The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.
Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.
But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.
Publishes in US: May 14th 2013 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: YA contemporary
Source: Disney Hyperion
Series? Yes. The Rules for Disappearing is the 1st in The Rules for Disappearing series. The 2nd The Rules for Disappearing is untitled and releases in 2014.
Buy it: Barnes and Noble, BookDepository.com Books-A-Million, IndieBound and Amazon
Find Ashley online: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog
Loved this premise, and The Rules for Disappearing definitely delivered. It packed a lot of emotion that I wouldn't have necessarily expected. I connected with Meg, she was smart, and loyal to her family in a big way. I also loved her snark. She is by no means perfect because she has low self esteem at times (another reason I connected for her and cheered for her.)
The moving around from being in the witness protection program has taken a huge stress on her family, and Meg had to step up in ways that no teenager ever should. Taking responsibility for her little sister like she did told me so much about her character. I loved them both and hurt for everything they saw with their mom, the fear that they lived in, and I melted a bit at how deep their love for each other is.
The way that the first couple pages set it up is that there would be a love triangle, and honestly, I hope that it wouldn't turn out that way. And luckily it ended up being a one man show, and I was so thankful for that.
I really liked Ethan, but was frustrated for Meg's benefit at how perceptive and intuitive he was. He is quirky, witty, and has such a kind heart. I loved the romance, that they bantered, flirted, and that although they were attracted to one another, things built more slowly.
The mystery was great. It kept me on my toes, and the things that I thought would happen had a twist to it and then went in a new direction.
Oh, and the chapter headings are cute and funny.
The story itself wraps up pretty well, but the epilogue definitely leaves room for many more questions and has me eager for the next book.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you like a chance to start over in a new town with a new identity or not?
I was so frustrated with Ethan's quickness too-I kept wanting to tell him to give her a break and just swallow her story because it was stressing her out!
ReplyDeleteI know! But I think he was just that inquisitive, like he couldn't help himself
DeleteYay for a non-love-triangle. And the premise sounds interesting enough, but I'm not sure that I want to jump into another series/trilogy right now...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
I know! The non triangle made me so happy, but know what you mean about starting a series that is not finsihed, I just can't help myself
DeleteI have this one, and I was really hoping to start it soon, And it sounds like I really do need to do that and soon. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I finished it all in one day so quick but good
DeleteHaving moved several times to towns in which I didn't know anyone, I almost felt as if I did have the freedom of a new identity. This book sounds great and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so hard though, but yes it is a chance to start over!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed this one so much! I've read several positive reviews lately, so I'm rethinking my dismissal of this book. Ethan sounds fabulous, and I love that there's a compelling mystery that kept you on your toes! I don't think I'd want to move to a new town and start over unless I was in serious danger (and needed witness protection like Meg). :-) Wonderful review Brandi!
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard to start over
DeleteI see a lot of people has enjoyed this book so I guess it'll be on my list for this summer. I'm so happy that you've connected with the main character that's always great. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and suspenseful
DeleteOhh cute chapter headings! I love that! I know there are more important things I should have focused on, but I love cute chapter headings lol. This sounds like a good one! Great review!
ReplyDeleteLOL, its the little things
DeleteThis sounds really good, Brandi! I think that I would probably enjoy it, and Meg sounds like a good character! (LOL, we have the same name. ;D) Awesome review, girly!
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question, I think that it would be fun for a while, but...I come from a town where everyone knows each other, so it would probably get old very quickly. LOL.
Yeah, it would get old quickly
DeleteThis sounds really interesting! And I've been really liking books with mystery elements to it :) Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchonized Reading
I absolutely was going to review this book today, but realized I was too tired to do a good job. I didn't read your review because I don't want it to color my review. I am glad to see you enjoyed it as much as me, though. I thought it was really good, but not what I expected at all.
ReplyDeleteWould I want to start over with a new name and new town. No way! It would mean I'd have to have a new identity on the computer as well or not be on the computer and I couldn't deal with that. Plus, my family, I wouldn't want to leave them.
I wouldn't want to leave my fam either!
DeleteGreat review! Really looking forward to this one as well. I wasn't too hot on it at first because the cover seemed very flat, but after reading some reviews, it may be worth a shot after all! Too bad I passed on the chance on snagging an ARC of this! To the bookstore I go, then! :D
ReplyDeleteFaye @ The Social Potato Reviews
Yeah this is one where synopsis got me rather than shiny cover at first
DeleteI love good banter and witty characters, this sounds like an enjoyable read and I like the added mystery.
ReplyDeleteThe wit was great in this one
DeleteI love snarky characters and this also sounds like it has a great romance. Lovely review Brandi :)
ReplyDeleteI adored the romance
DeleteThis is on my pile for this month and I'm really hoping I manage to fit it in. It just sounds so good! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard deciding which books to read and when to fit them in
DeleteWell this sounds like a fascinating read! I definitely want to read it. Awesome review! Sometimes it seems like it could be fun to move to a new place and start over, but I do love my life right where it is. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
That is a nice place to be in to not want to change :)
DeleteI love cute chapter headings :D
ReplyDeleteI know, so fun
DeleteEthan sounds like a good character to get to know! I will have to check out this book. I haven't heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteEthan was a lot of fun
DeleteI can't wait for this to be released, it sounds great! I love the cover too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcoe, and hope you enjoy
DeleteSounds fantastic! I've read a few good reviews so far.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy
DeleteI love this concept. So happy to hear it was good. Seems like it's a popular book. Every blogger I know has loved it.
ReplyDeleteLoved the concept too and they carried it out well
DeleteYeah, I really appreciated the ending
ReplyDeletei didn't know much about witness protection either so not sure how true to life, but it seemed realistic
ReplyDeleteI seldom read stories about witness protection program, so I think I'll want to read this. It's wonderful to see that you enjoyed the mystery as well as the romance.
ReplyDeleteIn relation to your question, I don't think I'd want a new identity.
Thanks for sharing, Brandi! :)
I had a couple of issues with this book so wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I'd hoped, but I agree I absolutely adored Ethan and loved how each chapter opened with a cute fact. Great review Brandi! :)
ReplyDeleteI have this on my tbr, looks interesting and I love that it doesn't have a love triangle or insta-love. Great review Brandi :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this one too, Brandi! I adored the romance and Ethan and the mystery with its twists had me eagerly flipping the pages! Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this! I didn't like it as much as you did because I expected something more (as usual, ha) from the story, and not your usual high school romance-slash-drama, but I do agree that it was entertaining and the twists kept me guessing. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYay that you loved this one. It's definitely going on my TBR list! I wouldn't want to start over - I love my family, friends, and life here, but sometimes it would be nice to disappear for awhile! :)
ReplyDelete- Jessica @ Book Sake
I've thought about it more than once. To just go away somewhere far and alone. But how different would things be? Would I really be any different than I am here or is that just who I am, no matter where I am? I had only heard about the title so I didn't know what it was about. Sounds like an interesting concept. I hope I get to read it soon
ReplyDelete