The Rules for Disappearing

The Rules for Disappearing is probably one of my favorite contemporaries that I've read. While I am not usually drawn to the genre, I chose to read and review this novel because the author, Ashley Elston, is from my area. I read the book well before it's time on my reading schedule because I was a bit curious about the writing style, and I like glancing at the first page when I'm scheduling myself a certain amount of reading time. The next day, I had finished the book.I guess I should tell you a little about the book itself. I want to call The Rules for Disappearing a light read because I breezed through it, though it's not necessarily light subject matter. Bad guys being out to get you and ending up in the Witness Protection Program isn't exactly a walk in the park. Poor Meg has to deal with constant upheaval, a loss of her former life, being deterred from making any new connections, a closed off day, a breaking down sister, and an alcoholic mom. However, it was easy for me to connect with her because she still goes through many things that teenagers deal with, Witness Protection or not. Meg feels like she's an outcast with ugly clothes, betrayed by her friends, and responsible for sticking her nose precisely where it doesn't belong. I think we've all been there. I felt like a lot of what Meg went through was metaphors for those (and other) teen struggles.I really liked most of the characters, which helped move the story along. Meg was tired of her situation, and I love that she decided to do something about it. The mom in me was screaming at her because it was a terrible idea, but still. You have to love a YA heroine that doesn't just lie down and accept what's happened to her or wait on Prince Charming to rescue her. She also loves her family despite their flaws, real or imagined, and is very protective of her little sister, Teeny. Ethan, the love interest, stole my heart. He didn't give up on Meg no matter how many times she pushed him away, and he was always there for her, no questions asked. I even liked Meg's parents - Dad really did have their best interests at heart and Mom was trying, dammit.I don't want to give too much of the story away because it really is a fun read. I was never exactly surprised by the events in the book, but I didn't grow bored with them. There was just enough suspense to keep me interested, but not so much tension that it made me skip ahead in the book. (Yes, I am guilty of that.) There is some romance involved in the book, but if that isn't your thing, rest assured that it does not overwhelm the story's plot.All in all, I think The Rules for Disappearing will be enjoyed by most YA readers, especially teens. It's a great mystery with realistic characters and is a fun and easy read.4.5/5 Stars*To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for reviewing purposes as a part of Itching for Books Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. The advance digital copy was provided to the tour by the publisher, which has in no way affected the outcome. All opinions expressed are rambling, honest, and completely my own.

This was a really good book! It had suspense, mystery, mixed with a quite a bit of romance. Anna Boyd, aka Meg, is in the Witness Protection agency with her Family. She has no idea why they are there and blames her dad for everything. They've been moved around six times and Meg is sick of it. She comes to the conclusion to figure out how they got there, fix it, so that way they do not have to be on the run anymore. Along the ride she meets Ethan, the really cute southern boy. She's determined not to get close to him, but he keeps coming around and flirting with her. He was quite the swoony boy! Although he was a hot guy flirting with Anna, he was also very clever. He figured things out that didn't quite add up to her story.All in all it was a very good suspenseful book. If you're looking for some mystery and romance mixed in between, then I suggest reading this. If you're looking for some action, then you might want to look else where. Yes the ending was a bit rushed and cleaned up a little too neatly, but it also left it open for the sequel to this novel. Also, boy did that ending throw me for a loop! I did not expect for it to end the way it did. I want to know who this mysterious man is and why he let Anna live?! I can't wait to read the sequel and see if Anna lives or dies. I really hope she gets a happy ending. She totally deserves it after what she went through.

Title: The Rules for DisappearingAuthor: Ashley ElstonSeries: The Rules for DisappearingChapters: 30Pages: 312Genre: teen chick litRating: 4 ½ stars In The Rules for Disappearing Meg Jones not her real name is in the Witness Protection program because of something her father did or saw. At least that is what she thinks. This new placement has them in a small town in Louisana Meg’s plan is to not get attached. But that plan falls to the wayside when she meets Ethan Landry. Ethan is your typical southern country farm boy complete with accent. Meg works up a plan to get her family out of the mess that they are in. Ethan also comes up with a plan who’s plan will actually work? The Rules for Disappearing is good book, I really enjoyed reading it. The ending was good, a good ending but also left it open for a possible sequel. For a mainstream teen novel it was really pretty clean. A few issues with swearing and other inapproiate teenage behavior. But still a good read.I was given an e-copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really, really, really liked this book. It had suspense, young love, conflict, friendship and a road trip! The character development was superb. I couldn't help but feel for Meg (Anna) and her sister and all they had been through. I was rooting for them to have normal lives from the beginning. And Ethan? Swoon. He was perfection.The only place it fell a little short with me was the speed at which things were wrapped up. After all the lead up, it all ended way too quickly for my liking. It was also wrapped up a little too neatly. I did, however, like the surprise of the letter at the end and the way Anna reacted to it. That felt real. As though even though everyone thinks it's over, it just might not be. That moment gave me chills.I look forward to more from this author. I really enjoyed her writing style.

I really, really enjoyed this. Nice blend of romance, family drama, and mystery. I liked that ending was a bit definitive and a bit open. Eager to get to that next book.

My son had to read this for summer. I read it with him. The premise is good and I was intrigued. Its a quick read and will grab you but I feel the ending was to pate. I was expecting more and was let down but would still recommend the book. I am debating about the next book just based on my disappointment in the original but I guess I have to see the next chapter.

I have nothing but good things to say about this book. The story line hooked me before I even owned the book, ever since I watched a kids show on CBBC when I was young called 'See How They Run' I've really been interested in the witness protection program, and anything to do with it, but I've never really found any other show, movie or book (besides a really cheesy Mary-Kate and Ashley movie) about it. Though I'm sure there are many and I just haven't heard of them.Still, when I read the synopsis of this, I really wanted to read it. So once I got myself a copy, I dived right in and I was not disappointed.Meg makes a fantastic main character. Just the right amount of anger, worry, bitterness, and vulnerability to make her a believable character. I really felt for her as she was going through everything in this book.I liked the push and pull she was having with herself. Telling herself one thing, while actually doing another because she couldn't keep herself away from Ethan.Which brings me to Ethan. He may possibly be the sweetest male lead I've read in a long time. I liked how he wasn't passive. He knew something was up with her, and he wasn't going to let her hide away. He wanted to know her, all of her and the real her, and more than that, he was willing to help her. He wanted to protect her. He was simply a wonderfully written character.The story itself was fantastic, it kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly flipping pages, because although I had suspicions on how things would pan out, there were still plenty of surprised along the way, and seeing how it all unfolded was fantastic.I'm really excited for the next book in the series, because I have a feeling it's going to be amazing.This for me is a must read. I highly recommend you pick up a copy if you haven't already, because it's fantastic.

Regular people in a highly irregular situation makes this a great read. While some of the teenage boy/girl angst may be over done, the story is full of twists and turns and strong characters whom you come to care about and that will keep you turning the pages. Loved the little twist at the end that leaves the door open for a sequel that could be great, but isn't really necessary.