Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: May 14th 2013
My rating: 4 stars
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.
Anytime I hear mystery, romance, and danger as descriptors
for a story my ears immediately perk up.
I love the thrill of trying to piece together a mystery, and the way my
heart rate races when reading suspenseful scenes. Add in a romance that makes me swoon, and you
have my favorite type of read! The Rules
For Disappearing ticked all those boxes for me.
Meg, the name she goes by now, has been moved six times in
the last year as part of the Witness Protection Program. This time seemed different and more urgent. She was awakened in the middle of the night,
and made to change her looks drastically before being whisked to the next
location. Meg has been worn down by all
the moves, forced to leave anyone she gets close to without a word. She’s determined to make this move different
by isolating herself so that it doesn’t hurt so badly when she inevitably gets
yanked out of this town. Meg is also determined
to find out, once and for all, what the heck her father did to get them into
this mess! Her family is slowly starting
to come apart from all the stress, and she wants all this to end.
When she enrolls into her new school in Louisiana, not all
goes as she planned. She gains the attention of Ethan, one of the popular boys
at school and immediately he picks up on an inconsistency in her back-story. Also, her mother is coming apart at the
seams, drinking herself into oblivion everyday to the point of jeopardizing her
life. Add to this, Meg has the distinct
feeling that someone is following her.
It was easy to be consumed by this story. If I met someone in real life who was in the
Witness Protection Program I’m sure I’d have them cornered while I peppered them
with questions of what it was like. I
got this from Meg as her story is revealed little by little, and I wondered
right along with her, what happened? I
couldn’t help but feel bad for Meg and all her family went through, to find out
how outgoing and popular they all once were and then to see them in the state
they’re in now. I was rooting for them
to get some answers and resolutions, so they could heal and get back to their
normal selves.
Ethan undermines Meg’s plan to isolate herself because he
just won’t give up on her. She can’t
resist him even though she constantly feels she should. He sweet, gorgeous, and all-to-smart for Meg’s
own good. *sigh* This is one of those romances where you just want to give Meg
a little shake, and yell at her “let him in!!”
Fear not my fellow romance junkies, nothing to fret about!
The Rules For Disappearing was an addictive read for me and
I only put it down when I had to (darn real life!). Ms. Elston wrote a captivating debut and I
plan on picking up anything else she writes!
I really enjoyed this story so I thought I'd
share my ARC copy with one lucky reader. The giveaway is
INTERNATIONAL. Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to
win. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thos looks so good! I used to live in Louisiana, and am always interested in how the area and it's people are portrayed. Great review, Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing about going into Witness Protection would be not being able to contact my friends.
ReplyDeleteEEEK! I'm totally on board with mysteries and romance combined. It looks like The Rules for Disappearing will be a book that I'll enjoy! The premise sounds intense and I've never read about a girl who's in the Witness Protection Program. Of course, I can't wait to meet the swoon-worthy Ethan! ;) I'm on the blog tour for this book in a couple of weeks so I'm for sure reading it. Thanks for getting me pumped up, Rachel! Brilliant review as always :)
ReplyDeleteAw! This book sounds awesome! :D I think I must read it. Thank you for sharing sweetie. <3 You are awesome. Worst thing for me might be that I can't use the laptop. Which I think would not be allowed to do, since I love using twitter too much.. hih :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one, Witness Protection Program has always been an interesting subject to me, something similar was in Fade by Kailin Gow (thought it was more paranormal), so I'm anxous to see how this story turns out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your review!
I think the worst thing would be the frequent moving. Even though I'm not a routine person, I still like to think of one place as my home. But in the program, you wouldn't have that.
Being cut off from family and friends and starting over in a strange place where you know no one.
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing is that You lost Your previous life. New life, new You, and the person who You was disappear forever. Lost your family, lost your friends, lost your love. Lost yourself.
ReplyDeleteLosing everything I know and having to start over again. Oh and having to remember that I can't tell people certain things! UGH! I'm so bad at fibbing!
ReplyDeleteI love mysteries too so if you couldn't put this down, then I bet I will find it as captivating as you did!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing is living in fear
ReplyDeleteIt would be very difficult to leave my family behind and never see them again!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book around a lot but only seen a few reviews for it. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, though, Rachel. I love the unique plot line and it seems like a contemporary even I'd enjoy, so I'll have to check it out for sure! :D
ReplyDeleteFor me it would be not being able to use internet. I'm addicted to certain websites, I just don't know how would I manage without them.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this sounds really good. I have it too, I need to read it soon. Great review. :D
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
sounds like a great read, different from a few I been reading lately. I think the worse part would be leaving your life behind and not being able to see some of your friends and family. Kinda just feels like a part of you is gone I suppose.
ReplyDeleteNot being able to see your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI joined the tour for this book and I'm really excited to read this book. I'm really looking forward to reading it. (More like looking forward to meet Ethan!)
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by the Witness Protection Program too. It must be so hard for the families.
I'm glad that you enjoyed this book, Rachel! I'm sure I'll love it too!
Lovely review! :)
My friend, Karla, recommended this to me and she keeps on telling me that this one is really great. And then you said it too so I think I'm definitely sold to read this one. The story behind them being in witness protection program sounds very intriguing and the romance seems something I'd totally like. I'm looking forward reading this. Brilliant review, Rachel! :)
ReplyDeletelosing all your friends and possibly family in the process
ReplyDeletethank you for the giveaway!!
Definitely having to say goodbye to everyone and everything you've known and start all over as a new person. Sometimes that could be a good thing, but not usually.
ReplyDeleteNot being able to talk to my family and friends
ReplyDeleteHaving to leave everything behind all the type.. and keeping up your fake identity. Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
ReplyDeleteRabiah
For some reason I haven't requested this one on NG and now I'm stalking all the reviews to see should I read it or not. I think I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question - I think you leave a lot of things behind and sometimes it's hard and constant worry and everything.
Great review Rachel :)
Being cut off from family and friends would be the worst thing!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure going into the witness protection program would be all that bad. But it would suck leaving people behind every time you had to relocate.
ReplyDeleteLeaving all my friends behind.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
Worst part of the program would be leaving my friends behind :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
The worst part would be leaving my friends and family. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, having someone who wants to hurt or possibly KILL me, lol. Second, not being able to be truthful with anyone, including new friends and lovers.
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing would be having to leave everyone behind me and lie, play a part, for the rest of my life...
ReplyDeleteI think for me the worst would be to leave everything I care about behind and be constantly looking over my shoulder, unable to trust anyone or tell new acquaintances the truth.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your review and the giveaway! This one popped up everywhere on the WoWs but this is my first time seeing it actually reviewed. You've put most of the doubts I had about it out of my mind :)
Leaving friends and family :(
ReplyDeleteYeah Rachel!!! I just finished this one and really enjoyed it too! It was just a really entertaining read, and I loved how the story focused on her family as much as it did her relationship with Ethan. One didn't overpower the other and we got a nice balance of family and love and mystery. SO GOOD! Brilliant review my friend:)
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing would definitely be leaving all my friends behind! What a horrifying thought...
ReplyDeleteEthan sounds awesome. Great review Rachel and thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing? Well, I want to become a famous writer... How would hings turn out then?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great - I like the idea of the mystery element, and I've always thought the WPP was fascinating (not necessarily in a good way if you have to go into it, but just the logistics of it and how it changes people's lives). Awesome review, will be looking out for this!
ReplyDeleteI think the worst thing would be that you would always feel afraid, it could be irrational fear but it would always be there and you'd eventually become paranoid.
ReplyDeleteTruly losing my identify of who I am and who I know. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteA book about the witness protection program, I read one last year and it was just okay but I think this one sounds really good. I can only imagine the terror of suddenly being plucked from your life and moved to another and never being able to make close friends!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
ReplyDeleteIf I had to go into the witness protection program, I'd probably have to give up blogging, huh? Someone could trace me through it. That'd suck. I also could never become a published writer unless I never went on tours or something like that. It'd be so hard. I'm so looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I really can't imagine how outgoing and popular people could survive when they had to hide their identities and become nobodies. I think I'll have to buy this when it comes out. Thanks for sharing, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds fantastic! Thanks for the enthusiastic review. I will be reading this one for sure! :)
ReplyDeleteOops, I commented before doing the rafflecopter - I'd hate leaving my family and/or friends behind.
DeleteThe worst thing about going into the Witness Protection program would be leaving behind my friends and going from a normal life to living a secret life, like Hannah Montana.
ReplyDeleteOooo. I think I'd like this book, Rachel. Bah. One of the hazards of visiting your blog is that I keep finding myself more books to read.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Rachel!
Looks like and amazing read. I think the worst think is the fear-constant fear.*shudders*
ReplyDeleteWitness protection programme? A boy named Ethan? I'm sold! ;) This sounds like a great read, and I feel like I should have paid more attention to it. Sometimes I barely get past the cover these days. Ha. :D Lovely review, Rachel! I'm glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteLeaving home :( I'd miss my friends, family etc. If your on Witness Protection Program you can't go back to see your family eg. Mum, Grandma etc as those people your running from may watch your Parents home etc.
ReplyDeleteProbably leaving everyone I ever knew and living a life of fear!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for this one! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI thin it's not being able to communicate with your family!
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't a book that was high on my radar, but I've seen so many positive reviews for it that I'm now very curious! Thanks for the review and giveaway, Rachel. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
Oh, and the worst thing about going into Witness Protection would be not being able to take all my freaking books. NIGHTMARE.
DeletePretty much losing everything. :C
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds so good - and I'm really looking forward to reading this romance! And I think the worst part about going into Witness Protection would be leaving home or living in fear.
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing would be having to give up all contact with friends and family forever : (
ReplyDeleteu can't meet with ur family, friends and the one u love....
ReplyDeleteCan't contact family, friends and alone.
ReplyDeleteNot being able to see people you love :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed The Rules for Disappearing and Ethan sounds positively awesome so can't wait to get my hands on it! :D
ReplyDeleteNicely reviewed,Rachel.
Not being able to talk to all the people you love and having to live in fear always would be the most horrible things.
It would definitely not being able to see all the people you love and starting anew. I don't think I would be able to just change my life in an instant like that
ReplyDeleteTHe witness protection program is such a neat concept. It would be really hard to start all over again.
ReplyDeleteBrandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
The Witness Protection Program is a tough thing to deal with, your freedom is already limited with the laws of the State but then it is narrowed by the government itself. You are bound to be safe and feel secure (and suffocated). It seems you are in a very tight leash and that's tough, you are the one who knows everything, all threats are pointed to you and especially to the loved ones since those people you are against will use your weakness...
ReplyDeleteIt would definitely have to be cutting off ties from everyone!
ReplyDeleteNot being able to see my old friends freely.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a fun book! Although your review makes me wonder if there's a bit of a disconnect present - is it supposed to be more serious with traces of lightheartedness? I suppose I shall read it to find out! Meg definitely sounds like a protagonist I can stand behind. Wonderful review, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing would be trying to stay true to my new identity and never slip up!
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the worst thing about going into the Witness Protection Program?
ReplyDeleteI am not a good actor and I could never keep up the pretense of being someone else!!
Leaving behind my life, my family and friends. I couldn't do it. I think I would just have to protect myself because I don't think that I could leave all of that wonderful behind!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing must be being away from friends and family!
ReplyDeleteYou've made this book sound better than I expected! It was on my "maybe reading" shelve, but you made me curious to pick it up. I think it is horrible to leave your whole life behind. The place you grew up, your friends and family. You can't settle anywhere and not to think about the fact that you can't bring everything with you; I don't see myself moving around the country with all my books, clothes and stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteI think the worst thing would be not being able to be with my friends and family. I don't think I'd like having to start over either :P
ReplyDeleteI think the worst thing would be not being able to see my family and having to start over.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Having to leave everything I know behind and start over. I'm also a terrible actress.
ReplyDeleteThis one definitely looks good. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing about the Witness Protection Program would be never getting to be your true self.
Never again having contact with me family would be the *worst*! Thanks for offering this giveway!
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing might be that I have to say good bye to my boyfriend, people and places I love.
ReplyDelete(Zsófia Sz.)
The worst thing... Well, not seeing and speaking to my friends whenever I wanted. Also, would I be able to keep my blog going? Cause if not, I'd take my chances with the psycho. On top of that, I have a habit of talking... a lot (hence this comment)... and not thinking...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing review and giveaway! :D
Not being able to be yourself I suppose, and leaving everything and everyone I love behind
ReplyDeleteI think the worst thing would be always having to lie about who you are and never being able to really be yourself.
ReplyDeleteThat I will never speak with my friends
ReplyDeleteLosing your friends and leaving behind your life.
ReplyDeleteBeing afraid of the unknown.
ReplyDelete