Shaken (Mind Reader Book 1) Kindle Edition

I totally accidentally downloaded this when I hit the wrong button on my kindle and instantly ordered it. Smacking myself in the forehead for being so stupid, I decided I might as well read it and see if I got my money's worth. It was incredible! I loved it and really cannot wait for more.

Kylie is a wonderful main character with just the right amount of sarcasm to keep you laughing and humility to keep her likeable. We get to hear a lot of her inner dialogue which was fabulous as she is a very typical, insecure teenager who deals with the sudden ability to read minds just like the rest of us would - freaked out! My favorite scene is Kylie's conversation with herself when she is getting coffee with Trip - HILARIOUS and so accurate!

Trip is a hot guy who knows what he wants and is determined to get it. At 17, he is already an assistant detective with the police department (read here gopher for his detective Uncle) and has recently been transferred to Kylie's school. He is hot, smart, brave and more stubborn than Kylie. He is also the only one who has not lied to Kylie and has earned her trust (and love). Their first kiss is worth re-reading (a-hem!)

Hatler kept up a great combination of action and drama that kept you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. Kylie ends up discovering she is not as alone in the world as she thought as she meets more and more of her relatives that all seem to have some freaky power like she does and who all seem to have known about her. Why had her father kept all this from her and why do the others want her so badly that they will harm others just to get her? Trip and Kylie work hand in hand (literally) to solve the mystery of who is behind the kidnappings of little Amanda and why everyone seems to be lying to her. Saying anymore would just give too much of the story away and you really need to read it for yourself.

I loved this story and can't wait for the next installment. If you have read and liked the main character in Whirl (Ondine Quartet Book 1), Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves) or even Touch (A Denazen Novel) by Jus Accardo, than you will most likely enjoy this story and vice-a-versa. There was no profanity or sex but there was some brief reading of male minds and their desires relating to Kylie which can be somewhat primal and perhaps not suited for a young reader. As for me, it was the best accidental download this week!

I liked the story, I liked Trip and how he tries to focus on helping Kylie instead for acting on how he feels for her. In the begin I had difficulties to connect with Kylie, to even like her. She is so insecure and always doubting herself. I wanted to yell at her to get over it and do what needs to be done, not to listen to obvious lies. Towards the end it did get better and there was some fighting spirit in her, but then the book ended and there are so many unanswered questions left. I hope that some day there will be a second book out to find out what happens to Kylie, Drew, Lynn and the rest of her family. I recommend it to everyone liking some good mystery and is not getting annoyed with too much teenage angst.....and who can accept that there is no book to get your questions answered.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley and Hatco Publishing!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced and suspenseful story about Kylie Bates. It was exciting and fun to watch her discover new talents and find long lost family. I can't wait to watch the adventure continue and look forward to getting to know Kylie, Drew, and of course Trip even better. It was so fun to watch Kylie's reaction when she got a peek into someone's mind she wasn't expecting.

The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars is I thought the physical affection, both imagined and real, was too much for teenagers. While it was hilarious to watch Kylie's shock at what her "crush" was thinking about her, that was enough. The physical affection that started in this book will likely get more intense as the series goes on. I would not want my daughter to think that was appropriate.

Still, I know I am pickier than most about how clean a book should be. The story was thrilling and fun. The characters continued to surprise me and I want to get to know them even better. Thanks Susan, for a "peek" into the lives of Kylie and her friends.

Title: Shaken - Mind Reader Series Book 1
Author: Susan Hatler
Published: 2-2-2012
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
Pages: 237
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Teen & Young Adult; Paranormal & Fantasy; Clean & Wholesome
ISBN: 13: 9781470115029
ASIN: B0075GM0P0
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars

I received a copy of "Shaken" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher's Description:

High school junior, Kylie Bates, can suddenly read minds. When she touches people’s hands, she’s able to see their deepest thoughts. As if that’s not freaky enough, her dad sends her to help hottie detective, Sam Williams, track down a missing girl. Way too much pressure, especially for a girl who can’t watch Scream without getting nightmares.

Then, finding the missing girl leads to much more than Kylie’s prepared for. Like discovering that her dad has been lying to her. That she has a family she never knew about. That the girls have powers similar to hers. Oh yeah, and that someone is out to get her.

When the detective’s teenage wanna-be-cop cousin, Trip Williams, approaches Kylie at school insisting she help him solve the case, she discovers Trip might be the only one she can trust, and the only one to help her unravel the secrets behind her mysterious gift.

My Review:

Wake up and get ready for school, have some cereal and write in your diary. A typical day for Kylie until she answers the door and find herself shaking his hand and her world turns upside down.

Shaken is novel of Kylie coming to terms with her new ability, wondering who she can trust, and finding a family she never heard of before. My choice and Kylie's are similar, hide in our room and freak out. Although she is a bit more together than I, she gets up and goes on to school.

Filled with interesting characters, an unusual plot and lots of humor, Shaken will pull you in from the first page to the last. Kylie's behavior is that of a typical teenager who lives in a world or Drama and everything is in the moment. Trying to keep up with her thoughts and those of those she comes in contact with will keep you busy. Why has this started now? Why is her family so push in getting to her? How did she not know of them and te abilities that run in her family? Fast paced with a well laid out plot make "Shaken" a must read. My one draw back is that the speed at which Kylie's physical attractions take place. There seems to be no one who has explained it is not wise to act on all impulses. That is not an attitude encouraged in my home, nor would I want it to be. Slow down child, the world and boys will wait for you to finish growing up. My rating for "Shaken was 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I just finished the book. It is a get and interesting story. The characters are amazing. I could not put it down until the very end. I can't wait for the next one.