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Wasted #1
Elegantly Wasted
“Just because I kill people, doesn’t mean I’m a bad person...”
On the eve of her high school graduation, proper socialite Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm rebelled against her elitist and controlling family to pursue the dark lifestyle of a contract killer for the enigmatic Osiris Corporation. Years later, with her training complete, she believes she's doomed to the life of a sociopathic lone gun until a botched hit brings two unlikely allies, her cousins Addison and Katharine.
Using Katharine’s etiquette school, Elegance, Inc., as a front, the trio weave through Frankie’s dark underworld, carrying out contracts, drinking too much wine, and trying not to get each other killed.
Trouble follows the team home when the death of the cruel Fairholm matriarch reveals more than they ever wanted to know about their family. As the funeral preparations play out, the trio begin to realize there is much more to their employer than meets the eye and their family connections run deeper than they ever imagined.
On the eve of her high school graduation, proper socialite Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm rebelled against her elitist and controlling family to pursue the dark lifestyle of a contract killer for the enigmatic Osiris Corporation. Years later, with her training complete, she believes she's doomed to the life of a sociopathic lone gun until a botched hit brings two unlikely allies, her cousins Addison and Katharine.
Using Katharine’s etiquette school, Elegance, Inc., as a front, the trio weave through Frankie’s dark underworld, carrying out contracts, drinking too much wine, and trying not to get each other killed.
Trouble follows the team home when the death of the cruel Fairholm matriarch reveals more than they ever wanted to know about their family. As the funeral preparations play out, the trio begin to realize there is much more to their employer than meets the eye and their family connections run deeper than they ever imagined.
- GenresNew AdultContemporary
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
C. Elizabeth Vescio
7 books45 followersC. Elizabeth Vescio (or just Cara) is the author of the Wasted Series and Adventures of the Dress. She published her first book, Elegantly Wasted in 2012 and is currently on her 4th book. Cara is a photographer, gamer, cosplayer and animal enthusiast. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and four mutts. She’s passionate about Shakespeare, Paul Simon and Loki as portrayed by Tom Hiddleson.
Motto: Sarcasm is life.
Motto: Sarcasm is life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 10, 2012
"Elegantly Wasted" is a fantastic novel. Full disclosure, I’m lucky enough to be friends with the author – but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s written an amazing novel. And it’s her first novel. How often does an author knock it out of the park on her first at-bat?
Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm is tapped to enter a super-secret society of contract killers fresh out of high school, a society she enters without a qualm – she’s never quite fit into her oh-so-proper family, and Osiris seems to provide her with the job she was born to do. When her cousins Kat and Addi become involved, the whole thing gets a little more complicated. What’s Osiris’ master plan for the Fairholm family? And can Frankie control her killer instincts when it counts?
It’s tough to categorize this novel…action? Thriller? Is Action Thriller a category? It’s equal parts both, with a strong dose of humor and a lot of heart. The writing is strong throughout. The characters are three-dimensional – all too often, in these types of novels, the main character is fully-fleshed-out (if you’re lucky) and the tertiary characters are cardboard cutouts, only there so you can see how the main character will react to them. Not so in this novel. Each character is real. They react like you’d imagine real characters would, were they thrust into these situations. You feel for them; you laugh with them; you want them to succeed (or, in some cases, fail…there is one TRULY loathsome character in the book that I was not at all rooting for. You’ll know who the character is when they raise their evil head. Trust me.)
Each chapter is introduced with a quote – from a famous author, a public figure, a movie, a song – each chosen perfectly for the chapter. I thrilled coming across some of my favorite quotes. Ms. Vescio has a deft hand with pop culture references, which I love – if you overuse pop culture, you look like you’re trying too hard. She uses them perfectly – to season, not to overwhelm.
Best of all, the format of the book is such that there are so many opportunities for sequels. There is so far she can go with this book. There are so many directions in which she can go and always opportunities for new scenarios – because there are always people that need to be killed, and there is always the opportunity to introduce new characters by introducing new contract killers to the group. And while friends may come and go, family is forever. Frankie and Kat and Addi are tied together by blood, and you know they’ll have their ups and downs, but you know they’re bound. It’s comforting, that kind of connection.
Many congratulations to my friend – I couldn’t be more proud of her. I predict a long, successful run for this series. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm is tapped to enter a super-secret society of contract killers fresh out of high school, a society she enters without a qualm – she’s never quite fit into her oh-so-proper family, and Osiris seems to provide her with the job she was born to do. When her cousins Kat and Addi become involved, the whole thing gets a little more complicated. What’s Osiris’ master plan for the Fairholm family? And can Frankie control her killer instincts when it counts?
It’s tough to categorize this novel…action? Thriller? Is Action Thriller a category? It’s equal parts both, with a strong dose of humor and a lot of heart. The writing is strong throughout. The characters are three-dimensional – all too often, in these types of novels, the main character is fully-fleshed-out (if you’re lucky) and the tertiary characters are cardboard cutouts, only there so you can see how the main character will react to them. Not so in this novel. Each character is real. They react like you’d imagine real characters would, were they thrust into these situations. You feel for them; you laugh with them; you want them to succeed (or, in some cases, fail…there is one TRULY loathsome character in the book that I was not at all rooting for. You’ll know who the character is when they raise their evil head. Trust me.)
Each chapter is introduced with a quote – from a famous author, a public figure, a movie, a song – each chosen perfectly for the chapter. I thrilled coming across some of my favorite quotes. Ms. Vescio has a deft hand with pop culture references, which I love – if you overuse pop culture, you look like you’re trying too hard. She uses them perfectly – to season, not to overwhelm.
Best of all, the format of the book is such that there are so many opportunities for sequels. There is so far she can go with this book. There are so many directions in which she can go and always opportunities for new scenarios – because there are always people that need to be killed, and there is always the opportunity to introduce new characters by introducing new contract killers to the group. And while friends may come and go, family is forever. Frankie and Kat and Addi are tied together by blood, and you know they’ll have their ups and downs, but you know they’re bound. It’s comforting, that kind of connection.
Many congratulations to my friend – I couldn’t be more proud of her. I predict a long, successful run for this series. I can’t wait for the next installment.
June 24, 2013
First and foremost, hurray for new adult contemporary that isn't formulaic as hell!! I love that Frankie doesn't go to college, get piss drunk in an effort to get over her tragically frat-ified high school virginity thief, fall in love with some dark, mysterious, brooding hunk, and get engaged before she earns her MRS degree. I think those are fun reads, don't get me wrong, but when I found out what New Adult "meant," I imagined something beyond American Pie Presents: Beta House. Vescio blows that out of the water--both literally and figuratively.
She also accomplishes the not-so-easy task of making a female serial killer a heroine. And a likable one at that. Frankie is just authentic enough for me to suspend my disbelief that a sheltered chick right out of high school could be trained as a contract killer. She's flawed and tangible and funny as hell. And despite the fact that she spends the majority of the book doing VERY bad things, I found myself rooting for her.
I felt at times like the pace and structure could have been better executed, but I think that's because Vescio works very hard to avoid infodumping and backstory in a tale that needs a lot of background to be told well. She accomplished this through the use of a lot of flashbacks, which for me got a little confusing at first. This sequencing boggle cleared itself up well before the end, however, and once I got to the heart of the story I couldn't put it down.
The love story is definitely not the focus in Elegantly Wasted, though there are some romantical elements to girlie-sigh over. (Can contract killers girlie-sigh? Hmm...) I, personally, wanted more Spark, and from the teaser for Book 2 at the back, it looks like we'll be seeing more of him in the sequel coming this fall so yay!
The only other factor I struggled with was a feeling at times that I was drowning in pop culture references, though I suspect that's just as much me as it is the book. I haven't had cable since college (and we won't talk about how long ago that was now) and I'd never heard a Justin Bieber song until 2011 (I worked hard at that .) So I felt like I was on the outside of some inside jokes at times, but not too often.
Short story long, pick this one up.
She also accomplishes the not-so-easy task of making a female serial killer a heroine. And a likable one at that. Frankie is just authentic enough for me to suspend my disbelief that a sheltered chick right out of high school could be trained as a contract killer. She's flawed and tangible and funny as hell. And despite the fact that she spends the majority of the book doing VERY bad things, I found myself rooting for her.
I felt at times like the pace and structure could have been better executed, but I think that's because Vescio works very hard to avoid infodumping and backstory in a tale that needs a lot of background to be told well. She accomplished this through the use of a lot of flashbacks, which for me got a little confusing at first. This sequencing boggle cleared itself up well before the end, however, and once I got to the heart of the story I couldn't put it down.
The love story is definitely not the focus in Elegantly Wasted, though there are some romantical elements to girlie-sigh over. (Can contract killers girlie-sigh? Hmm...) I, personally, wanted more Spark, and from the teaser for Book 2 at the back, it looks like we'll be seeing more of him in the sequel coming this fall so yay!
The only other factor I struggled with was a feeling at times that I was drowning in pop culture references, though I suspect that's just as much me as it is the book. I haven't had cable since college (and we won't talk about how long ago that was now) and I'd never heard a Justin Bieber song until 2011 (I worked hard at that .) So I felt like I was on the outside of some inside jokes at times, but not too often.
Short story long, pick this one up.
August 26, 2016
I loved this book! I love that it is fresh, original, fast-paced, quirky and so much fun. Frankie Fairholm is the perfect main character with a sassy attitude and a foul mouth to boot. She may be an outcast in her own family, but she finds her place working for the enigmatic Osiris Corporation and damn, is she good at it. She is all cynicism and deft sarcasm and is thoroughly likable. I loved the relationship between Frankie and her two cousins Katherine and Addison. It’s a love-hate family dynamic that anyone can relate to and although they could not be more different from one another, their love comes through. They really shine coming from a family where appearances are everything and nobody really likes one another.
I especially enjoyed all of the pop culture references in the book. I found them to make the book very modern and edgy. Since I am a born and bred Arizona girl I also appreciated the true-to-life descriptions of life in the Valley of the Sun. Since nothing exciting really happens in my hometown in reality it was fun to take a fictional trip where everything is exciting and nothing is what it seems.
The plot is fast-paced and always exciting and the dialogue is witty and smart. The bickering that goes on between the girls is realistic and funny. When I say funny, I mean laugh-out-loud hysterical. Vescio has a great conversational writing style and her wit shines through in every scene. As a reader I am invested in these characters and cannot wait for the next book to come out. This is a family that I want to follow and can only imagine that their escapades get bigger and better in the future.
My only complaint a bout the book has nothing to do with the writing, but with the formatting. I read the e-book version and found the formatting to be distracting. The paragraphs are not set apart from one another, leading to a sort of run-on look to the story on the pages. Thankfully the story is so engaging that I was able to put the formatting woes behind me and just enjoy.
If you’re looking for a book that has mystery, intrigue, drama, and humor, get your hands on ELEGANTLY WASTED. I highly recommend it!
I especially enjoyed all of the pop culture references in the book. I found them to make the book very modern and edgy. Since I am a born and bred Arizona girl I also appreciated the true-to-life descriptions of life in the Valley of the Sun. Since nothing exciting really happens in my hometown in reality it was fun to take a fictional trip where everything is exciting and nothing is what it seems.
The plot is fast-paced and always exciting and the dialogue is witty and smart. The bickering that goes on between the girls is realistic and funny. When I say funny, I mean laugh-out-loud hysterical. Vescio has a great conversational writing style and her wit shines through in every scene. As a reader I am invested in these characters and cannot wait for the next book to come out. This is a family that I want to follow and can only imagine that their escapades get bigger and better in the future.
My only complaint a bout the book has nothing to do with the writing, but with the formatting. I read the e-book version and found the formatting to be distracting. The paragraphs are not set apart from one another, leading to a sort of run-on look to the story on the pages. Thankfully the story is so engaging that I was able to put the formatting woes behind me and just enjoy.
If you’re looking for a book that has mystery, intrigue, drama, and humor, get your hands on ELEGANTLY WASTED. I highly recommend it!
September 12, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed the story in this book, and fully appreciated the sarcasm and cynicism. I grew to really love the characters and felt that they were fleshed out.
Toward the beginning of the book, I felt that the writing style was too choppy for my taste, but it improved, smoothed out and flowed better as I drew closer to the end of the book. Perhaps it was because there was less passage of time in between, but I felt by the end the author did a fantastic job of pulling the story together.
Altogether, I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes an intelligent, somewhat comic and interesting read that's about a somewhat taboo subject. Contract killers, anyone?
Toward the beginning of the book, I felt that the writing style was too choppy for my taste, but it improved, smoothed out and flowed better as I drew closer to the end of the book. Perhaps it was because there was less passage of time in between, but I felt by the end the author did a fantastic job of pulling the story together.
Altogether, I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes an intelligent, somewhat comic and interesting read that's about a somewhat taboo subject. Contract killers, anyone?
August 8, 2012
Read this in less than 24 hours after I bought it, which was moments after it was released. I couldn't put it down!!! I'm proud to have this as a part of my collection, and I hope Cara will sign my kindle! A fantastic journey, with great twists and turns, it's a ride you can't forget!
January 25, 2013
I loved this book. Just, loved it!
I can’t just say that and end my review there? Okay. Let’s start with the main character, Francesca. She is dark, witty, dry and yet refreshing. She is so real it’s as if she’s sitting in the room telling me the story herself. Add in the mix her cousin’s Addie and Kat, all three different in personality but all suffering under a severely messed up family, and you've got yourself an all star cast.
The plot is fresh, new, and kept me hooked from the instant I opened the book. The story begins at a funeral and we are quickly given questions, and through Francesca’s thoughts and flashbacks learn answers and see a glimpse of who she was and why she became who she is now.
I love the dark humor present in this story. Although dark subject matter (contract killers, so the whole story is basically about death and murder), it somehow remained light and amusing.
The story is well paced and skillfully flips between past and present. Loose ends are tied up, and the ending was even a bit surprising.
Please keep in mind that this book is for mature audiences.
I’m giving Elegantly Wasted 5 out of 5 stars.
I can’t just say that and end my review there? Okay. Let’s start with the main character, Francesca. She is dark, witty, dry and yet refreshing. She is so real it’s as if she’s sitting in the room telling me the story herself. Add in the mix her cousin’s Addie and Kat, all three different in personality but all suffering under a severely messed up family, and you've got yourself an all star cast.
The plot is fresh, new, and kept me hooked from the instant I opened the book. The story begins at a funeral and we are quickly given questions, and through Francesca’s thoughts and flashbacks learn answers and see a glimpse of who she was and why she became who she is now.
I love the dark humor present in this story. Although dark subject matter (contract killers, so the whole story is basically about death and murder), it somehow remained light and amusing.
The story is well paced and skillfully flips between past and present. Loose ends are tied up, and the ending was even a bit surprising.
Please keep in mind that this book is for mature audiences.
I’m giving Elegantly Wasted 5 out of 5 stars.
April 15, 2013
Oh sweet, hot goodness. I loved Elegantly Wasted. The characters, the plot...all deliciously demented in their own right and completely engaging. It was a fun, exciting ride while reading this sexy action! Elegantly Wasted is a wild, drunk, medicated, murderous, fun ride and I can't wait for the second one! It showed me a family that I could relate to and made me realize that I may have just a hint of a darker side in me.
August 22, 2012
It was really nice to see a heroine that isn't perfect. Frankie's sarcasm and mistakes make her so much more like someone you might actually encounter in real life than the usual book character. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
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November 23, 2015I give this book between a 4-4.5
So this book was definitely NOT one of my "normal" reads and I was hesitant at first to read it because I didn't think I could like it since it was not my normal genre. With that being said, I just had one of those feelings like I need to read this book, you know those feelings you sometimes get when you see a book and you just say ok I should read this, there is something about this book that is intriguing me???
Well, I got that feeling and dove straight in.. I don't think I came up for air until I reached the end and even then I was panting for more..
This book is like Charlie Angels on CRACK!! Three bad ass chicks (well it starts off with just Frankie and her cousins kind of get recruited) being assassins, kicking ass and taking care of the bad guys. AKA shanking, shooting, or slicing their necks.. It was gruesome but it was done in a funny way. Frankie's sense of sarcasm, wit, and humor made the whole book better. The situations were not so heavy and gross, it was comical and gross ;).
While reading, I couldn't figure out if I was crazy for loving it, if I needed to be institutionalized for laughing or if I was sociopath along with Frankie? I mean who finds humor in killing someone? But thats what this book did, it kept me intrigued and wanting to read more, taking me out of my comfort zone and placing me somewhere unknown but leaving me satisfied in what the book was doing and where it was heading.
"You have the spirit I always tried to obtain," she told me. I have more than that. I have spirit, sharp wit, unrelenting cynicism, and to top it all off I was just issued a suitcase of weapons"
Frankie the main character as previously stated was funny, witty, sarcastic, a little bitchy and all out crazy. But she had boundaries and she was the way she was because her home life was less than stellar.
The psychology student in me was cheering for the psychological concepts and craziness that was happening, the human side was cringing at what she had to live through.
I probably would have found joy in killing other people too if I was her (GAAASSSPPP, I know but when you read it you will see what I mean).
"Osiris just seems like a place for lost children," I suddenly felt sad, though I wasn't quite sure why. "No one wanted me around, so I had to leave home and join a company of killers to feel wanted."
This book is not just about killing people and hired chick assassins, it was also about three women finding their own way, away from the scrutiny of the family, while still keeping up a facade to the outside world. They had to learn to trust in not only themselves but in each other. Trust was a hard thing to come by in that family.
It was full of action, humor, sarcasm, and a crazy family with no moral compass. The ending is a dozy and you suspect but do not know the full weight of secrets the family is hiding.
You won't guess so it is better to not even try.
I was reading this book while riding in a car, on the way to visit family and I kept laughing and cringing and smacking my husband saying listen, listen, listen.. She just slept with her enemy and they compared her to a black widow *giggles ensue* and he just gives me a blank stare and asks if he has to be worried about me shanking him in the middle of the night...
Silly husband....
If you want to read an action packed book full of badass females who can shoot ya and smile afterwards, then sleep like a baby at night, this book is for you. If you have a minor obsession with Charlie Angels on crack then I suggest getting this book.
I promise it is not like any book you have read, if you are like me and read mostly NA, YA, and paranormal you might be hesitant but I advise you to just give it a try. It will take you out of your comfort zone and you will find yourself questioning your moral compass and asking yourself..
"Is it ok to kill someone who really deserve it??"
"Would I actually kill my worst enemy because they deserve bad things to happen to them??"
But it is a good read and a serious mind-fuck ;)
So this book was definitely NOT one of my "normal" reads and I was hesitant at first to read it because I didn't think I could like it since it was not my normal genre. With that being said, I just had one of those feelings like I need to read this book, you know those feelings you sometimes get when you see a book and you just say ok I should read this, there is something about this book that is intriguing me???
Well, I got that feeling and dove straight in.. I don't think I came up for air until I reached the end and even then I was panting for more..
This book is like Charlie Angels on CRACK!! Three bad ass chicks (well it starts off with just Frankie and her cousins kind of get recruited) being assassins, kicking ass and taking care of the bad guys. AKA shanking, shooting, or slicing their necks.. It was gruesome but it was done in a funny way. Frankie's sense of sarcasm, wit, and humor made the whole book better. The situations were not so heavy and gross, it was comical and gross ;).
While reading, I couldn't figure out if I was crazy for loving it, if I needed to be institutionalized for laughing or if I was sociopath along with Frankie? I mean who finds humor in killing someone? But thats what this book did, it kept me intrigued and wanting to read more, taking me out of my comfort zone and placing me somewhere unknown but leaving me satisfied in what the book was doing and where it was heading.
"You have the spirit I always tried to obtain," she told me. I have more than that. I have spirit, sharp wit, unrelenting cynicism, and to top it all off I was just issued a suitcase of weapons"
Frankie the main character as previously stated was funny, witty, sarcastic, a little bitchy and all out crazy. But she had boundaries and she was the way she was because her home life was less than stellar.
The psychology student in me was cheering for the psychological concepts and craziness that was happening, the human side was cringing at what she had to live through.
I probably would have found joy in killing other people too if I was her (GAAASSSPPP, I know but when you read it you will see what I mean).
"Osiris just seems like a place for lost children," I suddenly felt sad, though I wasn't quite sure why. "No one wanted me around, so I had to leave home and join a company of killers to feel wanted."
This book is not just about killing people and hired chick assassins, it was also about three women finding their own way, away from the scrutiny of the family, while still keeping up a facade to the outside world. They had to learn to trust in not only themselves but in each other. Trust was a hard thing to come by in that family.
It was full of action, humor, sarcasm, and a crazy family with no moral compass. The ending is a dozy and you suspect but do not know the full weight of secrets the family is hiding.
You won't guess so it is better to not even try.
I was reading this book while riding in a car, on the way to visit family and I kept laughing and cringing and smacking my husband saying listen, listen, listen.. She just slept with her enemy and they compared her to a black widow *giggles ensue* and he just gives me a blank stare and asks if he has to be worried about me shanking him in the middle of the night...
Silly husband....
If you want to read an action packed book full of badass females who can shoot ya and smile afterwards, then sleep like a baby at night, this book is for you. If you have a minor obsession with Charlie Angels on crack then I suggest getting this book.
I promise it is not like any book you have read, if you are like me and read mostly NA, YA, and paranormal you might be hesitant but I advise you to just give it a try. It will take you out of your comfort zone and you will find yourself questioning your moral compass and asking yourself..
"Is it ok to kill someone who really deserve it??"
"Would I actually kill my worst enemy because they deserve bad things to happen to them??"
But it is a good read and a serious mind-fuck ;)
March 1, 2013
I hated Frankie. Perhaps before saying that, it should be said that Elegantly Wasted was overall a decent read. I did so hate Frankie. Frankie is a hipster cynic. Everything is wrong with the world and everyone in it including herself. Oh wait, not including her. She sees herself as just that little bit too smart and too cool for everyone else. She’s a raging bitch but, in Frankie’s eyes, only because the evil people around her have made her that way. Everyone around Frankie is simply too evil. She doesn’t even like the people she likes. She looks down on both Kat and Addi and even almost seems to revel in the fact that Kat’s marriage failed. As we get the story from Frankie’s view, we learn early on to look past what she’s saying to the actual action. So, yeah, very well written character. To give it to her family, I’d want to punch her in the face too.
Despite Frankie’s contempt for everyone, even her cousins, the relationship between the three women plays out in a believable and fun way. These are three women who have been in the trenches, lost touch, had arguments and come out even more on the side of their cousins then before. One of my favorite things about this novel (discounting the direct approach to blood and getting it done) was their dynamic. When Kat finds out about her cousin’s job her horror leans more toward the idea that her dog knew before her. She doesn’t really absorb that what Frankie does for a living is kill folks and it wouldn’t be natural for her to have done so in that moment.
The first half of the novel takes place at the grandmother’s funeral and is told in flashbacks from Frankie’s recruitment to Osiris to he cousin’s finding out to planning their next move. I will admit it was a struggle to hold on for that first half because the majority of it was as self-absorbed as the main character. There is a bit of James Bond logic “he was supposed to kill you but you’re simply too hot” (applied in a broad sense) but that’s easily overlooked as the story progresses. The main character must stay alive for the story to move forward. One the true action begins, the plot-line moves quickly and the action is written well and invested with a sincere sense of urgency in the will they or won’t they. Will this author sacrifice a main character because she seems the sort of writer who might? After all, after some time there’s more than one main character.
I would not call Elegantly Wasted the best thing I’ve read this year but it was okay. If you like action, strong female leads and drama Elegantly Wasted is the novel for you.
Despite Frankie’s contempt for everyone, even her cousins, the relationship between the three women plays out in a believable and fun way. These are three women who have been in the trenches, lost touch, had arguments and come out even more on the side of their cousins then before. One of my favorite things about this novel (discounting the direct approach to blood and getting it done) was their dynamic. When Kat finds out about her cousin’s job her horror leans more toward the idea that her dog knew before her. She doesn’t really absorb that what Frankie does for a living is kill folks and it wouldn’t be natural for her to have done so in that moment.
The first half of the novel takes place at the grandmother’s funeral and is told in flashbacks from Frankie’s recruitment to Osiris to he cousin’s finding out to planning their next move. I will admit it was a struggle to hold on for that first half because the majority of it was as self-absorbed as the main character. There is a bit of James Bond logic “he was supposed to kill you but you’re simply too hot” (applied in a broad sense) but that’s easily overlooked as the story progresses. The main character must stay alive for the story to move forward. One the true action begins, the plot-line moves quickly and the action is written well and invested with a sincere sense of urgency in the will they or won’t they. Will this author sacrifice a main character because she seems the sort of writer who might? After all, after some time there’s more than one main character.
I would not call Elegantly Wasted the best thing I’ve read this year but it was okay. If you like action, strong female leads and drama Elegantly Wasted is the novel for you.
December 7, 2012
I started reading this book a few months back, then life got in the way, so I had to put it down for a while before finishing it. Once I picked it back up, I wasn't able to put it back down. I synced it between my Kindle and my iphone so that I always had it with me.
Here's what I didnt like:
Some of the characters names were a little hard to believe. It could be just me, but The Beek will always be associated w/ the name Dawson, so reading it and having to associate a Killer with the name Dawson was a little hard for me to get over. I'm reading it, trying to picture a grown man doing dirty deeds, and all I could envision was Dawson crying over Joey.
I think it could of been a little longer of a read. There was plenty of twist and intrigue, but I think the story could of been a little longer and the book wouldnt of suffered from it.
Here's what I liked:
I liked the conversational style of the writing. As I read, I could visualize three girls getting snippy with each other very easily due to the nature of the writing.
I liked and enjoyed the cussing. I cuss in my everyday life, and I know other people do too, so it made sense that a contract killer would have the mouth of a sailor.
It's definitely a fun read, and I definitely recommend it.
Here's what I didnt like:
Some of the characters names were a little hard to believe. It could be just me, but The Beek will always be associated w/ the name Dawson, so reading it and having to associate a Killer with the name Dawson was a little hard for me to get over. I'm reading it, trying to picture a grown man doing dirty deeds, and all I could envision was Dawson crying over Joey.
I think it could of been a little longer of a read. There was plenty of twist and intrigue, but I think the story could of been a little longer and the book wouldnt of suffered from it.
Here's what I liked:
I liked the conversational style of the writing. As I read, I could visualize three girls getting snippy with each other very easily due to the nature of the writing.
I liked and enjoyed the cussing. I cuss in my everyday life, and I know other people do too, so it made sense that a contract killer would have the mouth of a sailor.
It's definitely a fun read, and I definitely recommend it.
June 14, 2013
(Disclaimer: I am friends with the author.) Now that's out of the way -- I really liked this book. I thought the concept was fresh and captivating. I mostly liked the characters (Kat irritates me to no end). I didn't grasp the twist until just before the main character did. There were a few grammar/editing issues here and there, but they are small and mostly nitpick-y. Overall, this novel was a wonderful beach read -- fast, funny, and even a little sexy. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!
(Random side note: My parents live near Thunderbird in Scottsdale, so I was tickled to think that Elegance, Inc. was so close. LOL)
(Random side note: My parents live near Thunderbird in Scottsdale, so I was tickled to think that Elegance, Inc. was so close. LOL)
July 23, 2013
I don't read books like this. I read YA-- kissing, teen angst, converse wearing jocks. Not contract killers. And yet, this book sucked me in immediately with its raw characters and unmatched wit. C. Elizabeth Vescio has a grasp on characterization and dialogue that is truly unique. Her ability to breakdown the internal struggles of each character while creating real and humorous banter on the page is an exceptional writing skill. Not to mention a complex plot and sensitive subject matter.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I can't wait to read the sequel. The world has only just been exposed to Frankie. I think there are greater things to come for her and C. Elizabeth Vescio.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I can't wait to read the sequel. The world has only just been exposed to Frankie. I think there are greater things to come for her and C. Elizabeth Vescio.
December 7, 2013
This was an interesting, edgy read. I like that the author has become successful on ebooks without a major publishing deal (book is only $3.99 on Amazon), although major publishing house editing might have helped some of the awkward phrasing. Despite the grammatical distractions, I really liked the book. It is hard to categorize--part violent and suspenseful thriller, part psychological character study, part comedy. In any case, it was hard to put down and I look forward to the author's next book in the series.
January 7, 2013
Absolutely loved this book. It was dark and witty, the characters were well written for an initial book - if there as sequels I'd love it if the author explores more of each character though. Great twist in the end - totally didn't see it coming and I'm usually good at figuring plot twists out.
November 6, 2013
Plenty of sarcasm and humor, action and intrigue, and a little good old self discovery: What more could you ask for?
Full review at Bookish Treasures
Full review at Bookish Treasures
May 23, 2014
Great book! The main character, Frankie, is an eccentric contract killer with a cynical sense of humor and a crazy family! Lots of twists and turns, lots of different personalities and locations. Loved it and I'm so happy this is a series because I want to read more!
September 15, 2012
entertaining. humorous. interesting plot about a family of contract killers.
October 4, 2012
This book was fun - I really enjoyed it and the premise of it - would love to follow "the family" further :)
November 13, 2012
Awesome book!! Well written and full of wit, humor and thrill!!! But read if you're cool enough to handle it.
February 14, 2014
ELEGANTLY WASTED is a lot of things. Funny. Clever. Self-deprecating. It's as if The Godfather mated with Grosse Pointe Blank and rolled around in a Judy Blume novel. Regardless of any comparisons drawn, ELEGANTLY WASTED is a unique delight in a sea of popular and new adult fiction.
There's just something about Frankie you can't stop loving in spite of one little issue. She's a contract killer. A gun for hire. A murderer.
She's conflicted about any number of things...just not about killing people. After escaping her wealthy, dysfunctional family to train as a killer, Frankie is happily learning her craft. She's trained by an odd duo of men (the kind you don't take home to Mother) who make sure she makes her mark and gets out alive. She's a natural, making kill after kill. And...then she has one bad night and ends up back in Arizona with the family she's so grateful to be away from. After various turns of events, she's no longer a lone gun and must make room in her solitary killing existence for other people. Not JUST people, but family.
The Fairholm's family secrets unfold in a delicious fashion, especially after the 70% mark. When it all comes to a head, the new story evolves in time for the recently published sequel, UNCONTROLLABLY WASTED. Make no mistake...ELEGANTLY WASTED is story with a satisfying ending. You could stop now, but I can't imagine you'll want to.
Mad props to the author, C. Elizabeth Vescio. First, anyone who borrows a book title from INXS is a soul sister of mine. Pop culture references abound, leaving me loving her the same way I love Tara Sivec and Alice Clayton. If Suicide Blonde is the color of your hair or you're known to shock me, shock me, shock me with an Empire Records line from time to time, you're in the right place. Vescio's other life as a graphic artist serves her well. Her Wasted Series webpage is sharp, gorgeous, and sets just the right tone. Check it out.
5 stars
February 14, 2014
So it's no secret that I sometimes complain a lot about the New Adult genre. I think it holds a lot of promise and potential but I keep finding myself wanting more from the books I've read. Elegantly Wasted manages to fit itself into a category of NA books that I have relatively few complaints about. I feel like a lot of NA relies on the storyline of "girl loses boy, girl vows never to fall in love again, girl has crazy sexy times with bad boy who she totally like reforms and stuff". Maybe that's an unfair assessment, but at least, that's been my experience, so I was really glad to find out that this book didn't go anywhere near that nonsense.
Frankie is a sassy, compelling main character and her dysfunctional family provides a great set-up for Frankie's descent into the world of underground contract killings. Things start kind of slow at first as we are introduced to Frankie and her family, and see how Frankie joins up with Osiris, the group that trains her to be a killer. The story picks up once Kat and Addie get involved, as Frankie finds herself going from lone wolf to part of a team. She's not a girl who plays well with others, so watching the three of them try to learn to work together is awesome.
The beginning of the book did involve a lot of flashbacks and such, to catch the readers up with all of the family history and Frankie's past, so there is a lot of telling-not-showing and infodumps, but the pacing evens out once all of that is out of the way, and the book is a smooth ride from there out. Overall, I am a sucker for weird family dynamics, so this book definitely worked for me. I was also hooked really quickly as I wanted to know lots more about Osiris -- how did they find Frankie? who bankrolls them? how deep does this really go? We do get a ton of answers, and an awesome ride along the way, but things are left wide open for the second book in the series, too.
Frankie is a sassy, compelling main character and her dysfunctional family provides a great set-up for Frankie's descent into the world of underground contract killings. Things start kind of slow at first as we are introduced to Frankie and her family, and see how Frankie joins up with Osiris, the group that trains her to be a killer. The story picks up once Kat and Addie get involved, as Frankie finds herself going from lone wolf to part of a team. She's not a girl who plays well with others, so watching the three of them try to learn to work together is awesome.
The beginning of the book did involve a lot of flashbacks and such, to catch the readers up with all of the family history and Frankie's past, so there is a lot of telling-not-showing and infodumps, but the pacing evens out once all of that is out of the way, and the book is a smooth ride from there out. Overall, I am a sucker for weird family dynamics, so this book definitely worked for me. I was also hooked really quickly as I wanted to know lots more about Osiris -- how did they find Frankie? who bankrolls them? how deep does this really go? We do get a ton of answers, and an awesome ride along the way, but things are left wide open for the second book in the series, too.
January 25, 2016
If you love assassin stories , then Cara's series The Wasted Series is the read for you as we start with the setting of Frankie's grandmother's funeral - the Matriach of the family and we learn that she comes from a family of killers , it felt like a mob family. Frankie was always a bit of a Black sheep and when she graduated High School , she was given a choice to escape the family and become part of an organisation called Osiris or attend college at Dartmouth. She chose the first and travelled to Egypt where she was introduced to the world of contract killers and hitmen/woman aka Strikers. For years , she trained to be the best until one day she went undercover at her cousin Kat's job and a hit went wrong which ended with her shot and having to go to one of the Company's doctors which to her surprise was her cousin Addie. Eventually Kat joined the company and the three of them became part of the killer organisation Osiris but secrets are revealed at their grandmother's funeral and after her death that reveal their families part in Osiris and that family connections can run deeper than anyone could imagine. That no matter how far you try to escape from your family, you will always be found and connected. Family is their with you forever.
This book is like Charlie Angels with Three bad ass chicks being assassins, kicking ass and taking care of the bad guys. AKA shanking, shooting, or slicing their necks.
If you love Assassin, Spy Stories, Dysfunctional Families - the whole "shebang" then Elegantly Wasted is the book for you.
This book is like Charlie Angels with Three bad ass chicks being assassins, kicking ass and taking care of the bad guys. AKA shanking, shooting, or slicing their necks.
If you love Assassin, Spy Stories, Dysfunctional Families - the whole "shebang" then Elegantly Wasted is the book for you.
July 16, 2013
C. Elizabeth Vescio hits her mark with her first book of the Wasted series, Elegantly Wasted. The book's dark humor plays effectively against the wacky battiness of the characters; creating the perfect storm for the Fairholm women to exorcise demons, both within and without.
Which they do.
As contract killers who operate their agency through a family-owned etiquette company, the Fairholms are thrown together to create a dubious team. Frankie Fairholm is at the helm; her cousins Addie and Kat fulfilling supporting roles in this trinity. As with any family - and especially one with money and privilege, who likes their alcohol, even - or especially - in the morning (Kat: "I'm allergic to hangovers") - there are secrets, lies, and, of course, the eternal power struggle to win. The three Fairholms struggle to keep professionalism at the forefront and family drama out of it, but as secrets pile up, Frankie begins to realize how deeply her family is already involved with the agency, dictating her next move.
Vescio's writing is fiercely engaging from the first page. Frankie's acerbic wit, used to keep her sociopathic tendencies in-check, acts as humor relief for the reader while progressing the story's tight pace. In fact, each of the Fairholm women have their issues to contend with as a result of their highly functioning, dysfunctional family, which endears Vescio's characters to readers. It's Arrested Development's Bluth family, with a dark side and weapons.
Which they do.
As contract killers who operate their agency through a family-owned etiquette company, the Fairholms are thrown together to create a dubious team. Frankie Fairholm is at the helm; her cousins Addie and Kat fulfilling supporting roles in this trinity. As with any family - and especially one with money and privilege, who likes their alcohol, even - or especially - in the morning (Kat: "I'm allergic to hangovers") - there are secrets, lies, and, of course, the eternal power struggle to win. The three Fairholms struggle to keep professionalism at the forefront and family drama out of it, but as secrets pile up, Frankie begins to realize how deeply her family is already involved with the agency, dictating her next move.
Vescio's writing is fiercely engaging from the first page. Frankie's acerbic wit, used to keep her sociopathic tendencies in-check, acts as humor relief for the reader while progressing the story's tight pace. In fact, each of the Fairholm women have their issues to contend with as a result of their highly functioning, dysfunctional family, which endears Vescio's characters to readers. It's Arrested Development's Bluth family, with a dark side and weapons.
February 27, 2014
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
I wasn't sure how I would react to this book at first...rich girl turn contract killer. I wasn't sure how relatable the characters would be. Once I started reading this book though, all my concerns flew right out the window. This book kept me wanting more and drew me in quicker than I would have expected.
I liked all the flashbacks, which happen more in the first half of the book. This book reads like a friend is telling you their crazy life story. Some parts are funny, with the characters playing off each other well. I liked this approach to a novel and it helped me relate to these characters I might not have otherwise.
You can't go wrong with this book. It's intense, yet witty, which a bit of crazy thrown in as well. Each character is unique and brings their own spice to the novel. When characters are that well developed, it makes the story all the more worth reading.
I wasn't sure how I would react to this book at first...rich girl turn contract killer. I wasn't sure how relatable the characters would be. Once I started reading this book though, all my concerns flew right out the window. This book kept me wanting more and drew me in quicker than I would have expected.
I liked all the flashbacks, which happen more in the first half of the book. This book reads like a friend is telling you their crazy life story. Some parts are funny, with the characters playing off each other well. I liked this approach to a novel and it helped me relate to these characters I might not have otherwise.
You can't go wrong with this book. It's intense, yet witty, which a bit of crazy thrown in as well. Each character is unique and brings their own spice to the novel. When characters are that well developed, it makes the story all the more worth reading.
August 2, 2015
I've been putting off reading these because I wanted to wait and read the whole series together. However, they were on sale and I broke down and bought them for myself and a friend (I'm nice like that!) I had no idea what to expect but the book was really cute. It started out a bit rough and scattered, it's also written in first person which IMO always tends to read a bit ackward. After about 25% though the author finds her stride and the story really picks up. It was cute, I enjoyed it. I also wish I had read it sooner since the first book does not end in any sort of cliff-hanger so it's fine as a stand alone.
March 11, 2016
Elegantly Wasted was a great read. I struggled to put it down so I could get my work done. There were moments I felt like Frankie, there were moments I felt like Addi - Katherine just wasn't my style...
Pop-culture references made the book more real, more like it could be happening to someone right now. - I loved that! Most fiction I've read is historical or fantasy, but the few fiction books I've read outside those genres always felt out-of-date, no matter what technology level- because the cultural references were not there!
Great job Vescio, Can't wait until I can get the next one.
Pop-culture references made the book more real, more like it could be happening to someone right now. - I loved that! Most fiction I've read is historical or fantasy, but the few fiction books I've read outside those genres always felt out-of-date, no matter what technology level- because the cultural references were not there!
Great job Vescio, Can't wait until I can get the next one.
August 24, 2013
This story is awesome. Loved it. I'm finicky about the books I read. I get bored easily and frequently read 3 or 4 books at a time. This story kept my interest. I couldn't wait to pick it back up. Love Frankie and her "I know I got issues" personality! Kat is her favorite with her "just give me wine" personality. I can totally relate. Bottom line, this is a MUST READ!
September 27, 2013
I could rate it closer to 3 I guess. I ended up enjoying it enough in theory. I just didn't like the characters voice. As much as I personally have a potty mouth it seemed over the top. The plot seemed slightly juvenile. Maybe if it was billed as YA I could rate it higher. I'm okay with implausible plots but I guessed most of the twists well before the reveal.
October 20, 2014
Best book I have read in a LONG time! :)
If you like dysfunctional families, women who are just as much smart ass as bad ass, and a great read that leaves you wanting more (without the dreaded cliffhanger) - this should go on your "to read" list and bump it to the top!
Wish I hadn't waited so long to make time to read it! :)
If you like dysfunctional families, women who are just as much smart ass as bad ass, and a great read that leaves you wanting more (without the dreaded cliffhanger) - this should go on your "to read" list and bump it to the top!
Wish I hadn't waited so long to make time to read it! :)
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