Haven

This is the super sexy paranormal YA world that we've all been waiting for since the Twilight series ended. It's the year of the wolf now, and readers will be howling for #TeamRain by the end of this book. For all of us who have been going through paranormal/fantasy withdrawal ever since super heros took over our television sets and movie screens, Haven is the perfect paranormal fix.

This was a fun YA urban fantasy/ paranormal read, though it was a bit similar in plot/ storyline to Andrea Cremer’s story where a male human is attracted to a female werewolf. I liked Rain, how tough he is but fiercely loyal to those he cares about. My favorite character was Petra, I wish there was more of her in the story.

Rain and Freddie are the most flawed but dynamic characters I have read in a long time. This book takes the werewolf myth and turns it upside down. I loved the writing style and plot. I highly recommend this book and can not wait for the next one. I have already recommended this book to family members to read.

I absolutely loved this book and the idea of the "beast" role being reversed. Before even knowing what the book about I was intrigued by this sort of retelling.

Although the first couple of chapters were a little slow, once Rain and Freddie met it really picked up. I also really like the history that was weaved into the story and appreciated the backstory of how everything in this were-world works.

This book had a lot of elements that I enjoy reading about and I would love to see what happens next.

"Fear makes people crazy. Get enough crazy people together and the insanity makes sense in some bizarre way, and the weaker ones will follow authority, even if it's out of control."

Having not read the buzz about the book before I started reading it, I enjoyed discovering and uncovering things about Haven alongside the main character, Rain. I am not sure I even knew there was a paranormal element, but Lindsey quickly built up the feeling that the story was going that direction. Initially, the town of Haven gave me a delicious Harvest Home (Thomas Tryon) vibe, but once the characters were introduced, it moved into a Lost Boys-like feeling and then very Twilight-ish. Even though it is not long before the type of paranormal is revealed (no spoilers here), one of the best aspects of Lindsey’s writing is how she sprinkles those hints around like little seeds waiting to grow into a new plot piece.

Main character Rain is a complex character. He is intelligent and introspective – some of the best dialogue is what he says in his head versus what comes out of his mouth. Even the very simple exchanges amused and enlightened.

“How was school?
Weird as hell. “Good.”

His street smarts give Rain an added dimension – and maybe that’s why I am a little more tolerant of his emotions. Perhaps since he has been starved for love until he gets to Haven, he more easily goes all in with his heart. He survives by trusting his instincts, but he also makes decisions that place him in great danger and values pretty much everyone else’s lives ahead of his own. At times, he is very teenaged boy being ruled by his desire; at other times, he is very adult in assessing what’s going on around him – until he goes teenaged boy again and talks about what’s happening in his pants. And let’s talk about that.

There is a lot of sexual tension in this book, and I think there is a lot of sex. Lindsey (happily) tiptoes around it, but this causes problems for me with the book being YA. As an adult reader, it’s obvious that Rain and Freddie are having sex and it explains Rain’s fierce loyalty and willingness to die for Freddie. (cue the teenaged boy). However, it feels a bit too sexual for readers on the younger end of YA, but it is too tame to be NA, which puts the book in limbo. Rain and Freddie (un)clearly become lovers, but his sometimes sexually aggressive behavior towards Freddie is a little troubling. Without a peek into the bedroom and an understanding of the sexual relationship, readers don’t have the context or possibly the maturity needed to deal with, for example, a male forcing a female to put her hand on a guy’s crotch. In this story, it’s treated as an okay thing to do – and for these two lovers, it may have been. In life? Often not. We need context. Too much is implied for some of the sexual scenes to safely work for a young audience.

Of course, I love the Texas town setting and the backdrop of Enchanted Rock, a truly magical, mystical place in its own right. Lindsey’s character and world building are rich and intriguing, and she has some outstanding secondary characters (Petra!!) who make the story pop. And what of the elusive category of characters, the revenants, whose existence are just a cruel tease to the readers?

Haven got me in trouble because it CALLED to me when I needed to be doing other things for other people. It’s well-written, well-edited, and weaves an immersive tale that traps the reader. While the cheesy factor gets a little heavy for me in the last tenth of the book, it’s unfair to call something silly or judge something as unrealistic when we are dealing with fantasy. Anything goes, and Mary Lindsey puts her own definition and stamp on the fascinating people and world of Haven.

*SIDE NOTE: Whoa! What a great decision to change the cover and title of this book from its original – check out my cover reveal post from seven months ago (bit.ly/2p7J2BW) ! It was a complete mismatch to the story whereas the new cover and title are perfect.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for an eBook in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more features on Hall Ways Blog kristinehallways.blogspot.com

I’m utterly and positively smitten with this book. Haven by Mary Lindsey is such an incredibly unique, oddly intriguing, and suspenseful tale that had me reeling and holding my breath the entire time.

“We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed.”

Rain Ryland has lived a very troubled life and never felt like he belonged. That is until he moves to New Wurzburg and meets Friederike Burkhart (Freddie). Immediately, Rain finds himself undeniable attracted to Freddie. Even with a murder mystery to solve and a killer on the loose who wants Freddie dead, Rain just can’t seem to stay away. As the darkness unfolds before his eyes, Rain must decide what’s he’s willing to do to protect everyone he loves.

Haven is wickedly awesome in every way. Chapter after chapter, this book pulled me in deep until I was beautifully drowning in its eerily, but enthralling supernatural world. The plot is fast-paced, gripping, and full of twists that had me on edge. The mystery, tension, drama, and dangers lurking in every corner kept me turning the pages. The family dynamics, friendships, and tender moments between the characters give the story its heart and a sense of realness. The romance, while not the focal point, is sweet and achingly swoontastic! And the writing — absolutely phenomenal and so captivating that I found it impossible to put the book down. I truly enjoyed reading Haven and if I didn’t have work or errands to do, I’m certain that I would have devoured this in a day.

Rain and Freddie are ridiculously adorable — their chemistry is electrifying and had me smiling and swooning. The side characters, like Petra, Merrick and Ruby, are pretty great and delightful. Actually, I like all the characters to some extent — even the ones that are menacing and downright evil. The author does such a terrific job creating characters that are brilliantly mysterious, positively intriguing, and flawed in the best possible way. They have their own dark secrets, heartbreaking pasts, inner turmoil, and insecurities. With complicated relationships, vile manipulations, and endless lies, the characters surely kept me on my toes and surprised me plenty of times. Even though it was extremely frustrating, I honestly loved never knowing for sure who to trust and not to trust — just made reading Haven so much more exciting and interesting.

I seriously love this book so much that I definitely would not mind reading a sequel or two! It’s deliciously dark, sexy, and heart-pounding. The plot is filled with intrigue, mystery, suspense, and a steamy romance that will give you all the feels. With a badass, sassy, and beautiful heroine like Freddie, a handsome, tough, and brave hero with a gentle heart like Rain, and a wonderfully spellbinding story that’s hard to forget, Haven gave me the most amazing spine-tingling thrills and chills.

If you’re looking for a unique, gritty and tension-filled YA paranormal romance that will leave you wanting more, then this book is perfect for you.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a tale of watchers, weavers and paranormal beasts, HAVEN takes readers deep into the intense, gripping, sexy world of beauty and the beast. HAVEN opens the door to a new view on magical beasts, spell casters and those who get in their path. Holding it’s thrilling tempo, this book blends romance and hair-raising tension, while also delivering deep, complex characters that instantly pull you under their spell. Part mystery, part romance, and part thriller this book combines everything that will leave readers minds reeling in so many separate directions they won’t know which way to turn, who to trust, or who the monster really is.

Mary Lindsey throws her readers into the complex world of love and beasts ​while writing with such strong intent and firm direction that her reader’s will fall so intensely into the storyline that they are left breathless and wanting for more. With a strong female lead, that readers will instantly root for, and a strong male character that is tough as well as sensitive; Mary Lindsey focuses on the idea that even with a past that is ripped apart and left as an orphan, this character can still be open loving and willing to fight for love. With the perfect blend of romance, making you swoon, along with a paranormal mystery, this book delivers everything to be a compelling, fast-paced read.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice

Aaron aka Rain Ryland's mother dies. A judge sends him to his Aunt Ruby in New Wurzburg, Texas.rain is surprised to find his aunt is a police officer as well as his mother's twin. Rain is unsettled to discover this as he has been living on the streets most of his life. Why? Rain finds that he is attracted to a classmate whose name is Freddie. He finds her very mysterious and intriguing. As he gets to know her, he is determined to find out why Freddie keeps trying to keep Rain away from her. He discovers that she loves the moon. Why? When he gets pictures of Freddie's father death scene, he vows to find out who killed him to Freddie. Will he?

The. Author has written a fascinating story for young adults to read. Adults will enjoy the novel too. I found the characters well developed. The story kept me in suspense wondering what was going to happen next. The passion between Freddie and Rain is so well written that I felt their desire for each other. The tension in this paranormal mystery is constantly rising. It's a story that held me spellbound.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Haven is unlike any book I have ever read before. It’s plot is unique with the characters even more intriguing. I never suspected by the cover that I was going to read a YA supense PNR but I definitely was not disappointed.

Rain moved in with his Aunt. He met all her friends and couldn’t quite put a finger on what was off in this town. Then he meets Freddie and the world he once knew becomes forgotten to the past as the world he’s introduced to is something exciting, dangerous and sometimes weird.

I love that Freddie is the heroine in this story. She’s strong, independent and isn’t the one swooning over a man. Rain takes a step back but by all means that doesn’t make him weak. It just lets Freddie shine.

Haven is a book enthralled with mystery, intrigue, fascinating characters and a unique plot that you won’t put this book down until it’s finished.

This book was definitely a detour from the mystery and suspense novels that I’ve been reading the last few months, but I loved reading this and it still had enough suspense to keep me interested. You can’t help but sympathize with the main character, Rain, as his entire life has been difficult and he’s lived his life feeling as if he were a burden and the entire reason for his mother’s spiral into drugs and them being homeless.

Things are finally turning around for him when his Aunt Ruby agrees to let him stay with her after his mother passes away. Things are looking even better for him after the first time he sees Freddie and realizes she’s like no one he’s ever met before.

I enjoyed that this book had a strong female lead character who isn’t afraid to voice her opinions and to fight for what she believes in. Freddie also has some issues in her life and she is the perfect compliment to Rain.

Overall, I found this book to be enjoyable and am hoping there is another book coming as the ending was left open that the relationship between Rain and Freddie and both their histories can still be explored further. The underlying tone of this book is about discovering yourself and accepting who you are, no matter what that may be – something that many of us, I’m sure, struggle with at times. As the book progresses, you see Rain go from believing he is the root of everything bad in his life, to realizing that he has a purpose and something to fight for and he’s better than he ever gave himself credit for, a lesson we can all relate to.

It’s difficult for me to compare this to other books without giving away the plot line, but if you enjoy young adult fiction with a bit of a twist, then you will enjoy this book! This is perfect for fans of C. C. Hunter and Maggie Stiefvater ?