Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 21

A Feminist's Love for Wonder Woman & A Not-So-Short Rant on Disney

​As you may know, this year I took on 2 internships, one of which is to be a research and writing assistant on a new feminist book project of one of Brandeis' professors: Rosalind R. Barnett, and her writing partner, Boston University journalism professor, Caryl Rivers. The title is called Move Over, Ms. Nice and I'm basically in heaven working on this project. My latest assignment required me to write about how strong women have to please men in order to survive, and like the nerd i am, I used this as an excuse to talk about Wonder Woman and give voice to some of my greatest complaints about Disney's treatment of my three favorite "Disney Princesses:" Pocahontas (Pocahontas, 1995), Mulan (Mulan, 1998), and Merida (Brave, 2012).

In the current polarized society, with misogynists and meninists both fighting feminists and women in general, empowered women are often the targets of attacks. There are a few, however, who have managed to maintain their power by also appealing to men by exhibiting other traditional feminine qualities. An example of this is Wonder Woman. Created by the man who developed the lie detector test who was husband to a suffragist, the Amazonian warrior was a feminist from the start. I, personally, am SO freaking excited for the upcoming Wonder Woman film. It's partially because she is my mom's favorite superhero, and because she is just SO amazing. If you have the Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice movie with the extras, the Wonder Woman specials, "The Warrior, The Myth, The Wonder" and "Wonder Woman: Grace & Power," are just great. I'm so excited to see Gal Gadot play Diana in her own movie (though her appearance in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice was pretty awesome, especially this scene—and her theme song just makes me so giddy!). Her appearance, however, clearly reflects the male gaze in which she was created, and is a probable reason men did not reject the character like many of the anti-suffragist comics from the time. The films are making them more warrior-like and functional, but she's still definitely running around in a strapless top and skirt which does annoy me to no end because it's clearly meant to get boys interested.

​Perhaps a more pervasive example of idealized female characters are the Disney Princesses, an exclusive title bestowed to currently only 11 characters who meet certain requirements. The original three, Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), are by no means feminist icons. The Disney Renaissance Era “Disney Princesses” are Ariel, Belle, Jasmine (Aladdin), Pocahontas, and Mulan. The latest additions from the Disney Revival Era are Tiana (The Princess and the Frog), Rapunzel (Tangled), and Merida (Brave). Starting with the Renaissance Era, as the Disney Princesses become more empowered, they also speak increasingly less than their male counterparts. Another article points out that speaking time isn’t the only measure of a heroine’s impact, such as the heroines receiving more recognition for their skills (rather than appearance). Where Disney miscalculated in the Disney Princess merchandise line was the unnecessary makeovers given to its most agentic heroines: Pocahontas, Mulan, and Merida. ​These three are the leading characters in their stories, and were commercially successful enough to garner themselves the “Disney Princess” title. There is a reason these movies were popular—young girls liked these strong, independent, agentic characters whose accomplishments were more substantial than merely getting their own happy end: Pocahontas saves her tribe and taught (some) of the white settlers that native americans were not savages, Mulan saved China and was bowed to by the Emperor (which ranks her higher than his family, or any traditional princess title), and Merida saves her mother and restores peace between the three other clans. Why, then, would Disney eviscerate them by removing their best qualities to make them more marketable?

These mixed messages are not only bewildering, but also have negative effects on girls by magnifying stereotypes. If people still accepted Pocahontas, Mulan, and Merida in their original forms, are the tamed versions needed? With Wonder Woman’s upcoming live-action silver screen debut led by a female team with the fierce Gal Gadot as the leading lady, the question becomes: are younger generations able to see new or revamped feminist icons as inspiring without fearing they are misandrists out to destroy the current patriarchal structure of society?

Book Review: Idol by Kristen Callihan

My ReviewHolly hell, I loved this book. I don't know why I didn't immediately read it when this first came out (I was probably too busy reading other books or something), but I'm so glad I read this once I got the email that book 2 Managed was out because it put this one right back on the map for me.

What did I like about this story? Well, for one, I liked that it was NA and not set in college. Kind of superficial, but I always like some variety in the stories I read and a lot of them have lately been NA sport-star college or adult historical romances (not that there's anything wrong with that). What I'm trying to say is that this was like a breath of fresh air.
Let me get into the characters. Liberty "Libby" Bell is just awesome. She's spunky, knows how to put drunk bums in their place, is a great girlfriend, and can sing (even though she has awful stage fright—like me, though I'm not saying I can sing as great as her)!

Killian—first of all, he has the same name as Captain Hook in Once Upon a Time, which is an immediate win. It's such a sexy name. Second of all, he's a rockstar with a heart of gold, the perfect amount of snark, and is a musician (which is always a plus for me).

The plot was interesting, never got boring, and I didn't guess how everything would turn out down to the detail (which is always nice for a change). Jax is a bit of a jerk throughout the story, which was a bit of a bummer, but the rest of Kill John are great & I'm so excited for the next book!
About the BookTitle: Idol
Series: VIP, 1
Author: Kristen Callihan
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Plain Jane Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2016

Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse—and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamoring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.
About the SequelTitle: Managed
Series: VIP, 2
Author: Kristen Callihan
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Plain Jane Books
Publication Date: November 14, 2016

It started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big...ego.

I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.

That is until HE sat next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.

I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.

If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

Let the battle begin…

Focus: Write Like You're Running Out of Time

click for more entries Anyone who knows me can tell you that I'm always busy. In middle school, I spent most of my free time coming up with ideas for Our Hope Is Here. It wasn't until right before high school that I really started writing (The Belgrave Daughter—now  The Belgrave Legacy ). In high school, I had a lot less free time, but I somehow squeezed in writing all 3 novels in The Belgrave Legacy trilogy (before it became 1 book) and starting ​The Matchmakers.

Now that I'm in college, I've barely written a new word since last January (when I revised and edited The Belgrave Legacy for the last time before putting it on preorder). I sadly haven't touched The Matchmakers in way too long, despite my best intentions to finish it two summers ago... then last summer... and then this November for NaNoWriMo. The truth is I definitely haven't prioritized it like I should, but I've been giving myself the mental breaks I didn't give myself last year (which led to a not-so-minor breakdown).

You may be wondering at this point: What's with the  Hamilton -reference title if you're saying you haven't written a novel in a while?

My answer: just because I haven't been writing my books, doesn't mean I haven't been writing. Almost every 2 weeks I have a paper due, and that means crazy amounts of reading, writing, and editing. This weekend alone will have me revising a paper due Sunday and writing like crazy to finish a paper due Thursday so I have time to edit it thoroughly.

Has this made me a better writer? I think so. There's nothing like a hard deadline with the threat of failing a class to get my butt in a chair to write something to conclusion. And I because I have a date for The Matchmakers (January 27, 2017), watching that deadline approach is starting to make me antsy and wishing I could write more of the novel.

I'd be remiss to say that the recent election results haven't motivated me to finish writing my own utopian/dystopian world. Veronica Roth once said Divergent was her utopia (the society, probably not including the crazy dictators). I feel the same way about The Matchmakers​ (because although it assumes we have a third World War, the maintenance of 90 years of global peace sounds amazing). And in this troubling time, I might as well indulge in what has always been my saving grace: writing.

​So I'm declaring that after I finish these 2 papers, I will stop using YouTube as my go-to free-time activity. I will be a writer who writes, rather than a writer who waits. And I will finish The Matchmakers before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.

Trump Won... and I'm Terrified

​

Woke up from a nightmare, found out I'm now living in one #trumpwins pic.twitter.com/amGnSwGHXb

— Zara Hoffman□□ (@AuthZH) November 9, 2016

I'm not going to make this a big post because I'm definitely still in shock after learning that Donald Trump is the next President of the United States.

And while I agree with many that continuing to hate Trump and his supporters will divide the country (um, hello? It already has), I am so DEEPLY ashamed that so many people voted for hate (either against women, minorities, LGBT+, etc or against Hillary). But... given I am no hypocrite, I will not make the same mistakes the Republicans did during the Obama Administration. I will work to make this country the best it can be (though I will never EVER use the term "great again" because Trump has ruined that terminology for me).
​I think I should be partially grateful I'm still in shock or I'd be a raging ball of fury:

A gigantic ?? to:
-third-party fuckers
-email-obsessed fuckers
-Bernie bro fuckers
-anti-Hillary fuckers

HORRIBLE people are thanking you.

— ADAM IS WITH HER (@AdamSilvera) November 9, 2016

But I'm definitely feeling all-around awful:

My head hurts. My heart hurts. My hope hurts. But it is still there. And we need it now more than ever. #imstillwither

— danielle paige (@daniellempaige) November 9, 2016

and terrified (for myself as a woman, and for those around me who are in groups that Trump has built his entire campaign on bashing and hating, and encouraging his supporters to do the same):

Terrified right now. If you're not, you're probably not female, an immigrant, muslim, Mexican, a POC, gay, trans or marginalized at all.

— Sabaa Tahir (@sabaatahir) November 9, 2016

Retweet if you are:
-A woman
-An immigrant
-LGBT+
-Muslim
-African American
-Latino/Latina
-In any other way completely terrified right now

— Mason (@larkieswiftie) November 9, 2016

To sum up:

So sad that this is the result of my first Presidential election @POTUS #Obama I'll miss you. #iVoted #ImStillWithHer #IVotedForHer

— Zara Hoffman□□ (@AuthZH) November 9, 2016

Focus: Stepping Up to the Plate

click for more entries I know, I know, I haven't written on my OneWord365 this year, but it's been a very tumultuous 10 months for me so far. Last week alone was filled with so much work that I spent all my free time sleeping so I could maintain enough energy to complete the tasks I needed to do.

​What did those duties entail? Well, it involved mainly 2 things (both of which had a lot of smaller, pressing tasks):completing my college transfer applicationbeing lead costume person on a school play (I don't say costumer because I didn't design the costumes—a friend did, and then I was in charge of everything else to do with costumes because they were sick and were unable to be at any of the tech week rehearsals/run-throughs or performances) ​Let me break it down a bit further for you. My college transfer application involved a bunch of things (most of which I had done in advance, but making sure everything got in on time was more than a little tough):CommonApp essay (why I want to transfer)college-specific essay (why I want to transfer to Boston University)High School Transcript (super easy to have this sent off)Mid-Term Report (difficult to get all my teachers to sign this given their different schedules)College Syllabi (easy-ish, give or take a few technical mishaps)Transfer Report (easy for me, but still not sure if Brandeis has sent them yet)College Transcript (I got confirmation it was sent, but BU hasn't said they've received it yet)The last 2 are giving me all kinds of anxiety because I don't want to be rejected just because my application was incomplete (because the third parties were late).

For the play, I basically became the head of the back-stage. I was in charge of the numerous quick-changes for every show, and the makeup for 3 of the 5 shows. This wouldn't have been that much of a big deal, except I had signed up as an assistant as a favor to the friend, but when that friend essentially went MIA, I had to take charge of a lot of responsibilities I wasn't expecting.learn each character's costumeplan out each costume changebe back stage for the whole show to assist with said costume changeslearn make upapply said make-up for the last 3 showsfix multiple costumes multiple times because of new issues that kept popping upclean up the green roomFrom what I heard from everyone involved, I did a great job. I definitely feel proud of what I did, but I'm exhausted even as I'm forced to quickly refocus on school work (especially the 2 papers I have due this week and next week).

And, I should address the elephant in the room: I haven't written a word for NaNoWriMo yet. And yes, it's an excuse to say it's because I had all this stuff going on, but that doesn't make it any less true. I doubt I'll be able to "win" NaNo this year, but I'm hoping after this week I'll be able to hunker down and write more of  The Matchmakers  before I have to start worrying about finals (though knowing Brandeis' assignment schedule, I know this is 99.99% a pipe dream).

So, that's the latest update with me. 

Thoughts On The 2016 Presidential Election

I internally debated about writing this for many reasons: the first and foremost was not wanting to alienate any potential readers. And I've decided that this election is just too important for me to not write anything about today. This will not be a tirade (or at least I'll try to not make it one). How about this, I promise not to make it an essay attacking any of the two main presidential candidates themselves but I'm giving myself a free pass to express any and all of my thoughts on issues like xenophobia, sexism, and rape culture.

I'm a registered Democrat. I'll put that out there at the top so anyone who doesn't like this fact can get out early. Everyone still here? Okay. Despite me being a Democrat, I—like my grandmother and mother—do not believe in always voting for my party's candidate just because it's my party. The American government is based on democracy and I believe everyone should vote for the candidate who can best lead the country forward, protecting and growing the country's best values.
​Speaking of my family... this year has been hell. Politics has become a no-go topic. There are Republicans in my family (vastly outnumbered, but still). And... up until this year, that never really bothered me. Their reasoning for being Republican usually had to do with financial viability and some very bad foundational concepts for some parts of our government. Don't get me started on the Electoral College—I get why it was put into place, but now it just interferes with the idea that "the governed choose the governors" concept that underpins Rousseau's "The Social Contract" and America's democracy. And even within the Democratic faction of my family, there are people who hate the Clintons and are voting 3rd party (even though at this point it is ​as bad as throwing away your vote). apparently, Bernie Sanders isn't even registered as a write-in candidate, so then you're LITERALLY throwing away your vote if you vote for him I am #WithHer all the way, but not because I hate Trump (at least, I didn't at the start), but because she has the experience, has achievable plans (assuming the Republicans in Congress don't pull another blackball approach like they did with Obama), and is dedicated to bettering life of everyone. She acknowledges that there are problems with the system, and created incremental (but feasible) ways to fix them.

​I love Bernie Sanders' ideas (I hated his hypocrisy for saying he wouldn't run a smear campaign and doing just that), but a President coming up against an obstructive Congress needs to be willing to compromise and Sanders did not seem like he would. I'd rather have incremental change than nothing. His financial plan also just wouldn't have gotten off the ground and even if he had somehow gotten the Presidency, people voting for free college would not see that for themselves or even their children. Maybe ​their grandchildren.

Short digression: this video hilariously proves how much of a d*ck the Republican Congress members have been since Obama became President. And that doesn't even mention the fact that men didn't show up when it snowed a little bit, but all the women did (and they say that women don't put in the work)! ​Clinton wants to make general education free, and while that also won't happen overnight, it's a goal that enough people can gather behind without antagonizing everyone with deep pockets.

Okay, that's why I want to pick Hillary because she's her (not because she's the lesser of two evils). If you need more evidence, here's an awesome timeline on her site that charts her journey here. If you want a brutally honest take on why Hillary deserves to be President, here is Samantha Bee's final pitch: And... let's talk about why I vote for Hillary because of how ridiculously backward ​Trump would take our country:The hate, violence, and hate crimes he encourages at his ralliesExpanding on the "hate" from #1: the misogyny, xenophobia, racism, anti-LGBT and every other anti-[what I stand for] values he has and has revealed in his supporters makes me terrified to be a non-white male in this country almost as much as I'm terrified of the alternate reality I might have experienced had I not been adopted from China during the One-Child years.His Vice President would be the 1-man war against LGBT rights known as Mike Pence. And given his very presence in politics threatens laws that directly affect a large percentage of the closest people in my life, I cannot in good conscience vote for someone associated with someone who would without a doubt ruin my friends and family's lives.His sexual assault resume should prevent everyone (or at the very least, all women) from voting for him: even Barbara Bush doesn't get how any woman could vote for himHis rage (like Obama said: "If Trump can't handle Twitter, then he can't handle nuclear codes." The fact that it's news that the President said what so many people have been thinking since the 2016 presidential debates started is kind of ridiculous. Saying that a man who is clearly unqualified to be Commander in Chief is unqualified to be Commander in Chief should not be making headlines because it's what is known as "common sense" (which is now clearly not all that "common")He doesn't believe in climate change (at this point, how does anyone not know that this is a REAL THING?)The possibility that he won't accept the results of the election... just one of many examples that Trump does not understand how our government works, and does not maintain the emotional maturity needed to run a country and negotiate with other countries.​I could keep going, but you get the idea. Daveed Diggs (who is the BADASS who originated the two roles of Marquis de Lafayette—yep, there's a street named after him in Manhattan—and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton: An American Musical) does an amazing breakdown between the candidates (he just kills it). Diggs isn't the only Hamilton alum to take a few digs at Trump. Lin-Manuel Miranda makes an epic burn in his SNL Monologue.  Please, please vote tomorrow. Like Hillary said in her final campaign video, this isn't about picking your favorite of 2 qualified, but different candidates. This is about choosing the future of our country and whether we want to move forward and make progress, or go back to the tumultuous times that have plagued our history time and time again (racism, xenophobia, and sexism are not new issues, but how can we expect to fight them if we go back to times when so many demographics lived in fear).

Beautiful Books 2016 Update: The Matchmakers

You may remember me making a Beautiful Books 2016 post a little while ago about  The Matchmakers , and today, Cait (PaperFury) has called for an update, so here it is:Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?: Truthfully, my mental state is shot to Hell (and not because I'm trying to promote The Belgrave Legacy which has Hell in it). I'm going crazy because I unexpectedly became the head costume person on a show I volunteered as an assistant for, have an exam tomorrow (which I've barely studied for), and 2 papers due next week (which I haven't started yet). NaNoWriMo hasn't even been open on my browser since it started—if I ever get on top of this work, and have time to write, I'll have a lot of catching up to do.
What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?: My sister looks like a goddess as she waits for the tailor to appear. Her waist-length hair is braided in a Dutch crown and diamond jewelry hangs from her ears, wrists, and neck. The only thing missing is a smile. Instead, she frowns at the holographic display of her outfit. “You’d think that after seventy-five years, the Matchmakers would become more flexible with the color scheme.” She whispers the last part, but not quietly enough.
Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?: Rosemary "Romy" Katherine Young. The protagonist. I think it's because I know her the best and because she's the nicest person in the story.
What do you love about your novel so far?: the characters, and having a dystopian novel where the heroine isn't a fighter (e.g. Katniss from The Hunger Games , nor does she ever become one (e.g. Tris from Divergent ).
Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?: I'm sure I have, but I can't think of any right now.
What is your favourite to write—beginning, middle, or end—and why?: End because that means I've completed the story (for the time being if it's only a draft), the characters have grown, and I've reached a satisfying conclusion to the plot. Beginnings are fun too because that's when I'm getting into a new story/world, and introducing it not just to myself, but to my eventual reader. Middles suck just because it's really easy to get lost in them (that's where I currently am with The Matchmakers).
What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!: I always have a sugary snack (Nilla wafers, Oreos, bunch a crunch, maple cream candy, etc) and a water bottle on hand. I usually write in silence, but I sometimes play music in the background. Really depends on what I'm in the mood for. I write best in the morning, but that's a bit hard for me to do right now given I'm up so late every night for the show I'm working on. Night is my second best time, and lastly afternoons (when I'm not napping). And... my writing space is essentially my laptop now, so I won't bore you with a picture of it. Just google "2015 MacBook Air"—I want to get the new MacBook Pro or Air when they come out. I'm saving up money now.
How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like, ahem, Batman)?: I usually work alone, but I do love having a cheer squad, too. I just don't normally seek one out until much later in the game. For The Matchmakers, though, I suppose the Wattpad readers have been my cheer squad.
What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?: The need to express the story. Even when I'm not writing, it won't shut up in my head, so I guess that's a good thing. I'm compelled to write, and whenever I'm not, I always feel like I'm edging toward madness. Like Kafka said: "A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity."
What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?: Have a plan, be persistent, have fun.

Excerpt Reveal: Unbreakable by Kallie Ross

She thought her story was over. Little did she realize, it had just begun.

From young adult author Kallie Ross, comes the first full-length novel in The Cupid Chronicles.

Filled with action, romance, and an adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seat…What will the fate of the world be as it balances on the tip of one girl’s arrow? Get ready to fly and fall in love with Unbreakable on November 14th!About the BookTitle: Unbreakable
Series: The Cupid Chronicles, 1
Author: Kallie Ross
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: November 14, 2016

Dying for the love of your life...

Evelyn Bowden thought her story was over. Little did she realize, it had just begun.

The heavens made her a Cupid-- a supernatural with the rarest ability. One that allows her to pierce both mortals and immortals with arrows possessing everlasting love. But Evelyn soon discovers Cupids fight a battle in a long fought war.

A duty to protect the purest form of love…

As Evelyn embarks on her first mission, helping a Gargoyle find his true love, she is exposed to the blurred battle lines between light and darkness. While an unknown threat proves it’s willing to do anything to get their hands on Evelyn and her arrows, the heavens send AndelLambros to help protect her. She finds herself at risk of being distracted by her former mentor, Andel, a stunning Cupid with dimples hard to ignore.

Missing her mark could lead to a supernatural war…

Having no idea how powerful she is, Evelyn is forced to put everything on the line as she balances the fate of the world on the tip of her arrow. But will love conquer all once she hits her mark, or will all be lost in the end?
Chapter 1Heaven should be the end-all-be-all, most epic finale of your life. At least that's what Evelyn Bowden had assumed.

Evelyn, with her favorite jeans and green T-shirt, rushed across the heavens. She looked like a mall-walker trying to keep up the pace during peak Christmas Eve shopping hours. Inspecting the fluffy clouds she traversed was tempting, but she wouldn’t allow her curiosity to distract her. She had appeared in the heavens once before but was still bewildered by the transparency of the somehow solid air beneath her feet. Clouds weren’t easy to trust, but she was coming to terms with being more than a mere mortal, with being a Cupid.

Flexing her supernatural powers, Evelyn’s gold tattoo glinted along the inside of her forearm. The arrow had appeared on her skin after she had marked her first couple, but it looked different than her mentor’s tattoo. She didn’t know why her tattoo was so much more embellished. Her brilliant arrow donned delicate vines like a maypole wrapped in ribbons.

Around her, Cupids paraded through the gleaming city set on air. Some armed themselves with their bow and arrows as if on a mission.  Others strolled along the sidewalks, enjoying the perfect weather. One man passed by her in a pinstriped three-piece suit, leaving Evelyn wondering if she should turn around and change. Her nineteen-year-old college student attire didn’t seem to measure up to the heavenly dress code.

Evelyn had a meeting with the Elders. She didn’t know if the invitation required a more formal Cupid look, so she summoned her bow and quiver full of arrows with a simple thought. Her weapons appeared strapped across her torso. Evelyn grinned, pleased with herself.

“You can put those away. And you can also slow down. The Elders are not going anywhere,” Andel suggested. He’d been following her. As her mentor, he should have been leading the way, but Evelyn’s nervous energy had her bouncing ahead. Her feet stuttered, but Evelyn found herself distracted by the different buildings and Cupids they passed. Each one resembled a different era that Evelyn recognized.

Andel stopped in his tracks, but she kept walking just a few paces more before fully processing what he was saying. “Remember, they called us in for the meeting.”

“Should I be wearing something else?” Evelyn asked with the hint of a Southern accent. She took in Andel’s six-foot-and-change frame. He wore jeans, but they were tailored to fit him perfectly. His boots and belt matched, and his white T-shirt was somehow classic and trendy the way he had the hem tucked in at his hip.

“Of course not. I’m practically wearing the same thing. Our appearance is usually determined by our assignment, but while we are in the heavens, you should feel comfortable being yourself. We are heavenly warriors, not supermodels.” Andel’s constant voice of reason grated on her nerves. Technically they both sported jeans and a T-shirt, but Andel looked like he could grace the cover of GQ magazine.

“Thanks.” Evelyn rolled her eyes.

“What I meant—”

​“It’s okay,” Evelyn waved off Andel’s backpedaling. She knew she wasn’t a Kardashi-whoever, and she also knew Andel didn’t really mean anything by it. As her mentor, he had always been focused on the job at hand. He’d welcomed Evelyn when she first woke up in this afterlife and he had never left her side.

She had died. It was still hard to believe.
​And while taking a deathly blow for her boyfriend had seemed like a good idea at the time, Evelyn had lingered in the second stage of loss: anger. She spent the first few months of her immortality fighting Andel, even though his job was to teach her how to fight. Andel had trained and encouraged her during the process of becoming a Cupid, despite her lack of enthusiasm. Every person chosen to be a Cupid died for someone they loved, and those chosen always had a choice: move on or commit to being a Cupid. The promise of immortality could only be sealed with a perfect shot through two hearts. The only problem was Evelyn had marked an immortal unknowingly, and in the process, found out she had a power distinctly different than any other Cupid.

“You need to keep up,” Evelyn said over her shoulder to Andel. She continued to walk as fast as her legs would take her in the direction of the Elder’s headquarters. Evelyn’s face was new to the meandering Cupids around them, so some staggered and stared like she had two heads. She caught a white-haired Cupid with a combover double take in her direction and didn’t know if she should be more surprised that he wouldn’t need a neck brace or that she’d gotten used to the feeling of shocking others. Unaffected, she hurried right on by the Armory building; its medieval turrets and brick outer walls looked a lot like Dover Castle. And as she passed the Placement Office, she noted it resembled the Parthenon. 

The Cupids moved with purpose. As their arms swung at their sides, Evelyn caught a glimpse of a few golden tattoos, but none of them looked like hers. Not even Andel’s incandescent arrow-ink looked similar to hers. In fact, they all looked as if they differed in one way or another. The only thing they all had in common was the point of the arrowhead touched their wrist and the end reached to the inside of everyone’s elbow. The feathers making up Andel’s fletching had hundreds of lines. The other tattoos she caught a glimpse of had fewer lines, but every tattoo was structured and streamlined. Evelyn’s feathers were more chaotic and looser, swirling as if they’d been caught in a breeze. 

“The sooner we get there, the sooner I get answers,” Evelyn said, hoping the Elders could tell her why she was different. But she also wanted to get her next assignment, so she could get back to the mortal realm. The staring and glaring she’d gotten from every Cupid up here, excluding Andel, was worse than being the girl who dropped her tray of food in the cafeteria. She had experience being the new kid, even the new foster kid, but the wide berths the other Cupids gave her as they walked around her were starting to make her wonder if they were threatened by her.

“Evelyn, stop.” Andel used his entire six feet and four inches to catch up to his protégé. Grabbing hold of her elbow, Andel forced Evelyn to face him, super-soft cotton T-shirt first. She considered the awkwardness for a moment before being sidetracked by the muscles underneath. There was nothing soft about those.

“Excuse me, but”—Evelyn regained her composure, straightening her smooth, shoulder-length brown hair—“why?” She was fed up with not knowing the truth, and she wanted answers. She was different now. She’d accepted the terms of her immortality, but the agreement felt more like a compromise. Evelyn needed to know why she, of all Cupids, could pierce immortals with love.

“For one thing, I believe we will be better received if we arrive calmly. You are not calm,” Andel said through gritted teeth. He never lost his cool, but it didn’t stop Evelyn from trying to push his buttons.

“And by calm, you mean we should take our orders and be on our way? No fritter way!” Evelyn’s twang emphasized each word with an extra syllable.

Language was yet another change Evelyn was coping with. Evelyn’s fists clenched, sending her nails digging into her palms. You’d think after helping the Cupids out and saving the world, or whatever it was she’d done in her last stint, she’d be allowed to express herself more explicitly. The transformation she had undergone, from human to Cupid, however, required sacrifice. A whole lot of sacrifice. In this case, language. She couldn’t cuss! Ever. “Donut!”

“Thank you for considering my advice.” Andel placed his hands on his hips. “You have definitely captured calm.”

Evelyn tugged at one of her earlobes, trying to relax and keep herself from returning Andel’s sarcasm. She could have sworn it was a reflexology technique, but it didn’t seem to help.  “Fine. I’ll channel my inner comatose state.” 

“There is no way you could ever stay quiet long enough to be considered comatose. You even talk in your sleep.” Andel’s smile was a scarce addition to their banter, and it hinted that Andel was attempting to joke with her. Everything Andel did, he did perfectly. Evelyn thought everything about the Grecian archer was annoying when they had first met, but his attempt at humor had since been slowly making up for his weird way of speaking and impeccable posture.

A shrill soprano voice sang from behind Evelyn’s personal life-sized action figure. “Andel!” 

Evelyn peeked around Andel and spotted a statuesque woman with long silky black curls approaching. The closer she came, the higher pitched her voice got. Her skin was the color of cinnamon, and she wore a red blouse with a sultry, black pencil skirt and stilettos.

“Wowzers,” Evelyn let slip. She wondered what kind of assignment this Cupid had in order to dress that way. After all, weren’t Cupids supposed to wear clothes to blend into their surroundings? But this woman would have stood out in any place she went. 

Andel put a hand out to keep Evelyn tucked behind him. “Let me handle this,” he whispered.

“How have you been, Darling?” The Cupid asked Andel. “I’m glad to see you’re still standing after your last assignment. I heard it was…challenging.”

The woman patted Andel’s arm, either choosing to ignore Evelyn’s presence or being completely drawn in by Andel.

“The word ‘challenging’ does not begin to cover it,” Andel said with a grin. Evelyn poked a finger at Andel’s side, and he jumped, revealing his charge. 

Evelyn smiled widely, while the woman’s face contorted. First, her eyebrows furrowed in thought, and she pressed her lips together, taking Evelyn in. Then, the corner of her mouth quirked up at one corner. 

“Well, hello.” The Cupid stuck her hand out to shake Evelyn’s. “I’m Zora. I’m sure Andel’s mentioned me. We go way back.”

Evelyn slipped her hands into her pockets. “Hi.”

When Evelyn didn’t offer her own hand, Zora waved it off. “Evelyn, right?”

“Right.”

“So, is it true you pierced a witch during your induction?” Zora asked, getting right to the point. “I heard your arrows turn—”

“Zora, hold off,” Andel interrupted.

“Red, yes,” Evelyn finished, ignoring Andel’s interruption. “Yes, it’s true. If your friends really want something juicy, you can tell them I talk in my sleep. At least, that’s what Andel tells me.”

“So our gold arrows turn red when you point them at supernaturals?” Zora’s smirk tightened. “Interesting.”

Andel looked back and forth between the two women. Gossip tantalized Cupids the same way riddles tasted sweet on the lips of Faeries.

“What’s so interesting about me?” Evelyn asked.

Zora squinted as if searching Evelyn for the answer. “You’re young, new. A sparkly thing that will dull with time.”

“That’s enough, Zora.” Andel reached for Evelyn’s hand and pulled her in the direction of the Elders’ headquarters. “We’ll be late.”

Evelyn turned to look back at Zora, and her smirk had shifted into a grimace. Zora’s eyes honed in on Evelyn’s hand in Andel’s, and Evelyn debated how far she wanted to take the stunt. It only took a few more steps before she felt guilty. She pulled her hand out of Andel’s grip to create some space between them, but she still felt a pang of shame at being so petty.

“What was that all about?” Evelyn asked once she was sure Zora couldn’t overhear her.

​“Nothing.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes. “That wasn’t nothing. Zora doesn’t like me, and I’ve never met her before. How’s that even possible?”

“It has nothing to do with disliking you. It is a fear of the unknown.” Andel’s straight forward approach to communicating with Evelyn left her hungry for more emotional explanations. It baffled her that a Cupid like Andel who felt every mortal emotion around him couldn’t express one sentiment verbally.

“That Cupid is jealous. Did you mentor her, too?”

“No, and there is no reason for her to be jealous.”

“Well, it’s not like I was going to shoot her with one of my arrows. And, even if I did, it wouldn’t do anything unless I caught another person in the crossfire.”

“But you are different, and the unknown evokes apprehension,” Andel’s voice grew serious.

“Did you read that off a fortune in a cookie?”

Andel tilted his head to the side, raising his eyebrows. “No, but it would make a good one. You know the fortune I would give you? Welcome the change coming into your life.” 

“Whatever. Patience is a virtue unless it’s against a brick wall.”

Andel let out a laugh that caught the attention of a few Cupids passing them. “Speaking of brick walls—” Andel eyed Evelyn and pointed toward an ancient red-brick hall. It reminded Evelyn of places she wished she’d gotten a chance to visit while she was still alive. Growing up in Louisiana, there were some historical sites, but nothing like touring Westminster Abbey or Windsor Castle.

Evelyn sighed. “The Elders could choose to send me out on my own.”

“They might.” Andel slowed his pace. “If they do, you are ready. But I think they will take your request for me to join you seriously.”

Evelyn let hope fill her lungs. “Oh, really?”

She knew Andel wouldn’t give anything away, even if he knew something. He respected the chain of command too much. “Yes, but we must show a united front…and arrive on time.” He had promised to help Evelyn find out if there were more Cupids with her ability to pierce immortals. She didn’t know how long it would take or if the Elders would allow either of them the time they needed.

“You know, I wouldn’t blame you if you’d prefer another partner.” Evelyn used her thumb to point back in Zora’s direction. “She looks like a less complicated candidate. I could even use one of my trusty red arrows to seal the deal.” Evelyn waggled her eyebrows.

“If you shoot her with your arrow, I will—”

“You’ll what?” Evelyn countered, narrowing her eyes. 

Andel folded his arms across his chest, creating a barrier to block Evelyn’s implication. “You know Cupids do not technically work in pairs.” As Evelyn’s grin faltered, Andel moved forward. “I am strictly an advisor,” he clarified.

“Why is that? That chick over there is gorgeous. I could send an arrow flying, and you two could have supermodel Cupid-babies.”

Andel’s mouth drooped into a deep frown. “How about a deal?”

Evelyn nodded, curious.

“I will explain why Cupids avoid shooting and consorting with each other, but only after you keep your cool in this meeting.”

“Consorting?” Evelyn slowed down and wrinkled her nose as if the word smelled like souring milk. “Fine, but I want the lowdown on Zora, too.” 

Andel moved past Evelyn and she fell into step behind him. Consumed with her thoughts and questions, she tripped over the front steps of the building. Andel caught hold of her shoulder before she bit the dust—or clouds. From afar, the set of structures had resembled those standing on a prestigious, ancient college campus: tall columns, intricate leaded windows, and oversized doors. But the scale was off. These columns made earthly structures look like Lego sets. The brick walls were held together with gold, and the doors were decorated with metallic arrows in a criss-cross pattern.

“I might have believed you sooner about being a Cupid if you’d brought me to see this place. It’s awesome,” Evelyn said. Her mouth fell open and her eyes grew wider as she took two steps at a time to catch up to Andel.

“That is exactly why I avoided bringing you here. You would have gotten the wrong idea. This is not Heaven. It is the heavens. There is a big difference.”

“Close enough for me, for now.” Evelyn didn’t wait for another lecture. Andel had explained when they first arrived that the heavens served as a realm for the Cupids before they eventually moved on to Heaven if they chose to. 
She reached for the golden door handles, but the entrance opened before she could take hold. A cozy room, a library, revealed itself. Three walls were lined with dark wooden shelves, and each ledge was covered in leather-bound books. Four overstuffed chairs sat at the center of the room, surrounded by a few tables and chairs. But Evelyn couldn’t quite place the farthest wall. The shelves appeared to stretch infinitely. 

It was her dream library.

“Whoa! This is definitely my kind of Heaven.”

“It is a magnificent feature, isn’t it?” A woman with a loose gray bun on top of her head stepped out from behind one of the never-ending bookshelves. Her smile pushed past heavy wrinkles and lit the room. “I do appreciate your idea of the perfect place. I’d like to spend time curled up here, reading each book. Is this room somewhere you’ve been or is it a conjured dream?”

“Wha—? Um…I think a mixture of both.” Evelyn twisted her lips, trying to remember. Time had started to erase some of the pain of letting go of her mortal existence, but it also endangered her most precious memories.

The elderly woman walked across the room with ease, grazing her fingers over the books and rich, stained shelves. Her simple gray dress fell to the floor and created the illusion that she floated over the area rug positioned under the chairs at the center of the room. She wore a blue cardigan that Evelyn envied as it appeared to be as cozy and inviting as the room. But then, the feeling may have been emanating from the woman herself.

Evelyn had never known her grandparents, and if this room created her perfect place, she wondered if it included the perfect grandmother.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Evelyn.” The older woman stopped a few feet shy of the doorway. “My name is Neomi. I’m one of the Elders you’ve been eager to interrogate.”

Evelyn’s eyebrows lifted, anticipating a lecture. Andel was so good at them, she figured it was one of the Cupids’ supernatural powers. Neomi waved her in, and Evelyn caught Neomi nodding to Andel. Evelyn sank into one of the chairs and picked up a stack of books. Perusing the titles, she expected the other two Cupids to get comfortable as well.

“I’ll give you two some privacy.” Andel’s voice had softened in the presence of Neomi.

“Wait!” Evelyn popped up out of her seat as the books on her lap tumbled onto the floor. “Why are you leaving? We need to find out if they’re going to let you help me.”

Andel’s mouth flattened into a line and he dodged eye contact with Evelyn. “I will wait for you outside.”

Before Evelyn could reach him, Neomi placed a hand on her shoulder. Not exactly a Vulcan nerve pinch, but the Elder’s hand suspended Evelyn in place both emotionally and physically. Andel pulled the doors closed behind him. After the snick of the latch catching, Neomi let her hand fall to her side. She moved to the chair closest to Evelyn and sat down.             

Evelyn remained standing in a stubborn display of her immortal youth.

“Dear girl, you can relay to Andel what you want after our discussion. Now, please, sit.” Neomi patted the chair Evelyn had vacated.

Evelyn complied and sat, crossing her legs. “Why won’t you tell us if you plan to let Andel keep mentoring me?”

“I have informed Andel, and I’ll be happy to let you know our decision if you will relax.”

“But how? When?”

Evelyn and Andel hadn’t spent much time apart since they’d arrived in the heavens, and at no point had Neomi addressed Andel or the topic at hand while he was still in the room. Evelyn hadn’t heard a whisper, even with her super-Cupid-hearing.

“I will explain if you’ll let me.” Neomi pushed herself back into the cushion of her chair while Evelyn leaned forward to pick up the books strewn on the floor in front of her.

“I’m listening,” Evelyn said.

“As Cupids, we’re able to communicate telepathically.” Neomi grinned as Evelyn attempted to comprehend her. “It is not mind reading, and the communication is allowed with permission.”

“Are you sure you’re not mind melding with me? Because I’m pretty sure you read my thoughts just then,” Evelyn pointed out, and Neomi’s smile grew. “So, why didn’t Andel teach me this earlier?” 

“It’s not an ability that shows itself before the full acceptance and commitment of becoming a Cupid.”

“Oh.” It was all Evelyn could bring herself to utter.

Neomi nodded to Evelyn. “May I?”

Evelyn half-nodded, unsure of what to expect. She stilled the moment she felt Neomi’s soft voice tiptoe through her mind. Hello, Evelyn.

Evelyn smiled. The invading thoughts tickled. She thought, Hi, in response. Evelyn stared at Neomi as if her eyes could push the greeting.

Very good, but the more forcefully you press your thoughts, the louder they are in my head. Neomi turned away from Evelyn and walked over to a shelf lining the wall. She appeared to be reading the spines of a row of books. Try it more gently.

Which book is your favorite? Evelyn thumbed through one of the novels in her lap. Shakespeare’s sonnets filled the pages.

Better. Neomi thought. Hmm… It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a good story, but I always go back to War and Peace.

“Really?” Evelyn thought and said aloud with a frown. “But it’s so tragic. And the droning on and on about the war. I’m not too sure where the peace comes in.”

Neomi broke out into a bubbling laughter. The airy sound filled the room with joy that could practically be inhaled. “Good point. I hope that you’ve been able to get Andel to laugh like this.”

“Speaking of Andel—” Evelyn shifted in her chair. “Is he going to be able to help me on my next assignment?”

Yes. Neomi’s lips quirked to one side. 

Evelyn had a feeling the Elder thought more but held her tongue. She ignored the curiosity bubbling up in her gut because she was flooded with relief at knowing Andel could continue working with her. She had hoped the Elders could also fill in a few blanks about her Cupid status. Was she a Cupid or something else? Evelyn wanted to find out if there was really another Cupid like her.

Someone cleared their throat behind one of the bookshelves, and a child revealed himself at the back of the room. He couldn’t be older than seven or eight years old. The boy wore a white kimono with a blue belt, and his black hair was cut close to his scalp.

“Sheng, I’m so glad you made it.” Neomi nodded to the boy, and they both made their way to two chairs across from Evelyn.

“Neomi.” Sheng dipped his head low in greeting and repeated the action in Evelyn’s direction. “Evelyn, at last, we meet. I would like to express my gratitude. Your selflessness in New Orleans, choosing to let go of your earthly life and serve in love, is an example Cupids will aspire to for centuries.”

“To be honest, there wasn’t much to choose from. Anyone would have done it.”

“Honestly. I don’t believe they would,” Neomi interjected. “You come from a culture that rivals the Golden Age in both material wealth and moral poverty.”

“Oh. Well, thank you.” Evelyn wasn’t quite sure how to respond, to Sheng or Neomi or the Elizabethan Era, but she hadn’t left her Southern manners back on Earth. A list of questions reeled through her brain, so she started with something simple. “Why did you ask me to meet you here if you could have just mind melded with me?”

“Our telepathic abilities have a tendency to unhinge new Cupids.” Neomi leaned forward and placed a hand over Evelyn’s. “We also realize your unique circumstances warrant some special attention.” 

“I simply want some answers.” Evelyn slid her hand away from Neomi.

“What kind of answers?” Sheng asked.

Evelyn had to remind herself that this Elder was likely older than Andel. Her mentor looked 24, but he was actually a couple hundred years old.

“Hmmm… Let me think.” Evelyn rubbed her chin. “How about we start with why I’m different than every other Cupid in the heavens?”

“We are not sure,” Sheng replied.

“What?! Why don’t you know?” Evelyn fired back.

Sheng’s eyes darted to Neomi, and she fidgeted, crossing her legs toward the boy-Elder. Evelyn had taken a communications class in college and knew exactly what the two Elders’ nonverbal cues meant. She wouldn’t be getting anything out of them.

“This is baklava!” Evelyn attempted to cuss, but her sweet tooth got in the way. After piercing her first couple with an arrow full of love, Evelyn had transformed fully into a Cupid. Andel had explained their immortality and described their abilities. Cupids can poof anywhere on Earth, cloak themselves or glamour the way they look, and they had super speed, hearing, and sight. But not once had he mentioned that their human vices would bounce back and bite them in the ambrosia. “Good Lord! Just tell me why I’m here!”

Both Cupid Elders froze in their seats. Evelyn couldn’t tell if they were stunned by her use of Lord or by her outburst. One thing she was sure of was that they were having a telepathic conversation about her. The eerie silence threatened to push Evelyn over the edge.

“Since your transformation”—Neomi carefully began. She’d obviously lost a mental match of Rock, Paper, Scissors—“the Cupids have received several threats from other immortal races.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Evelyn threw her arms out in question.

“At first, many supernatural races requested your assistance.” Neomi winced at the words. “Then, as rumors spread about your ability, some Nox started bullying other Cupids for answers. They wanted to find out if the rumors were true—if you really gave a witch eternal love.”

Evelyn sat dumbfounded. She didn’t know which Nox were involved, but it couldn’t be good since Neomi looked like she swallowed a bag of Sour Patch Kids. “What kind of Nox?”

“Small factions of dark supernaturals are planning attacks. We understand the groups include Fairies, Witches, Shifters, and Vampires.” Sheng explained. “Even Lux, our allies, are threatening to withdraw from peace treaties.”

“And, what am I supposed to do about it? I don’t know why I am the way I am, and I don’t know what my crazed red arrows will do if I shoot again. What if I can only use them on certain immortals? Or what if I pierce a werewolf-couple and it kills them?”

“One step at a time, my dear.” Neomi’s soft voice had a calming effect on Evelyn’s racing heart. “We have an important assignment for you. Your mark will include a Gargoyle named Roscoe.”

​Evelyn stood to her feet and placed her hands on her hips. “Wait a Ding Dong minute!”Title: Evelyn
Series: The Cupid Chronicles Novella
Author: Kallie Ross
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Evelyn Bowden, at nineteen, sacrificed herself for the love of her life. Her act inspired the heavens to deem her immortal as a Cupid. Piercing two hearts with true love takes more than a bow and some arrows. That’s where Andel Lambros comes in, he’s a handsome, experienced Cupid in charge of her training. While trying to prove herself worthy, Evelyn is challenged to deliver her first arrow, let go of her first love, and trust her mentor with her existence.
About the Author Writing unique adventures with heart.

Kallie Ross has a passion for writing that has become an adventure in itself. She desires to create unique

young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction.

In addition to loving her life as a writer, Kallie adores being a wife, mother, friend, and teacher. She

began her creative journey with books, a blog, podcast, and lots of caffeine. Ross never imagined her

own adventure would be filled with so many wonderful people or words!

The Belgrave Legacy: First Draft to Publication

Welcome to the final day of The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series. This series started on September 20, 2016.

You can see all my past posts on this page:The Belgrave Legacy Blog Series ArchiveFrom First Draft to PublicationTwo of the previous posts, ​Day 1 and Day 2, talk about the beginnings of The Belgrave Legacy, both the inception of the idea and a few examples of how the first draft has changed in transforming into the published version of The Belgrave Legacy that was released yesterday (you can find all the buy links below).

Today, I'm going into a bit more into the functional details alluded to in both of those other posts (mostly, the timeframe it took from start to finish).After reading Day 1's post, you know how the idea and Chapter 1 came to to be. What I didn't mention there is that I wrote a whole draft in a month during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), an awesome writing campaign that gets authors to be productive and brings literacy programs into schools all over the world.

But that was just the beginning. It took me 2 years to write a first draft of The Belgrave Daughter (what was going to be Book 1 of The Belgrave Legacy trilogy). And then I revised it for another year. As I was going through more than eight different revisions, I also wrote first drafts of Tears of an Angel and The Witch’s War (which became Prophecy).

I “finished” The Belgrave Daughter, revised Tears of an Angel, and based on feedback from my early readers, I then decided to forget the trilogy idea and make it all into one book. And that involved moving bits from Part 1 to 2, deleting extraneous subplots from Part 2, and heightening the tension in Part 3 (you can read more about this in Day 2's post). This penultimate stage took place during the second half of my high school senior year and first quarter of my college freshman year.

And then the tweaking began anew in January 2016 as I tried to refine the story to its fullest potential and to the best of my ability before sending it to critique partners, making more changes, sending it to an editor, and the final cleanup. It wasn’t until May 2016 that I was able to officially call this manuscript completed. September 2016 is when the print cover was designed, and the rest is history.
​
It’s taken over 5 years (starting from The Belgrave Daughter’s first draft, all the writing periods and all the long gaps in between, and ending with this final version of The Belgrave Legacy that you’re now holding) for me to reach this point. And what a wild journey it’s been!About ​The Belgrave LegacyTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Publication Day: The Belgrave Legacy

It's finally here!!! The Belgrave Legacy in finally here and I'm so excited about it! You can now buy it from all major eBook retailers. How awesome is that?About the BookTitle: The Belgrave Legacy
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2016
eBook ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
eBook Length: 403 pages

Print ISBN-13: 978-0-9864279-1-6
Book Length: Paperback, 286 pages

A Reluctant Heroine. A Snarky Angel. A Big Mess.

Fawn doesn't believe in magic. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of an ancient feud, she must learn to control her powers.

Caleb is sick of Hell. But when a simple seduction becomes complicated by real feelings, he is forced to pick between keeping his past or fighting for his future.

Can this young witch navigate a dangerous world with the dark angel assigned to romance and seduce her by her side?

The Belgrave Legacy is an upper-young adult paranormal romance novel with a feminist twist. Filled with magic, witches, angels, demons, Zara Hoffman's "coming of age" story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.