ARC Review: Storm Warning by E. Lee & C. Quinn

Storm Warning

(Broken Heartland #1)

Authors: Elizabeth Lee & Caisey Quinn

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: December 12, 2013

Genre: Young Adult

Source: eARC from authors via Inkslinger PR

 ~Synopsis~

Sometimes you can’t see the storm coming until it’s too late...

Severe Storm Warning Tip #1:
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #2:
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Severe Storm Warning Tip #3:
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

Situated just outside of Oklahoma City, Calumet County is divided into two drastically different communities: Hope’s Grove and Summit Bluffs. One is the small backward town where dirt roads lead the way to field parties and railroad tracks. And the other, a sprawling suburb where paved drives lead to the landscaped lawns of the wealthy and over privileged.

For five teenagers smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, summer is heating up fast. The winds of change are blurring the invisible line that divides the rich and the rural.

One has a secret. 
One has a crush.
One has been lying. 
One will get caught.
And one might not make it out alive.

They’re from two different worlds…but one summer is about to change everything.

~Review~

Storm Warning was such an emotional, heart-warming and fantastic young adult novel. I love Elizabeth Lee and Caisey Quinn's new adult novels so seeing them collaborate together for a young adult series is amazing. The thing I loved the most about this book was how character-centric it is. The book is really all about these five teenagers and the summer that changed their lives. There is first love, new love, family drama and a storm to end all storms. Hang on because it's one wild ride.

This book revolves around summer break for 5 teenagers; Kyle, Cooper (Coop), Ella Jane (EJ), Hayden and Cameron (Cami). Kyle, Coop, and EJ live in the small farm town of Hope Springs, OK and Hayden and Cami live in the wealthy suburb of Summit Bluffs. While these group of kids live on the opposite side of the tracks, their lives become intertwined for one unforgettable summer. Kyle and Cami enter a whirlwind romance that makes them both see things in a new light. EJ falls for Hayden while nursing a broken heart over Cooper, who doesn't have enough guts to tell her that he loves her. I think EJ and Hayden are my favorite and I really connected with these two characters the most. Go #TeamHayden!

EJ is a real country girl and she is smart, beautiful, and feisty. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and she doesn't fawn all over Hayden like most girls. Of course she's attracted to him and she ogles him from afar but she really knows how to keep her cool around him and not show how much she's affected. This girl kicks ass! I absolutely LOVED Hayden's growth and I think he was the best developed character of them all. He really changes over the course of the summer and he doesn't want to be that same selfish jack ass he was before. Spending time with his grandparents and getting to know EJ has really opened his eyes and as he falls in love with her, he becomes a better version of himself. Gods, I love him so much!

Before EJ meets Hayden, she was seriously lusting after Brantley Cooper, or Coop as everyone calls him. He is Kyle's best friend and she had been in love with him for like ever. The thing is, Coop is in love with her too but he has been afraid to cross that line because of Kyle. I liked Coop well enough and he is really good guy. He looks out for EJ, is protective of her and would do anything to make her happy. However, he needs some serious balls because he's so afraid of Kyle that he ends up breaking EJ's heart and pushing her right into Hayden's arms. I really liked Coop's loyalty to his family and the fact he would do anything to help them out as they struggle with their farm. I liked Coop but I need a man who will take charge and go after what he wants. When it comes to EJ, he falls short in that category.

I connected the least with Kyle and Cami and I wasn't as invested in their summer romance as I was in the love triangle going down in Hope Springs. Cami was my least favorite character, as she is a bit conceived and shallow. Seeing the way her parents are towards her and each other, it's understandable that she wouldn't know how to be any other way. I do think there is a sweet and kind girl in there but she allows the shallow, rich girl side to rear it's ugly head one too many times. I liked that she didn't care where Kyle was from or how much money he had. However, the fact that he was headed off to college to play football was a plus for her and when Kyle questions his decisions for the future, her reaction is both immature and upsetting. I really liked that Kyle is a family guy and his devotion to EJ and his mother was admirable. They are clearly important to him and I loved that. However, I think he sometimes treats EJ like a little girl and interferes with her life a little too much. I also felt like he was a bit hypocritical when it came to Cooper because he really discouraged Coop away from EJ but openly gave Hayden his blessing. While I'm 100% Team Hayden, I was a bit surprised by this seeing as how Coop is seemingly the better man.

While the characters are the core to this story, the plot was just as fantastic. My heart fluttered from the romance that built between EJ and Hayden and taking the journey with them as they got to know each other and fell in love was beautiful. From their first kiss, I was fully on board with their growing relationship. Hayden discovers a lot about himself and his family and the moments with his grandparents were really sweet. They really help him put his life into perspective. EJ and Kyle are also facing a family crisis and EJ is really fragile right now. Being with Hayden really helps her deal with all of the pain and turmoil that she is suffering. Kyle is forced to question his future and whether or not college and football is the right decision considering everything going on with his family. I feel bad for him because he is so young and he shouldn't have to give up his dreams. As the summer comes to a close, there are a lot of misunderstandings that take place and when a life threatening storm hits Hope Springs, someone may not have the chance to make things right.

Wow! The ending and the epilogue to this book definitely left my heart-beating. It was quite the cliffhanger and I am desperate for the story to continue. I have become invested in these characters lives and so much was left hanging in the balance. The writing, of course, was incredible and it all flowed so well together. Sometimes having so many characters and POV's can be a little overwhelming but I felt like the authors did a beautiful job and I had no problems with the multiple characters and plot lines. The Broken Heartland series is an incredible new Young Adult series and if you're a fan of YA contemporary novels, this is a must-read. 

~IPOD Picks~

“Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson

“Story of My Life” by One Direction

“Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift/Ed Sheeran

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE