in to kiss me (in full view of both of our mothers). No, no, no. I turned my head to offer my cheek instead. We didn’t last much longer. I figure if you can’t let him kiss you on the lips because the idea repulses you, you don’t really like him that much.

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Emery Lord, on her first kiss...

How about first kiss with one particular guy in high school? (Since he’s sitting right here and he gave me permission ;)) My now-husband was kind of an enigma in high school. I knew who he was before we really met. He was smart and a bit quiet and cool, but not in a Cool Kid way. In a genuinely-don’t-care-what-you-think way. He played drum set, didn’t have a curfew…and was on Team Physics. So, needless to say, he’s kind of hard to read if you don’t know him. Our first date was going so well, but I honestly couldn’t gauge whether or not he’d go for it.

Um, he did. The whole world—words and shapes and colors blurred all around me, gone. I got lightheaded. Still do ;)

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Lindsey Leavitt, on her first kiss...

My first kiss happened pretty late as far as first kisses go. So late that my mother made a point to mention to the boy I’d just started dating that my parents were GOING OUT OF TOWN and he should come over. I know. Let’s not dissect that too much. I’ve already covered the moment in therapy. So we’re in the basement with some other friends, and I know that it’s got to happen tonight. Just get it over with already. But everyone knew I hadn’t kissed a boy, and everyone was watching, and I hated the whole thing. Then the doorbell rang, everyone went upstairs to answer it and… boom. He scooted over on the couch and went right for it. I can’t say the kiss was magical or anything. I mostly just felt… relieved. Funny enough, the boy who rang the doorbell so I could get my first kiss? I ended up marrying that one.

add to goodreads | author's website | buy the book: Amazon, B&N, IndieBound

Thank you so much, to all of these authors, for taking time out to answer this fun question on my blog today!  Tomorrow (May 13th), here in Houston, the First Loves Tour will be making a stop with authors Kristin Rae, Emery Lord, and Lindsey Leavitt.  I will be moderating the panel for this event as well!  If you're in the area, please stop by and support these lovely ladies.  Details here: First Loves YA Event at B&N

WISH YOU WERE ITLALIAN: My 10 Goals for a Summer in Italy!

Today is the day that WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN by Kristin Rae is out in the world!  I am so excited for this debut author because 1) She is such a sweetheart and 2) This novel is sure to be a favorite summertime (or anytime) read!  In celebration of this book's release, I am joining the launch day festivities and sharing my own goals for a summer in Italy.  In the story, Pippa makes a list of ten goals to accomplish while spending her summer in Italy:

Before I reveal my ten goals for a summer in Italy, I wanted to share my own experience with this beautiful country.  I had the pleasure of visiting when I was 20 years old, where I traveled to Venice, Italy with my family.

My memories of this city are a bit fuzzy, only because it's been so long ago, but I do remember thinking how old and beautiful the city was.  It's amazing that the entire place was basically floating on water, connected by water ways and cobble stone paths.

I also remember the delicious margherita pizza (aka cheese and tomato pizza) that I ate almost daily.  I have a vivid memory of sitting at a cafe outside, next to the Grand Canal, sipping a peach bellini.  The old world feel was all around me and for the first time in my life I truly felt as though I was in another time.

Since I've only been to Venice, I would love the opportunity to go back and see more of the country.  Below are my top 10 goals if I had the chance to spend a summer in Italy now:

1. See ancient Rome and its ruins
2. Try a new flavor of gelato in every city I visit
3. Visit the Italian country side 
4. Wander through a vineyard in Tuscany & sample their wine
5. Greet people in Italian
6. Eat handmade pasta from a restaurant off the beaten path
7. Lie on the beaches of Amalfi coast & soak up the Italian sunshine
8. Revisit Venice & take a trip down the Grand Canal
9. Collect postcards from each place I visit
10. Keep a journal & document something that made me smile that day

About the book: WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN – May 6, 2014 from Bloomsbury

Pippa has always wanted to go to Italy … but not by herself. And certainly not to sit in art school the entire summer learning about dead guys’ paintings. When she steps off the plane in Rome, she realizes that traveling solo gives her the freedom to do whatever she wants. So it’s arrivederci, boring art program and ciao, hot Italian guys!
Charming, daring, and romantic, Bruno is just the Italian Pippa’s looking for—except she keeps running into cute American archeology student Darren everywhere she goes. Pippa may be determined to fall in love with an Italian guy … but the electricity she feels with Darren says her heart might have other plans. Can Pippa figure out her feelings before her parents discover she left the program and—even worse—she loses her chance at love?

About the author: Kristin Rae was born and raised in Texas though her accent would suggest otherwise. She’s addicted to books, music, movies, crafty things, and chocolate. A former figure skating coach, LEGO merchandiser, and photographer, she’s now happy to create stories while pretending to ignore the carton of gelato in the freezer. Kristin lives in Houston with her husband and their two boxers.

Website: http://www.kristinrae.com/
Twitter: @kristincreative
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristinraewrites
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kristinraesnaps/#
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18042393-wish-you-were-italian
Blue Willow Bookshop (Kristin’s local indie with signed copies)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
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Member of One Four Kid Lit

Waiting On: The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt

The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt
To be published: May 6, 2014 by Bloomsbury

Acclaimed author Lindsey Leavitt brings her trademark heart, humor, and romance to her hometown--Vegas.

Sixteen-year-old Holly wants to remember her Grandpa forever, but she’d rather forget what he left her in his will: his wedding chapel on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever happened to gold watches, savings bonds, or some normal inheritance?

And then there's Grandpa's letter. Not only is she running the business with her recently divorced parents, but she needs to make some serious money--fast. Grandpa also insists Holly reach out to Dax, the grandson of her family's mortal enemy and owner of the cheesy chapel next door. No matter how cute Dax is, Holly needs to stay focused: on her group of guy friends, her disjointed family, work, school and... Dax. No wait, not Dax.

Holly’s chapel represents everything she’s ever loved in her past. Dax might be everything she could ever love in the future. But as for right now, there's a wedding chapel to save. [goodreads]

I think the premise for this story sounds so cute!  Really looking forward to reading this new novel by Lindsey Leavitt in the coming weeks.  For someone who has never been to Vegas, I think it will be fun to take a literary trip through the adventures of Holly and her family's wedding chapel. 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.