Friday, May 17, 2013

Blog Tour: Rules For Disappearing by Ashley Elston Review and Excerpt

Hi Everyone!

Today I am thrilled to participate in the blog tour for a book I enjoyed reading!
This blog tour is ran by the blogger Shane from Itching For Books

Rules For Disappearing by Ashley Elston
Publication Date: May 14th, 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 
Source: Netgalley from Publisher
Rating: 3.75 INTRIQUED STARS
Synopsis:


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.


Review:


My attention caught on to this book from its description sharing that this book’s plot centers on the Witness Protection Program. The mention that the main character had to leave her home without a permanent one in sight, where everything in her life is changing sparked my interest. That description intrigued me because I always wondered what it would be like to go to a new town. Ha, soon I will in college and I will know what leaving home feels like.

Rules For Disappearing brings mystery and wonders through realistic reactions of leaving home and the inability to find a new one. The dread one feels about danger coming at any moment. The loneliness felt from not being able to see your original friends and other components of home ever again.

“Meg” is a fun main character. She understandable wants to distance herself from others because of her current danger. She is thoughtful, and unlike the reserved persona she wants to portray to keep the friends she makes in the novel safe. I came to the ending of the book wishing I could continue in “Meg’s” mind one moment longer. I believe that is because she is easy to empathize with. Her narration brings emotion as I feel her longing for her old life and her attraction for sweet Ethan.

Ethan Landry. I like all his characteristics; sweet, dependable, curious, nosy and tenacious. Yes, Ethan nosiness is nice because it allows he to make discoveries and make a difference in “Meg’s” life. I also enjoyed his interactions with Meg’s adorable little sister who is commonly referred to by her nickname, Teeny.

The most fascinating character was Agent Thomas. He is mind-blowing because I feel his intentions are locked in a box that is impossible to open and guess what is inside. Who are you really Agent Thomas?

I overall liked the writing of the book though sometimes the movement between memories was jaggy. However, “Meg’s” memories were all important and exciting, leaving an impact for later on in the story. I like how the descriptions portrayed a small town in Louisiana well. I love ever scene in the pizzaria! (So jealous about how easily Meg gained a job.)  

Rules For Disappearing was an eventful debut and I am excited for the second book!

Rules For Disappearing Excerpt:
Pages 87 to 88


I’ve never had one of the suits be so nice to me before. They’re usually very distant and say the least amount as possible. Maybe I can get him to talk.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t remember your name.”

“Agent Thomas.”

“Oh, it’s you. We talked on the phone.”
He nods and sips his coffee.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, but I might not be able to answer it.”

I take a minute, hoping to phrase it just right. “Why wont anyone talk to me about what happened? It’s not fair that Teeny and I have to suffer through this without knowing why.”

I sound like a whiny baby but I can’t help it. Maybe this is why most of the suits treat me like I’m seven, not seventeen.”

“Well, from what I understand, your parents are trying to protect you. I haven’t been with the agency long but I do know you don’t get offered protection unless the situation is dire. Your parents are coping the best way they know how and I’m sure when the time is right, they’ll answer all your questions.”

“I guess it gets old having to move people around all the time. Making them start over, again and again.”

He laughs and says, “Only when I have to chase down kids who skip school.” 


Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author Ashley Elston:

Ashley Elston lives is North Louisiana with her husband, three sons and two cats. She worked as a wedding and portrait photographer for ten years until she decided to pursue writing full time. Ashley is also a licensed Landscape Horticulturist and helps her husband run a commercial lawn and landscaping business. They also custom harvest pecans and have cows. Yes, cows.
Ashley's Website and Twitter.

Thanks for reading!


10 comments:

  1. I didn't know that there was a second book planned for this but the way that things had ended I was hoping that there would be one. Agent Thomas definitely has me baffled too, I didn't know what to expect with his character and then he just surprised me at the end. So glad you enjoyed this Rachel. Fab review! :)

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    1. Thanks Jasprit! The next book comes out some mystery time in 2014...!

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  2. Woo hoo! I so enjoyed this book as well Rachel, I liked being in the dark and trying to figure out exactly why the whole family was in the Witsec program:) Oh and Agent Thomas. Yes. Need to know more about him!

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  3. I really like the characters that are (intentionally) difficult to figure out. Agent Thomas sounds very interesting! I also really like the sound of Meg and Ethan. I'm pretty confident I'll enjoy this one. I just need to get my hands on a copy now. Brilliant review as always! :)

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  4. I know what you mean about Ethan - he was perfect, althogh to me, he seemed a bit too perfect at times. I didn't understand his motives. Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable read too, but I liked the first half much more than the second.
    Fantastic review, Rachel!

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    1. I have read so many great reviews for this book and I must admit I am intrigued. I know so little about the witness protection program, I am sure this is a fascinating read. I am definitely adding this to the old TBR!

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  5. I really enjoyed this one too, Rachel! I have to say I loved Ethan's character the best, though. This was a super fun read. Thanks for the giveaway because I got this from Netgally. :)

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  6. I didn't LOVE this one but it was a fun read at times. I just found it a bit too predictable and the MC naive for my taste. I did like the romance though Ethan was a sweetheart!

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  7. I love the pizzeria scenes too although mostly I was less in love with this book than I wanted to be. I think the premise around the Witness Protection Program is so cool but this wasn't quite the book I wanted.

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