Damn Rules!

Does anyone else ever think of the Hokey Pokey when they are reading books? You know… “you put your right foot in, you take your right foot out…” No? Hmm.. ok, maybe I’m crazier than I thought I was. Anyways… these day, whenever I happen upon (or a publisher/author) sends me a new “paranormal romance” to read, the Hokey Pokey is the very first thing I think of.

Why?

Because originality is hard to find. (“You put an angel in, you take an angel out, throw in some stupid ass rule, and you shake it all about.”) In a time when every other book published is about a cute, (not necessarily human boy) who has a deep dark secret it is becoming increasingly difficult for anything really good to stand out.

Now, before you get all giddy like a monkey on crack, and assume that I’m going to jump off of a bridge for this novel… I am not referring to “Unbreakable Love.” (*sigh*) Let’s face it…it’s been a while since I’ve been 100% happy with a straight up, no holds bared para-romance, but I am very happy to announce, that this is the first time, (in quite some time,) that (despite it’s somewhat predictable plot sequencing) I was was not bored by what I read.

Hmm… that sounded much more down-trodden than I expected it to. Whatever… First, the synopsis (then I’ll explain myself.)

“Jennie Townsend is unlucky in love, so she is immediately suspicious when a mysterious new student named Nate tries to gain her friendship. But there is something special about Nate, and in spite of her best efforts Jennie finds her feelings for the boy growing deeper every day.

In fact, Nate is more special than Jennie can even imagine. He is a guardian angel, sent to protect Jennie during a most dangerous time in her life. To do so, he must first become close to her – but not too close. The rules for Protectors warn against physical contact and strictly forbid falling in love. But the more time Nate spends with Jennie, the harder the rules are to follow. Will Nate be able to save Jennie from a premature end, or will his own emotions – and Jennie’s – get in the way of completing the task for which he was specifically chosen?”

So… back to my “this isn’t the greatest love story of all time” sucker punch.  Let me be clear.  I did actually enjoy this book.  No, it was not very original.  Yes, I could predict what was going to happen about 15 pages before it actually did, but despite it’s flaws I carried this book around in my back pocket for an entire week, reading when I had a free moment.

Here is what I loved about “Unbreakable Love”

The characters (Nate in particular) seemed genuine. A little screwed up, and frustrating when it came to communication, but genuine all the same, WHICH allowed me to dive into their lives on a more emotional level. (No crying mind you, just a bunch of “Awwws” and “WTH you idiot!” s) Carling did a wonderful job with her dialogue and even more…with the descriptions of body language (Hello!!! Forbidden touch remember!)  I have to be honest, I got a little angsty when Jennie and Nate got “too close.”

Now, though I won’t go as far as saying that I “loved” the plot, I will say that I “liked” it.  There were a few parts that glistened with originality and because of those moments, it allowed me to enjoy the flow of the book without making a shit ton of comparisons in my head.

However, with the good comes the bad. Luckily for Carling (P.S. this is her debut) they are rather insignificant details. (Ones that pleasure readers will not give a rats ass about, so if you want to skip this…feel free.)

First…I freaking HATE the huge blue blob on the front of this book.  No, really… I hate it.  The image used (though very unlike the characters descriptions in the book) is beautiful and evokes a sense of intimacy with the readers, then BAM! They disrupt the flow with a horrendous title bar in bold conflicting colors. *shudders* I know I shouldn’t care. I know that it’s what inside that really matters, but for the love of all that is holy… You know what, I can’t even finish that sentence.  I value my life, and I’m afraid God may strike my ass down if I keep going.

Second. The book should have stopped at page 211 not 214.  It’s not that the last 3 pages were horrible, but they should have been listed as an epilogue.  Instead (though relevant to the story) they detracted from the solidification Carling had worked so hard to create.

Overall it was an enjoyable book, and anyone who takes pleasure in reading paranormal romances won’t be disappointment.  I’m just a harder critic than most.

Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, that’s what it’s all about. Hey!

[Rating:3.5/5] <–I totally ganked half a star for the cover. Just FYI

 

Who wants a FREE BOOK!!!!  Thanks to the lovely people at Acacia Publishing, I have a signed copy of this little ditty to give away.  Just fill out the form below and GOOD LUCK!

 

 

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About Misty

Your friendly neighborhood narcissist. I'm sarcastic, cynical and a bit cranky. I own a soap box so big that sometimes I have difficulty stepping down off of it, and I'm about 94% certain I have multiple personalities. I don't sleep enough, and I read more than any person should ever consider normal. I have anger management issues, especially when I'm stuck in traffic and I have an unhealthy obsession with my Kindle. I am a vampire lovin', zombie obsessed, book-in-hand, iPod freak. You either love me or hate me. You be the judge.

8 thoughts on “Damn Rules!

  1. Before I even read your review I was questioning that blob on the cover. I totally agree with you.

  2. I have to agree. I never felt totally settled with the cover and I am the author of Unbreakable Love. That is why for my next book, Shackled, I hired a kick-butt cover guy. Shackled book comes out next spring. Thanks for the candid review.

  3. Sorry, I got a little trigger happy. I intended to write Shackled comes out next spring. Don’t know how the word “book” snuck in there. It’s one of those days.

  4. yup. It’s ugly. But I will still probably read it. I’m hooked on the Weather Warden series right now…

  5. Why can’t I write reviews like these? You made me laugh out loud twice 😛 First with the put an angel in put an angel out and put a stupid *** rule in xD Then with the blob thing.

    Youre amazing 🙂 And now I really want this book!

  6. Your review is pretty awesome. I really admire those of you who can simply write in your own voice. I used to be able to do that a long time ago, but now that I’m writing book reviews I find myself constantly battling with a desire to write very formal (read: boring). Here’s to hoping I find a unique voice like you have!

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