REVIEW BLOG TOUR - Locks: Rapunzel Unhinged by Sarah J. Pepper

Title: Locks: Rapunzel Unhinged

Author: Sarah J. Pepper

Release Date: 30 June 2014

Series or Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy; Fairy Tales

SYNOPSIS:
Rapunzel isn’t the stereotypical Damsel in Distress. Her Bad-Boy Prince Charming is a renowned mercenary, and their Happy Ending plays out like a bad movie. However, she is determined to breakout from her tower prison—love be damned—and do it in a fabulous pair of heels. *** Gunned down by the Mercenary, the deadliest assassin in The Badass Archives, isn’t exactly Rapunzel’s end-game. Falling for him isn’t either, but his Rated-R demeanor is strangely charming. Even though most girls wouldn’t fall for their captors, Rapunzel isn’t like most dames. Her major girl-boner for the Mercenary is so pathetic it verges on cliché. Yet, in spite of his appeal, Rapunzel must escape before she’s locked away in the Château de Immortelle’s highest tower—forever.

EXCERPT:

Mr. Tall, Dark and Deadly beckoned me like he was a manifestation ripped from my fantasies. A girl in my position shouldn’t have appreciated the ripped stature of his torso, the curvatures of his arms or how his black shirt stretched over his broad chest. The way he filled out his pants surely teased everyone who had an x-chromosome. R-rated thoughts played over and over in my mind. If he hadn’t been sent to kill me, I might have made a move.

Nevertheless, after a solid minute of not blinking, our provocative staring contest started to freak me out. His gaze was hypnotic yet startling. His intelligence was glaringly obvious, but so was his noxious disposition. It was damn unsettling and the standoff had to end sometime. Therefore, I faced my impending doom by walking into the glow of the street light. As soon as the light hit my face, the wind picked up. I shivered. Taryn’s presence swirled around me like she was an element of the sky instead of a sorceress who could control it. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself she was miles away.

I cleared my throat so that my voice wouldn’t crack. “I’d rather die than be her prisoner.”

He smirked. The smile almost reached his eyes. “That’s your choice, Rapunzel,” he said, just before he pulled the trigger.

PURCHASE:

B&N Paperback | B&N eBook | Amazon US | Smashwords | Lulu

AUTHOR INFO

www.sarahjpepper.com

@sarahjpepper

www.facebook.com/sarahjpepper.author

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance - think "happy ever after" but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn't only filled with hugs, kisses, bunnies, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It's in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of - both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn't always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn't mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

REVIEW:
It took me a while to actually get into this story, probably because it felt like the beginning of this book was a recap of a previous story, but it's really not (or maybe it is and I just couldn't find any other book with these characters in it). The way some characters were brought into the book seemed like the reader should already know who each person is, and though a bit of information was given on the characters, I found it hard to actually visualize a few of the characters.

The first 30% or so of the book seems to be repetitive with Rapunzel attempting to escape and being captured each time by the Mercenary (Flynn, which may or may not be his actual name). But exactly whose side is Flynn really on? On the whole, Rapunzel isn't your typical damsel in distress and she sure ain't waiting for no Prince Charming to come rescue her. But too bad for her that she has zero skills when it comes to planning and fighting, hence the reason she's caught by Flynn eleventeen times at the start of the book. The story really starts to pick up once Rapunzel is visited by Kinsley and learns of a bombshell that no one could have predicted. 

The sexual tension between Rapunzel and Flynn is awesome, and I enjoyed the changing dynamics of their time together. I will say that the ending wasn't quite what I expected, for all of that training that went on, the battle ended way to quickly. But still, this was a very enjoyable story and I'm glad I got a chance to read this.

RATING

Book provided in exchange for honest review.

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY - Romantic Ruckus Anthology

Romantic Ruckus
Blurb:
Every girl dreams of her knight in shining armor riding in on a white horse, sweeping her off her feet, and living happily ever after. But what happens when prince charming is actually a nerd wrapped in tin foil whose horse is a rusty Camaro?
Welcome to the world of Romantic Ruckus, where happily ever after isn't so happy after all.

Authors like:

Airika Sneve -Anne E. Johnson - B. T. Petro - B. Tanton

Cathy Douglas - Christine Edwards - Dayna Ingram - Dina Lyuber

Gerri Leen - Giovanni Valentino - John H. Dromey - John Julius

Jonathan Todd Riley - Leo Norman - Lisa McCormack - Melissa Osburn

Melodie Corrigall - Ross Baxter - Ryan Priest - Sandra J. Kachurek

Shannon Brisson - Tim Jeffreys - Tom Jolly - Tyson West

Goodreads

For the month of August, the ebook of our first anthology Alternate Hilarities will be 99 cents.

Amazon | Smashwords | CreateSpace

About KARA LEIGH MILLER

Kara is a multi-published author who isn't afraid to push the boundaries. All of Kara's books can be found on her Website. Kara is a member of The Romance Writers of America, the CNY Romance Writers, and the CNY Writers Haven. Writing is her passion and she spends countless hours reading, writing, and studying the craft of young adult writing. In addition to her contributions here at Strange Musings Press, she's the Managing Editor for Anaiah Press, a Christian fiction press.

You connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Strange Musings Press

We are a small publisher founded and run by two authors with a variety of skills and talents. Visit our Staff page for more information about who we are.

Currently, Strange Musings Press is strictly an e-publisher of anthologies: Alternate Hilarities , Romantic Ruckus, and Alternate Hilarities 2 - Vampires Suck .  We are now reading for Alternate Hilarities 3: Hysterical Realms

We DO NOT accept or publish stand alone stories, novels, or novellas at this time so please don't query us for those. We'll send you a humorous and snarky rejection letter.

The goal of these anthologies is to help aspiring authors get published and to have fun. Everything we do here is in the spirit of humor. If we offend you in any way, well, we probably don't care =)

Take a moment to look around and submit a story or two if you'd like. Got questions? Got a joke you want to tell us? Want to tell us how awesome we are? Stand in line and send us an email at: strangemusings.editor@verizon.net.

Website: http://www.strangemusingspress.com/p/main.html

Twitter: https://twitter.com/strange_Musings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrangeMusingsPress

Here is a list of some of the stories in Romantic Ruckus.

First Love by Ross Baxter

Dating can be a heartbreaking learning experience at the best of times. We’ve all been let down at one time or another, but add alcohol, science and telepathy to the mix and the results can be a true education.

A Mouse of a Different Color by Tyson West
Her daughter was having a princess birthday party and milf Chastity, no longer a princess, chanced on her own private Beauty and the Beast party. However, she learned you can’t always tell a beast by its cover.
Anything for You, Baby by Tyson West
Why did Clyde turn Bonnie on? 
Why do good girls do bad guys?
Hybristophilia

Benign by Dayna Ingram

Benign traces the single moment - brief as the flame of a struck match yet twice as scorching - in the life of a woman when she simultaneously discovers, obtains, and, in obtaining, loses everything she never knew she desired, embodied in the dermatological abnormality of a passing stranger.

Bullets and Blackbirds by Lisa McCormack

When Kelly’s Secret Santa gifts become sinister, she turns to her gorgeous sexy boyfriend for comfort. But Secret Santa knows more than he’s telling. The darkest gift is yet to come.

Dead Party by Fred Jolly

If you got invited to a zombie party, would you wear your cutest top? See what happens when you mix smart cars, hot women, and barbeque sauce together at this year’s weirdest get-together. And find out why the words “zombie” and “lust” just don’t go together that well.

Hot Flashes by John H. Dromey

This fore-“word”-play is a verbal tease,

An intro to prose that aims to please.

Wanna join the Smile High Club? Read on.

If At First You Don’t Succeed By Gerri Leen

Gorgeous gowns, dancing, and a handsome prince: what girl wouldn’t want to attend a ball at the castle and find true love? This not terribly experienced Fairy Godmother is about to meet Cinderella, who doesn't want to go and has to be compelled, by means fair … and not so.

That Girl with the Wicked Long Hair by Gerri Leen

Rapunzel is a pretty strange story no matter how you tell it. Even so, the Brothers Grimm might be a little surprised at this narrator's technique. But finally we get the real scoop on Rapunzel, her wacky hijinks, and of course, her wicked long hair.

The Good Whiskey Made Me Do It by CHRISTINE EDWARDS

What really happens when the common man comes into money? Jeff inherits not only wealth, but also wisdom, and his wife doesn’t approve of the latter. His problems don’t end there, and he blames it all on the good whiskey.

Wireless Love Triangle by Jason Graff

Man loves his wireless devices. They make life more convenient How best to show our appreciation? What thoughts are worth sharing? And, what do we do when they love us back?

Young Zombies in Love by John H. Dromey

What should women do if men are attracted by their beauty and ignore their brains completely? That is the question. Is dating a zombie the answer?   

The Murano Glass Cat by John Julius

Finn is a bad guy. After his girl catches him out, he decides to become a nice guy. He changes his routine, his hobbies and even his job. Can Finn switch up his game and treat his girl the way she deserves? Or will he be tempted again?

The Story So Far By B. Tanton

Danger!  Beware!!  Before reading The Story so Far, are you a sexually broad-minded adult?   If not, proceed with the utmost caution.

Lingering By Melissa Osburn

After being widowed for two years, Gabe decides to start dating again. Her dead husband doesn't think it's such a great idea though.

Eye to Eye by Melodie Corrigal

A young man’s platonic passion for, and persistent loyalty to, his first love—spuds—creates friction in his later sexual dalliances. His innocent affection transforms initially loving mates into intolerant and unforgiving ex-partners.

The Love Gun by Anne E. Johnson

Professor Malik Jonas designed an ingenious weapon that could disintegrate the enemy. He never imagined that a simple smile could disintegrate his heart.

An Eye for Love by Dina Lyuber

What’s worse than spending Valentine’s Day alone? A lot of things, as Candace finds out after her best friend Pam drags her out for drinks.

Migration by Sandra J. Kachurek

Tom dreams of being a big-time photographer instead of a data entry man. His dream takes him to the roof of his office building in hopes of snapping a few shots of butterflies. What develops is a surprising lesson about nature, human nature.

Big Screen Romance by Sandra J. Kachurek

Trudi's got a plan to get her boyfriend back, whether he wants her or not. Her scheme unrolls on Halloween night. When she realizes she can't have him, then she'll take whatever he's got, which may be even better.

Samantha and the Queen by Cathy Douglas

You might think finding fairy-tale love would be easy when you're the most powerful woman in the world, and you have the help of a professional Relationship Scientist and her high-tech matchmaker. But beware, for the (alternate) universe is full of gold diggers!

Change of Tastes by Ryan Priest

In every city there’s an area or a street, written down nowhere but known to all. A place where the traditional lines blur and even the most taboo debauchery can be bought…for a price.

The Angry Automaton by Tim Jeffreys

I used to lie awake at night, laughing to myself, imagining him slipping her the hose.  Tweaking her dials.  Pushing his pipe into her socket.

A Blind Date to Die for by Giovanni Valentino

Dating is difficult but it shouldn’t be hazardous to your health. Unless she’s the one.

Review:
This is a compilation of 31 short stories, that, while romantic in nature, don't end with a HEA. Each story is funny in its own way, and I like the unique take on what happens when a love connection just doesn't happen.

Rating 

Book provided in exchange for an honest review.

Giveway

Rafflecopper:

            1st prize:         $25 Amazon Gift Card

            2nd prize:       3 digital copy of Death of a Waterfall by Kara Leigh Miller

            3^rd prize:         3 digital copies of Alternate Hilarities

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