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Secrets and Lies #1
Playing by the Rules
Piney Bluff, Texas. The absolute last place seventeen-year-old Kennedy Thatcher wanted to spend the last few weeks of summer vacation. But when her father's work means he has to disappear, she ends up living with her aunt in the middle of nowhere.
Some secrets are good.
Kennedy wants to go home, especially before she breaks Rule #1 - Never tell.
Some secrets are bad.
Kennedy has a gift, even though she calls it a curse. She's a Finder. She can find anyone…any time…anywhere. But using the gift comes with a price.
Some secrets are deadly.
Kennedy's dad is tracking a serial killer who has just chosen a new victim. The girl is still alive, at least for now. Kennedy could find her, but that would mean breaking the most important rule of all.
Will Kennedy make the choice to change her life forever?
* A Library Journal Self-e Select title
Some secrets are good.
Kennedy wants to go home, especially before she breaks Rule #1 - Never tell.
Some secrets are bad.
Kennedy has a gift, even though she calls it a curse. She's a Finder. She can find anyone…any time…anywhere. But using the gift comes with a price.
Some secrets are deadly.
Kennedy's dad is tracking a serial killer who has just chosen a new victim. The girl is still alive, at least for now. Kennedy could find her, but that would mean breaking the most important rule of all.
Will Kennedy make the choice to change her life forever?
* A Library Journal Self-e Select title
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2015
8 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
D'Ann Burrow
5 books42 followersD’Ann Burrow once told her preschool teacher she wanted to be a witch when she grew up. That simple comment signaled the start of a life-long fondness of things that go bump in the night. As she grew older, she could most often be found with her nose buried in a book.
Today, D’Ann enjoys the world of Supernatural, stories about guys with fangs, and she’s seldom met a disaster film she hasn’t liked. When she grows up, she’d like to work at the Haunted Mansion. Until then, watching Ghost Hunters will have to count as research.
D’Ann writes about secrets people keep. Even the bravest heroine or a guy with a heart of gold has a few skeletons in the closet they’d rather not share with the world. When those secrets get out, things get interesting.
Today, D’Ann enjoys the world of Supernatural, stories about guys with fangs, and she’s seldom met a disaster film she hasn’t liked. When she grows up, she’d like to work at the Haunted Mansion. Until then, watching Ghost Hunters will have to count as research.
D’Ann writes about secrets people keep. Even the bravest heroine or a guy with a heart of gold has a few skeletons in the closet they’d rather not share with the world. When those secrets get out, things get interesting.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 20, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
I really enjoyed the story and the interactions between almost all of the characters in this book. I think it was an honest depiction of what life in high school can be like and the author was very good to take several viewpoints not just one main character. Also, none of the characters had that perfect life so they were easy to relate to.
I would have liked to give the book 5 stars and the only reason I didn't is because it was also mentioned that one of the characters was able to find people (psychic abilities) but I noticed that this little bit of info didn't come up until over half way through the book. It almost felt as though that concept was an afterthought when it came to the book. I don't think a lot more needed to be added about it but I would have liked to see this ability brought up earlier even if only hinted at every once in a while.
The book overall would be one that I would be more than happy to recommend to any of my teen readers. It is pretty much clean, the f-bomb was only dropped twice in the entire book and the only other issue was there was one instance of an underage drinking party. A good read!
I really enjoyed the story and the interactions between almost all of the characters in this book. I think it was an honest depiction of what life in high school can be like and the author was very good to take several viewpoints not just one main character. Also, none of the characters had that perfect life so they were easy to relate to.
I would have liked to give the book 5 stars and the only reason I didn't is because it was also mentioned that one of the characters was able to find people (psychic abilities) but I noticed that this little bit of info didn't come up until over half way through the book. It almost felt as though that concept was an afterthought when it came to the book. I don't think a lot more needed to be added about it but I would have liked to see this ability brought up earlier even if only hinted at every once in a while.
The book overall would be one that I would be more than happy to recommend to any of my teen readers. It is pretty much clean, the f-bomb was only dropped twice in the entire book and the only other issue was there was one instance of an underage drinking party. A good read!
February 7, 2015
This was a joy to read, with great storytelling and captivating characters.
It should be noted that this is part of a series, and while the immediate tension is resolved within the book's pages, the overall story will reach over several books. For me, the storyline and characters were strong enough to keep me invested and intrigued, and even though I usually stay away from supernatural books, I expect I will be buying the next book in the series when it comes out.
D'Ann Burrow is a YA/NA writer to be reckoned with, and I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with.
It should be noted that this is part of a series, and while the immediate tension is resolved within the book's pages, the overall story will reach over several books. For me, the storyline and characters were strong enough to keep me invested and intrigued, and even though I usually stay away from supernatural books, I expect I will be buying the next book in the series when it comes out.
D'Ann Burrow is a YA/NA writer to be reckoned with, and I look forward to seeing what else she comes up with.
April 1, 2015
"Some rules are made to be broken." This book deserves more than 5 stars in my opinion. Wow, just wow!
When Kennedy is forced to move to her aunt's house in Piney Bluff, Texas, she is faced with many challenges. She must decide who to trust and whether to follow the set of rules she has been given. Will she make the choice to change her life forever?
My review: I read this book in two days, which is a record for me. I only put it down when my eyes could not focus on the words anymore. From the very first chapter, I needed to know more about Kennedy. Why she was so disconnected from her father and more connected with their maid? Where was her mother? Why was her father so secretive? D'Ann Burrow has such an ease about her writing, it was easy to feel as if I dove right into Kennedy's life. All of the characters were well described and I really enjoyed the relationship between Kennedy and Tanner. There is a mystery surrounding Kennedy's gift, but when it is revealed it is powerful, interesting and spine chilling. I need to read the next book when it comes out, I can't wait!
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and this is my honest review of Playing by the Rules.
When Kennedy is forced to move to her aunt's house in Piney Bluff, Texas, she is faced with many challenges. She must decide who to trust and whether to follow the set of rules she has been given. Will she make the choice to change her life forever?
My review: I read this book in two days, which is a record for me. I only put it down when my eyes could not focus on the words anymore. From the very first chapter, I needed to know more about Kennedy. Why she was so disconnected from her father and more connected with their maid? Where was her mother? Why was her father so secretive? D'Ann Burrow has such an ease about her writing, it was easy to feel as if I dove right into Kennedy's life. All of the characters were well described and I really enjoyed the relationship between Kennedy and Tanner. There is a mystery surrounding Kennedy's gift, but when it is revealed it is powerful, interesting and spine chilling. I need to read the next book when it comes out, I can't wait!
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and this is my honest review of Playing by the Rules.
March 20, 2015
Um...wow. Okay, where do I start?
Very interesting concept (although it took awhile to get into her actual 'gift/curse'
But when it did, oh boy, goosebumps!)
I liked the dual POV and thought the character development was pretty good. I really dislike Scarlett and hope she grows up in the next book. I understand the whole jealousy thing...but come on.
That ending.....the ending left me biting my nails! It was crrraaaaazzzy.
Now I'm dying to see what's going to happen in the next book.
Some pretty heavy stuff just happened.
All in all, very good book.
I give it 4 stars.
Can't wait for the next one!
Very interesting concept (although it took awhile to get into her actual 'gift/curse'
But when it did, oh boy, goosebumps!)
I liked the dual POV and thought the character development was pretty good. I really dislike Scarlett and hope she grows up in the next book. I understand the whole jealousy thing...but come on.
That ending.....the ending left me biting my nails! It was crrraaaaazzzy.
Now I'm dying to see what's going to happen in the next book.
Some pretty heavy stuff just happened.
All in all, very good book.
I give it 4 stars.
Can't wait for the next one!
July 6, 2015
While the book did start out a little slow it soon made me interested to know where things were going. And not waiting until the end to reveal certain things is something I really liked about this book.
I felt as though Kennedy was very relatable, although I probably would have escaped back and confronted my dad waaay earlier xD
I'm really looking forward to the next one. Hope it comes out soon :)
I felt as though Kennedy was very relatable, although I probably would have escaped back and confronted my dad waaay earlier xD
I'm really looking forward to the next one. Hope it comes out soon :)
February 11, 2015
I loved this book. The pacing was great and I enjoyed the POV switches between the two characters. The author got the voices right for both the female and male leads. The secondary characters were also well developed, I felt like I knew each one of them. Great setting descriptions without taking me out of the action. At the end of the story, I wanted to read more!
May 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. the plot kept me engaged and wanting you see what happened. Can't wait for the next one. you have to look past the few typos and into the story...which is both new and interesting.
October 21, 2015
It was a joy to read this book. Gradually finding out why Kennedy has those rules, and why her life is the way it is, makes it a very captivating story with interesting characters and some unexpected (paranormal) twists. Looking forward to the second book.
December 5, 2021
Browsing through the digital library and I come across this little number that is right up my alley. While it is your regular teen book with the usual high school cliches the author throws a little bit of the supernatural and mystery into the mix.
Our main character Kennedy is exactly as we expect her to be until she is not. Sent to live with her hippie aunt and hateful cousin, Kennedy lives by a strict list of rules that she rarely deviates from until an incident and she must break one of those most important rules.
Quick-paced and a short read that goes straight into book 2 its like Pam cat-nip.
Our main character Kennedy is exactly as we expect her to be until she is not. Sent to live with her hippie aunt and hateful cousin, Kennedy lives by a strict list of rules that she rarely deviates from until an incident and she must break one of those most important rules.
Quick-paced and a short read that goes straight into book 2 its like Pam cat-nip.
October 23, 2017
Absolutely amazing! A hidden gem for sure - I can't believe I'd never heard of this series before. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews