The Rules for Breaking (The Rules for Disappearing #2) by Ashley Elston
Anna Boyd almost lost her life to get what she wanted most in the world: freedom.
But just when it seems that her family has finally escaped Witness Protection, the illusion that Anna could resume a normal life comes crashing down.
The deadly man Anna knows as Thomas is still on the loose, and now he's using her as a pawn in a dangerous game with the drug cartel determined to silence her forever. When Thomas and a mysterious masked man capture not only Anna but also her fragile younger sister and her boyfriend, Anna decides it's time to break all the rules-even if it means teaming up with the lesser of two evils.
Anna will do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves and win her life back once and for all. But her true enemies are hidden in plain sight. Before long, Anna will learn that putting her trust in anyone may be the last mistake she ever makes.
Publishes in US: May 20th 2014 by Disney Hyperion
Genre: YA contep
Source: Disney Hyperion
Series? The Rules for Disappearing #2
my review for 1st: The Rules for Disappearing
Buy it: Barnes and Noble - Amazon
Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog
2.5 rounded up 
I wanted to read The Rules because I enjoyed the first book and wanted to see how her and Ethan's journey would continue. I like the idea of the witness protection program angle, and it is always scary when characters don't know who to trust and you have to make really hard choices that leave you between a rock and a hard place.
Though, I will admit, the beginning and the end just weren't as good as the first book. The middle felt like it really got going and then I semi lost interest and skimmed just because I had to know who the real mole was and get through all the layers of lies. I didn't go into this one with a refresher, I even forgot to look on Recaptains, but the beginning gave a somewhat summary that sort of jogged my memory. If I were able to reread or refresh, then I maybe would have been able to better jump back into their story and the action.
It was never really a question of putting it down completely though, it was more skimming through some of the parts. I like the focus on family in this one, how protective Anna is over Teeny, and the sisterly bond they share. Also with Ethan and his family, it makes me smile. But I just love the way Anna and Ethan are together. She is a little naive in a few of the things she kept from him or lied about, but I know that she is coming from the best and most genuine of places. They have some pretty hot moments despite being taken and running, and some other pretty crappy situations that they find themselves in, and they are always trying to be a calming and comforting presence to the other. They have an easy bond and it felt natural with their interactions and conversations.
So, overall there were some good moments, but I think I should have just stuck with book one. This book didn't completely hold my interest in parts, and really, it could have just ended with the first, and I would have been happy. Yes, I like Anna's character, the family and the relationship between her and Ethan, but I just felt like this was filler or unnessesary.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
If you could change your identity, would you?
I decided to skip this one and maybe better that I did; I've seen other reviews that said that maybe the first book should have been a standalone.
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
Shame, I haven't read the first one yet since some reviews put me off it, but I don't know. I love the witness protection/ on the run books, since it's always intense and fun to read (and if it's not, then it's doing it wrong). Nice that it's more focused on family relationships with this one but ugh, doesn't look you enjoyed it all that much. And I mean, if you have to skim and skip pages then nope (which, I'm actually doing with Take Back the Skies at he moment.) Hmmm, would I change my identity? I don't know, haha. I guess it depends on why I would want to in the first place and the situation I'm in. Though, I guess we've all kind of wanted to change our identity when bad stuff happens.
ReplyDeleteKirsty @ StudioReads
Sorry this didn't live up to the first book, and your expectations. I hate when I find myself skimming.
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry this one did not work out well for you Brandi. Sometimes, I think these books should be a standalone and not try so hard to carry themselves into a series. Thanks for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteI hate it when the book make me feel the need to skim. I'm surprised you still liked it after the slow, uninteresting parts.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't enjoy this one as much as you did the first. I hate when that happens, but it does happen. Great review and thanks for the honesty. I remember wanting to read the first book, but I never picked it up.
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
Hmmm.... that's too bad this one wasn't better. I enjoyed the first though I've forgot a lot. I guess I can stop stressing about getting this one, I'll just wait for now.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad this one wasn't as good as the first book. :(
ReplyDeleteI can't remember book 1...must check
ReplyDeleteI love when family plays a large role in a story, but it sounds like this is a second book that wasn't necessary. It sounds like the first book is worth a try though :) Lovely review, Brandi!
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame you couldn't really get into this one and you felt you had to skim just to get the answers you wanted. Great review though Brandi.
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal
Palace
Oh, I'm sorry this one wasn't as good. I remember the first one vividly, amazingly. I have this one to read. I hope i enjoy it more.
ReplyDeleteNope, no need to change my identity.
I've read the first book and where the witness protection program made me want to continue the story, the characters didn't really leave a lasting a impression, so I never requested the second book. Now I'm glad I didn't because like you, I would've skimmed most of the book too! I like that Teeny got some scenes in here (she was my fave). Sorry it wasn't as good as it's prequel. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI'll take your advice and stick to book 1 (another book I have sitting unread on my bookshelf, LOL). I'm sorry this installment didn't hold your interest the way the first one did, but I appreciate your thoughts ;) And no, I have zero interest in changing my identity.
ReplyDeleteI don't like it when a series starts out great and then goes down with the next book. It's a little sad. Mostly I hope that it will pick back up again. Thanks for your honest review!
ReplyDeleteBummer….it sounded like it would be good. I didn't know there was a book #1 though.
ReplyDeleteSorry this one just wasn't as good as you where hoping! I do hate when I encounter books I end up skimming through parts of! And I have read books that would of standing better being standalones. Glad you gave it a chance though and I really enjoyed your honest review!
ReplyDelete