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Mob Princess #1
For Money and Love
An offer she can't refuse.
Kate Blessing is not your typical high school junior. She's a good student who's into guys and the latest designer jeans...and she's also part of the mob. Her father, Bobby Blessing, is the head of the family, and her mom, Amanda, is the brains behind the operation. Kate may not partake in the "family business," but she knows what goes down. She's proud of her family -- and of course, there are plenty of perks: her indoor pool, Caribbean vacations, expensive haircuts...
But when Amanda gets fed up with Bobby's cheating and moves out, someone needs to make decisions, give orders, and keep things running. Kate has no choice but to step into her mother's shoes and prop her dad up.
Bobby may be the face of the mob, but it's not long before the princess is running the show.
Kate Blessing is not your typical high school junior. She's a good student who's into guys and the latest designer jeans...and she's also part of the mob. Her father, Bobby Blessing, is the head of the family, and her mom, Amanda, is the brains behind the operation. Kate may not partake in the "family business," but she knows what goes down. She's proud of her family -- and of course, there are plenty of perks: her indoor pool, Caribbean vacations, expensive haircuts...
But when Amanda gets fed up with Bobby's cheating and moves out, someone needs to make decisions, give orders, and keep things running. Kate has no choice but to step into her mother's shoes and prop her dad up.
Bobby may be the face of the mob, but it's not long before the princess is running the show.
195 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2007
8 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Todd Strasser
227 books800 followersTodd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 33 reviews
June 29, 2013
Güzel kitaptı.Ama o ne biçim sondu??? Şimdi ne olacak??? diye soru bıraktı gerisinde :D
May 5, 2008
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Kate Blessing is very used to her life. She gets all of the designer handbags, the latest clothes, and any car that she wants. It doesn't even bother Kate that the only reason she is able to afford these luxury items is because her father is a mob boss. Having a family full of mobsters has never been a problem for Kate; she has always been around the lifestyle, just never a part of it. At least that is what she thought at first.
Her life was running smoothing until her mother, Amanda, decided that she couldn't handle Sonny's affairs anymore and up and left the family. The worst part is that Kate's mother was the one who held the mob together, since she was the one that Sonny, Kate's father, went to for advice. Now that Amanda has left, the mob seems to be falling apart.
But without even thinking about it, Kate begins to give advice to her father and to all the mobsters, advice that has actually helped them in some of their illegal activities. Unfortunately, one of these activities sparks a riff with another mob family. And just like that Kate finds herself in the middle of this problem, along with Nick, the son of the enemy. Having a mob as family doesn't seem like the greatest idea now, at least not for Kate.
FOR MONEY AND LOVE is the perfect book for anyone who wants a girl's point of view on the happenings of the mob, and it is definitely worth it. Todd Strasser creates an entertaining opening for his new MOB PRINCESS series. Unfortunately, the next book in the series, STOLEN KISSES, SECRETS, AND LIES, will take forever to be released -- well, in September to be precise.
Readers who enjoyed books such as SON OF THE MOB by Gordon Korman will want to get their hands on a copy of FOR MONEY AND LOVE.
Kate Blessing is very used to her life. She gets all of the designer handbags, the latest clothes, and any car that she wants. It doesn't even bother Kate that the only reason she is able to afford these luxury items is because her father is a mob boss. Having a family full of mobsters has never been a problem for Kate; she has always been around the lifestyle, just never a part of it. At least that is what she thought at first.
Her life was running smoothing until her mother, Amanda, decided that she couldn't handle Sonny's affairs anymore and up and left the family. The worst part is that Kate's mother was the one who held the mob together, since she was the one that Sonny, Kate's father, went to for advice. Now that Amanda has left, the mob seems to be falling apart.
But without even thinking about it, Kate begins to give advice to her father and to all the mobsters, advice that has actually helped them in some of their illegal activities. Unfortunately, one of these activities sparks a riff with another mob family. And just like that Kate finds herself in the middle of this problem, along with Nick, the son of the enemy. Having a mob as family doesn't seem like the greatest idea now, at least not for Kate.
FOR MONEY AND LOVE is the perfect book for anyone who wants a girl's point of view on the happenings of the mob, and it is definitely worth it. Todd Strasser creates an entertaining opening for his new MOB PRINCESS series. Unfortunately, the next book in the series, STOLEN KISSES, SECRETS, AND LIES, will take forever to be released -- well, in September to be precise.
Readers who enjoyed books such as SON OF THE MOB by Gordon Korman will want to get their hands on a copy of FOR MONEY AND LOVE.
February 24, 2009
When I picked this book up, I was intrigued by it. It just never lived up to it potential. It was very cliché. In some places, it even poked fun at being cliché, but I though it was over the top. It takes incredible suspension of disbelief to believe not only that a 16 year old girl in running the mob, but that her father just handed it over to her, as he has too many other problems to deal with. Maybe my imagination just isn’t that good. I kept waiting for something big and mob like to happen. It never did. So what makes this a YA book instead of a juvenile fiction? With that said, I did like Kate. Mature for a high school kid, but a likeable character. I also liked her brother (Sonny Jr.), Teddy and Nick. I could buy into those characters. I just wish more had happened. I liked that she got the guy in the end (I just won’t tell you which one, ha!) I also thought the ending was logical, and opened things up nicely for the next book. Will I read the next book? Maybe. If there is nothing else I want to read that week, and if it happens to be there. But it will be more out of curiosity about what happens with the characters, and if he can pull it off a bit better with the second, now that the ground work is laid. But I’m not rushing out to get it.
January 15, 2010
"MOB Princess For Money And Love"by:Todd Strasser is a very interest book. I can relate to my main character,Kate. Whose family happens to be a mobster family.Kate is the youngest outof te family.Her family commits scams,theft,and Dvds. Kate have never been a part of these scams ,however she loves the indoor poll and everthing that she recieves from the scams like money.
Kate and he family lives in a rich neighborhood.Kate is a senior in high school. Her boyfriend Tanner that he has needs.So that ment that he was breaking up with her.That tanner wanted to be with Kate for the wrong reason.
Kate's father gives Kate everthing because Kate is the youngest child and the olny girl.she recieves everything. When Kate mom gets tired of Kate's father philandering(have casual affairs with women when married to another women).Then Kate's Mom decied to move out.Then that is when Kate have to step up to the plate and do everthing."A family that stays togother pray togother"
I would recommend this book to every one. If you want to read a book about a family that breaks up because of her father cheatig and how everything is when you have a mobter family.Then you should read "MOB Princess For Money And Love" By:Todd Starasser
Kate and he family lives in a rich neighborhood.Kate is a senior in high school. Her boyfriend Tanner that he has needs.So that ment that he was breaking up with her.That tanner wanted to be with Kate for the wrong reason.
Kate's father gives Kate everthing because Kate is the youngest child and the olny girl.she recieves everything. When Kate mom gets tired of Kate's father philandering(have casual affairs with women when married to another women).Then Kate's Mom decied to move out.Then that is when Kate have to step up to the plate and do everthing."A family that stays togother pray togother"
I would recommend this book to every one. If you want to read a book about a family that breaks up because of her father cheatig and how everything is when you have a mobter family.Then you should read "MOB Princess For Money And Love" By:Todd Starasser
April 2, 2012
"For Money and Love" by Todd Strasser was quite different then how i expected it too be. I was thinking that it would be more of a girly book, but it wasn't like that at all. I picked this book because a friend had told me it was a great book to read, so I decided to give it a try. "For money and Love" is about a family who is part of a mob; Bobby the father, whose head of the business. When Amanda, the mother, gets a divorce and leaves the family, its time for Kate, the daughter, to fill in and help her father. "All she wanted to to do was help her father in every way possible, and all shed succeeded in doing was hurting him the worst way imaginable" was my favorite quote from the book because it ties in with the theme of the story. One good theme for this book would be that family should always come first even in toughest times. Kate originally planned out to help her father in every-way, but fell in love and didn't pay too much attention to her dad. I didn't like the authors writing style too much because the book seemed to be really slow at times, and it didn't get to the point very well. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to read books about family and love.
December 19, 2007
Her mom just left her dad; her dad's girlfriend is pregnant; the SATs are getting close; and her dad's business is falling apart. Well, not so much falling apart as the fact that "Uncle" Benny Hacksaw, her dad's second-in-command, is trying to take over the organization. Did we mention that Kate Blessing's dad is a mafia boss? Oops, minor detail... especially for a high school girl who has to run the family business from behind closed doors!
I had high hopes for this book -- I love cheesy mafia novels and movies (any Godfather fans out there?), and this was a totally fun premise! Unfortunately, it was totally mediocre. Kate's voice doesn't sound like a girl at all; it sounds like the author was just trying to imagine how girls think but obviously never talked to one. She wasn't believable, and every other character was pretty two-dimensional.
Read this only if you want something pulpy.
--Courtney
I had high hopes for this book -- I love cheesy mafia novels and movies (any Godfather fans out there?), and this was a totally fun premise! Unfortunately, it was totally mediocre. Kate's voice doesn't sound like a girl at all; it sounds like the author was just trying to imagine how girls think but obviously never talked to one. She wasn't believable, and every other character was pretty two-dimensional.
Read this only if you want something pulpy.
--Courtney
August 18, 2008
Ok so I think I secretly wish to be in a huge family like the one in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I'm not sure what that has to do with this book, except I think of Italian families as big ones too. Except the family in this book wasn't that big (unless you count the mob "family"). All in all this book was a short read (only 19 short and very easy to read chapters), perfect for procrastination on my summer reading book. I liked the main character, she was smart and calculating and loyal, even though she was stuck in the classic tug between two guys (where for right now she picks the bad boy!). It's the first of a series and I'm interested to read more.
May 28, 2013
I thought this was a good book. This book is about a 16 year old girl who's parents broke up and her dad depends on her to hold the mob together and in order. I love all of the drama in this book. I still think it is kind of akward that a 16 year old runs a mob. I think this is a big job for a teenager and it would be difficult because she has school and she has an upcoming test. In my opinion, her father is putting to much pressure on her. I can relate to the challenges Kate must face. I really can't wait to read the second book.
October 4, 2011
I thought this book could have been a great one like "Son of the Mob", but it just didn't live up to it's potential. The idea behind this book was good, but something just kept " rubbing me the wrong way". I'm not sure if it's the writing style or maybe the events in the book that are so cringe worthy for me, but I kind of wish I could have my time back.
February 3, 2014
When I first saw this book it caught my attention because of the whole Mob thing. I never have seen many Ya books that have this as part of the plot. By the end of the book I just didn't feel it lived up to the potential that was there. The main character Kate is likable very mature for a high shcool kid. Would I read or recommend this book to close friends? Probably not.
April 8, 2016
There was so much wrong with this book.
1. Her friend's a ho
2. She's a ho
3. Shes's really dumb
4. She gets used by everyone, even her family and no one cares about her
5. Her friend should NOT have gotten over the whole carjacking thing so quickly, she barely gave it a glance
6. Neither of the main guys were attractive to the readers, one was weird and the other was an obvious player
1. Her friend's a ho
2. She's a ho
3. Shes's really dumb
4. She gets used by everyone, even her family and no one cares about her
5. Her friend should NOT have gotten over the whole carjacking thing so quickly, she barely gave it a glance
6. Neither of the main guys were attractive to the readers, one was weird and the other was an obvious player
January 20, 2015
A pretty good book in general, but I'm really not that big of a fan when a book leaves you with a cliff hanger so you HAVE to read the next one. That's just the writer caring only about selling more books or just having no idea how to finish the plot.
April 13, 2015
This book is so cliche and I hate but I'm sucked in. I have to keep reading. Kate is so dumb but I have to read it. That's all I'm gonna say bout this book.
Until the next book I read, don't do what your dad said was the one thing to never do!
Until the next book I read, don't do what your dad said was the one thing to never do!
November 25, 2008
High school junior, Kate Blessing, tries to live a normal life although her dad is a mob boss. When the organization experiences problems with a rival organization, Kate's dad asks for her help.
August 30, 2008
The begining got you reading and not letting you go. You wanted one thing to happen and then another thing happened. The end of the book had you wanting more and loving the end at the same time.
July 15, 2009
All of these books were just so-so. Another teen story with some humor.
November 4, 2009
I really liked this book.
Read
December 8, 2009Alyssia Recommends:
MOB Princess by Todd Strasser:
A young girl running from the family business. Very fun and exciting!
MOB Princess by Todd Strasser:
A young girl running from the family business. Very fun and exciting!
March 8, 2010
i gave this book a rate of 2 because it didnt really catch my attention but still i manage to finish it.
July 23, 2010
Love this. I'm a big fan of the Italian mafia for some reason. lol. Todd Strasser is a great author I've read a few books by him and have been satisfied each and every time.
November 25, 2010
Kind of a cliche idea, but decently done
May 16, 2011
Loved, loved, loved. If you like Son of the Mob, read this series. It's funny, a romance, friendship, and family in the "business."
September 14, 2011
ok im just going from memory here; overall a good read i recommend it.
January 1, 2012
well written and paced plot...Good story, strong characterization...worthwhile...I look forward to the other novels in this seriessss.
February 9, 2012
this book was pretty good but after the first one i tried to read the second and i just couldn't get through it.
December 12, 2012
This was a great book it has to do with love and secrets as well as money and betrayal. I highly recomend it!
May 7, 2020
some spoilers
- i remember reading this and the second book back when it first came out but never finished the series bc i was waiting for the 3rd book but then i forgot about the release
- which goes without saying, it’s a very forgettable book
- nothing really happens
- and it’s written very simply
- i mean it’s from 2007 so... there are issues
- not to mention that the solutions for the “problems” are so simple a 16/17 year old comes up with them....... over men who’ve been in the mob for years, decades but they have to turn to a teen to help with their problems?? lol ok
- also because it is so simple there’s no development or really any kind of background to the characters. they’re very 2D and don’t make you care about them at all. and there’s just no feeling to them?
- and at the same time some of them felt much older or younger than they’re supposed to be?
- also where does this take place??? bc the whole time i thought cali but apparently they’re within driving distance to atlantic city, which would mean new jersey (or even new york, tho i’m guessing more nj), yet she has an outdoor pool party in january?? something isn’t adding up
- also idk i just find it weird for an adult male author to write about two teens girls talking about sex, especially randi who brings it up in almost every scene she’s in. not to say teen girls don’t do that and that it shouldn’t be in the book, it just rubs me the wrong way
- also nick is an actual adult. he’s like 21-23 years old and yet... him and kate sleep together... oof
- kate really only does think about boys which can get annoying because girl... your uncle is trying gain control of the family, the rival mob family is stepping on your territory, your mom just left, your dad has a pregnant gf, all that ON TOP OF SCHOOL.... literally WHOMST has the time to think about boys rn
- but yes i will be continuing bc it’s been years and i wanna know how it ends akdnsj
- i remember reading this and the second book back when it first came out but never finished the series bc i was waiting for the 3rd book but then i forgot about the release
- which goes without saying, it’s a very forgettable book
- nothing really happens
- and it’s written very simply
- i mean it’s from 2007 so... there are issues
- not to mention that the solutions for the “problems” are so simple a 16/17 year old comes up with them....... over men who’ve been in the mob for years, decades but they have to turn to a teen to help with their problems?? lol ok
- also because it is so simple there’s no development or really any kind of background to the characters. they’re very 2D and don’t make you care about them at all. and there’s just no feeling to them?
- and at the same time some of them felt much older or younger than they’re supposed to be?
- also where does this take place??? bc the whole time i thought cali but apparently they’re within driving distance to atlantic city, which would mean new jersey (or even new york, tho i’m guessing more nj), yet she has an outdoor pool party in january?? something isn’t adding up
- also idk i just find it weird for an adult male author to write about two teens girls talking about sex, especially randi who brings it up in almost every scene she’s in. not to say teen girls don’t do that and that it shouldn’t be in the book, it just rubs me the wrong way
- also nick is an actual adult. he’s like 21-23 years old and yet... him and kate sleep together... oof
- kate really only does think about boys which can get annoying because girl... your uncle is trying gain control of the family, the rival mob family is stepping on your territory, your mom just left, your dad has a pregnant gf, all that ON TOP OF SCHOOL.... literally WHOMST has the time to think about boys rn
- but yes i will be continuing bc it’s been years and i wanna know how it ends akdnsj
June 10, 2021
Bulunduğum yerde okuyabileceğim tek kitaptı. Klişe olsada o kadar sıkıcı gelmedi
September 3, 2018
I gave this book 4 stars because it kept me entertained enough to finish it in one sitting. The story itself was slightly unbelievable. A mob boss letting his 16 year old daughter take control of things just doesn’t seem very likely.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 33 reviews