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Every night I'd lie there in bed and look out at the hills behind our house, listening. I knew there'd be consequences.
Actions meant reactions. Sunrises meant sunsets. My fear was too permanent, lasting longer than eyeliner, something I wore every day and didn't wash off.
Quinlan Lacey's life is a red carpet of weird fashions, hip bands, random parties, and chilling by the pool with her on-and-off BFF Libby. There's also her boring job (minimum wage), a crushed-out coworker (way too interested), her summer plans (nada), and her parents (totally clueless). Then one night she meets gorgeous James, and Quinn's whole world turns crazy, Technicolor, 3-D, fireworks, whatever.
But with good comes bad and unfortunately, Quinn's new romance brings with it some majorly evil baggage. Now, to make things right, she has to do a lot of things wrong (breaking and entering, kidnapping, lying, you name it).
There's normal, and then there's paranormal, and neither are Quinlan's cup of Diet Coke. Staying sane, cool, in love, and alive isn't so easy breezy.
AlwaysYAatHeart1
Posted October 26, 2012
I really loved this book. It is definitely not your typical vampire story. Set in the 1990s, Quinlan Lacey is 17 years old, she is into the whole grunge scene, she's self-centered, snarky, a little dark, and a little manipulative, but I couldn't help but love her. She works in the video store with Morgan, who is really into her. She want him around, but she doesn't want him at the same time. He's her safe choice, but Quinn doesn't really do safe. After closing one night, she sees a girl from school, Naomi, outside kind of "losing it," so she goes to check it out. She meets Naomi's brother, James, and let's just say Quinn's boring summer quickly takes a turn for more exciting times. James is the bad boy. He's hot, he's mysterious, he has a very dark side, and of course he is the one Quinn wants. Then there is Whit. Personally, I love Whit and I am team Whit all the way. Whit is James and Naomi's brother. When James has to leave for a while, he asks Whit to watch out for Quinn, and they really hit it off. So..... there is no love triangle in this book. I would call it more of a love "square," since there are four people involved, but believe me this book is anything but square - guess that's more of an 70's term though, so let's fast forward back to the 90's. After Quinn's best friend Libby gets involved with Stiles and his twin brother Sanders, Libby starts changing, and getting really weird. Quinn also finds out some things about Stiles that are definitely "not cool." Despite James asking her not to get involved, Quinn is determined to rescue her friend, and with Whit's help, she does just that. As a result, she has opened herself and her friends up to a whole lot more trouble than she bargained for, trouble that she may not be able to get herself out of, at least not alive.
As I said above, I really loved this book. It was dark and all kinds of wicked, but Bloom incorporated enough humor, especially where Quinn and Whit were concerned, so that I didn't feel overwhelmed by it. The characters were great. I loved Quinn, even though she was a bit spoiled at times. James was cool and quite the badass. Morgan was an all around great guy, and I especially loved Whit, who is hot, funny, caring, and definitely not boring. I even loved to hate Stiles and Sanders. I found myself wanting to hurry and turn to the next page to find out what was happening next. The romance between James and Quinn was intimate yet dark and intense, and the sense of constant danger was an ever present theme throughout the novel. Let me just say that the ending left me dying for more. Please, please, please let there be a sequel. If you love paranormal romance, vampires, mystery, danger, and especially the 90's, then this grunge romance is one book you won't want to miss.
Cutoutureyes
Posted August 26, 2012
Everyone kind of seems to hate this book but I really liked it. I'm so
sick of 100 year old vampires that treat their overly attached girl
friends like little kids and always seem like they're in pain, newbie
vampires a much more fun. Quin is like a lot of teenagers; slaker,
apathetic, boy-crazy, selfish. I loved the fact that she was grunge and
totally funny. I liked a lot of things about the book. Sure, I didn't
get into James that much but I felt Quinn's pain. I say, if you like the
lost boys or quirky paranormal things, get this book for sure.
Icecream18JA
Posted August 15, 2012
Before I say anything else about this novel, I must say that I cannot stand Quinn. If she was a real person, I would love to slap her. She is unmotivated, lazy, and unpleasant. Quinn has almost no redeeming qualities. I really didn’t like this book. Drain You seems like a book people will either love or hate. You can guess which side I am on.
To summarize the book, I could just tell you to imagine a 90’s version of Twilight. The plot is nearly identical at times. Quinn sleeps all day, drinks tons of diet soda, parties, and instantly falls in love with a greasy looking vampire. Quinn is a pain and her vampire boyfriend is just kind of gross...
M. Beth Bloom did have an interesting writing style, I didn’t love it, but it was definitely different. Maybe I will like other books she writes. For now though, I think I will shelve Drain You, permanently.
I was interested in reading Drain You after I read a synopsis of what the story was about, it sounded like a story that would keep my attention and had a character who sounded like she would remind me a bit of myself. Though, since I was checking it out on Goodreads, I also read a few reviews and saw that some were really negative. Keeping those thoughts in mind, I began reading Drain You and am very happy to say that the novel was actually very interesting and one that I personally enjoyed a lot. Considering the way it was written and the interactions between characters, I just want to say that if you are a reader who isn’t a fan of “teen speak” that this novel may not be for you. I didn’t mind the “teen speak” because the characters spoke the way I did. And I found that to be “dope”.
And the story was drop-dead hilarious. (Hey there, vampire pun!)
The story itself for those who are wondering is about main character Quinlan “Quinn” Lacey who works at a video rental store in California with her co-worker/friend/on again/off again crush, Morgan. One night at the rental store a student from Quinn’s high school, Naomi, comes into the store with blood all over her hands. From that moment on, Quinn involves herself in Naomi’s life and ends up crushing on Naomi’s brother James who has dark secrets that are dangerous. But he’s dangerous and dangerous is what every girl secretly desires in a guy. True story.
Considering that the story was split into two parts, I was expecting a giant explosion of awesome and personally I found just that within the contents of Drain You. I know that some people may or may not disagree with me, but I personally found the story to be a lot like Twilight when it came to the plot. Except that it had more drama and was a lot more realistic to teenage life. So, since I don’t want to give away too much, I’ll just say that the first half of the story was like Twilight and the second half was kind of like New Moon. So for all you Twi-hards who want a novel that can give you the same amount of romance, vampires and talent then I would recommend Drain You to you.
The characters in the story were ones that I fell hard for, from Quinn’s best friend Libby to Quinn herself, the characters were more than interesting and said things that had me giggling here and there. As for James, he’s a vampire, what isn’t to love? He was sweet to Quinn and still kept up the appearance of Bad- Boy- Boyfriend. Though, and this is a warning to some readers, there was a few chapters with a lot of sexual innuendo and a few scenes that can be defined as inappropriate.
All in all, a worthwhile read. I would recommend Drain You to fans of vampire lore, romance and fans of Twilight. So go out there, get that book and make some vampire puns.
I'm going to have to say that I started this book with a negative attitude. Well it's not actually negative, but I was a bit hesitant to be honest. When I looked at the ratings on goodreads, they were all one or two. That was really shocking to see, because I actually thought that this was going to be a good book. Well, I'm glad that I was one of those people who actually enjoyed this book! It started off as a really funny, sarcastic contemporary book! It was all sarcasm, which I absolutely loved! The main protagonist, Quinlan, is one of those unique girls. I can say that I really liked her. M. Beth Bloom did a great job in writing about her, because Quin seemed really realistic! I think it has been a while since I read about a girl like Quin. Weird, sarcastic, and funny. Loved her to bits.
I have to say the book dragged a bit to get to the main point. It took a pretty long time for the "paranormal" part of the story to start. Morgan, the guy she works with at the video store, likes her. I'm actually very confused about their relationship, and I really did hope that M. Beth Bloom made it clearer to the readers. The book also had parts where you think something's happening, then something entirely different is happening instead. It didn't happen often, but there were parts like that. The paranormal part started about seventy pages through the book. James is the vampire, and his relationship developed too fast with Quin. Alot of this book seems very similar to Twilight, so you can say the relationship was similar to Bellas and Edwards. That's why the story felt a bit predictable, and I wished the author twisted things a bit.
Overall, the main story wasn't that strong. The "bad" guys didn't seem important to me, and it felt like it shouldn't have been the main problem in the book. Putting that aside, it felt like a funny romantic novel to me, with a twist of paranormal. I'm not sure if this is part of a series or not, but the ending was weird. It didn't feel like it was an ending at all, but maybe that's going to be continued in the second installment. Drain You is a good book, and it was a good laugh as well. I do recommend it if you want a light read, or something that's a bit more fun.
Andreat78
Posted July 27, 2012
DRAIN ME is about Quinlan (Quinn) Lacey; slacker, would-be rebel, if she weren't so apathetic. She's selfish (or self-absorbed) and lazy, but to me, a representative of a lot of real teens. I loved the dialogue in DRAIN ME. It's full of words that I still used (not ashamed) like "dude", "rad", and "whatever". Quinn wears flannel, when she even bothers to wear much clothes, and loves Nirvana. And just as I hoped, the title is a nod to the song by Nirvana.¿
I will go ahead and say this, the plot had some similarities to Twilight. I'm fine with this, because the stories are told in a completely different manner. And since DRAIN ME has so much ironic humor and a chilled out vibe, I'm not sure if it was a nod to Twilight, a slightly satiric take, or a complete coincidence. But in the end, a good story is a good story and I did enjoy this a lot.
As for the romance, Quinn has options. There's Morgan, who is her friend, cute and sweet, and who she treats like crap. I mean, she's nice to him, but she does use him a lot, the poor guy. He would have been a great choice for her, but what's the fun in taking the easy road? And honestly, Morgan is too good for Quinn. Crushable guy number two is James. James...he has issues, isn't a safe choice for her, which obviously makes him the guy she wants. James is kinda grungy and totally hot.And despite one big drawback, he's a really cool guy. And rounding out the guys is Whit. I adored Whit. He's gorgeous, of course, but his personality is what I loved about him. He's a great balance for Quinn. He gets her, yet can rein her in a bit, keeping her out of trouble and giving her stability. I was rooting for Whit.
While I did enjoy DRAIN YOU quite a lot, I did have a couple of issues with the story. For starters, the parents. There wasn't one responsible, clued-in parent in the entire book. Quinn's parents barely questioned her whereabouts and she's still in high school, so this was a huge stretch for me. Quinn's best friend's parents were even worse. These weren't abusive alcoholic parents either. They were professional, together people. I know this is LA, and everyone is supposedly cooler-than-thou, but come on.
Another issue was Quinn's non-reaction to what James is/does. This girl just rolls with it. I know she's playing the apathetic angle, but dude, get a clue! Maybe I'm a spazz, but I would have freaked out at least a little bit, and I'm a fairly chilled-out person. Granted, she does begin to realize the ramifications of what James is later in the story, and she is young, but this takes rationalizing to a new level.
My last problem was the ending. DRAIN ME was so on it for the first three-fourths of the story. I was loving it, really into everything about it. I was dying to find out how it ends. I was prepared for epic. Towards the end, though, the plot began to feel rushed. I was still okay with it, but then I got to the last few pages, and it just ended.. I hope there is another book planned because I want to know what happened next!
What I loved about the story outweighs what bothered me by far. I honestly don't think everyone will love it. There will be readers who won't like Quinn, won't like the dialogue. I actually love flawed characters, especially when they gain self-awareness and experience growth, which I felt Quinn did. But for those who, like me, who enjoy a fun, quirky story told with an ironic tone and lots of laughs, DRAIN YOU will be a sure thing.
Drain You is really a different kind of book than I normally read. But I fell in love it. M. Beth Bloom’s writing style has a deep, dark and eerie feel to it. There's no doubt Drain You is unique and so are its characters. I had the feeling while reading this novel that Bloom wanted me to dislike her main character, Quinn, but at the same time wanted me to fall in love with her. And I did fall in love. Yes, I wanted to slap her for being a selfish, self-centered little brat, but I also understood her. This is definitely a very different kind of paranormal romance. Bloom plays no games with her dark, sadistic storyline, or the dark characters. And I have to say that I love it. I also loved James, who is Quinn’s vampire boyfriend. James pulls no punches in what he is and what he has to do to live. I loved this totally opposite of Edward. The only thing that did disappoint me was the ending. I felt like it was unfinished—too many questions left unanswered. But I can live with this if there's going to be a sequel. That's how much I did love this book.
Quinn is a pretty messed up girl who thinks the universe centers around her. Though she hates herself for being like this, she just can't seem to change. Even when she tries to help her best friend Libby, she’s only thinking about herself— and not how other people are going to get hurt by her actions—even die because of her selfishness.
I love Quinn and James’s intimate dark romance, but I kept thinking even a dark, sadistic vampire like James has his hands full with a girl like Quinn. I also loved James’s human brothers Whit and Morgan. No, there was no love triangle going on with Quinn. Morgan, who is Quinn's co-worker, has feelings for Quinn and was trying to have a relationship with her, but this just left him open for Quinn to easily use him, which Morgan understood this about Quinn. This is why I liked Morgan, he understood this about Quinn and he was a strong, self-assured person and accepted Quinn for who she was. Whit was strong, too, but I felt like he just couldn't handle his feelings for Quinn, and I’m going to have to wait for the second book to really figure his and Quinn’s relationship out.
Drain You is a very dark, eerie, and wicked novel, and I think you have to really open your mind to read this one to see who the characters are. Dig deeper than just the surface. I love this sinister and wicked side of the paranormal. I recommend as a dark, dark read.
Being a teen in the 90’s made me a perfect target for this YA novel…yes, you heard that right. I’m not a teen now – but every pop culture reference made in this book was directed at me…or at least towards those who are aware of what was going on in with music, fashion (and anti-fashion) during that time. Does that mean others won’t be able to appreciate the main characters distinct version of non-style, grunge, and aloofness? Nope, it’s still charming. As charming as grunge can be.
What I didn’t appreciate about the main character was that she was a whiny, self-absorbed, needy, little brat. I would never want to be her. I would never waste my time with her. She uses people for whatever she needs. She whines when she doesn’t get what she needs. I really can’t find anything good to say about Quinlan. Oh – she cared about her friend…better late than never I guess.
I can’t find anything that says this is part of a series, a trilogy, anything. A visit to the author site, Amazon, Goodreads, HarperTeen – all leave me wondering why the story ended so abruptly. If it’s a stand alone – I’m gonna be pissed with an end like that. However, at the same time – I don’t think I would bother picking up a follow-up to read anymore about what stupid, selfish thing Quinlan did now and who is going to bail her out this time.
I gave it a 3 because of the pop culture references mostly. They were weaved in and out well. For characters, development, storyline and everything else – let’s just say it’s lucky it had those pop culture references.
ARC reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
Rating: Strong PG-13. Open door sex scenes, but no really details given
Favorite Lines: Okay, no big deal, I’d just call Stiles…at his underground lair, where he most likely had Libby chained to a radiator and she was loving it. Stella gave me the number, which contained not even one six, let alone the three in a row I’d expected. (Ebook, pg 76)
…I drew on so much eyeliner I looked like a sobbing drunk raccoon on a tequila bender… (Ebook pg 134)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I admit, when I read the first chapter, I wasn’t that impressed. The voice was a little off and the writing didn’t grab me. But I kept reading and figured out that this was pretty much awesomeness. It instantly reminded me of The Lost Boys, but now. It also reminded me of the 90’s (which I loved) and made me want to move back to SoCal and remember the good times I had while growing up.
There were multiple things that impressed me with this book:
• The dialogue. Snappy, witty, snarky, and funny, Bloom’s dialogue is just downright good. I was there, it was real, and it carried the story much more than just narrative alone
• The MC’s voice. Quinn has a dark sense of humor and is so quick with everything, and her attitude of “whatever” is the icing on the cake. There were so many funny lines that were added that perfect certain something, which made the entire reading experience that much better
• The MC. Quinn, for me, is very real. She cares deeply about those who mean something to her. She doesn’t know what she wants when it comes to boys. She’s shallow and selfish at times, but she has drive. And I didn’t find that off-putting at any point. Mainly because she gets called on it (several times) and she knows it’s the truth. But we’ve all been there. Admit it.
• The relationships. There are several different, unique relationships Quinn is a part of, and they all come to life so realistically. Her absentee parents but their very functional relationship. Her coworker and complicated relationship-er, Morgan. Her casual best friend, Libby. The snobby girl from school, Naomi. James, the hot brother Quinn never knew existed. The equally hot other brother and instant best friend when crush disappears, Whit. And the evil twins, Stiles and Sanders. They all work brilliantly.
• The package. I’m assuming this is going to be a series. Depending on how well this one goes. I thought it was a tight, well-written story encapsulated into one book. The ending was finite but there are definitely LOTS of questions that still need answering.
There was one thing that didn’t sit well with me, though.
• Instalove. I’m not a fan of this. It’s unbelievable and really jars me out of a story. Yeah, we get Quinn thinks James is hot and she’s majorly crushing on him and they have to get together for the sake of plot progression. But getting as close and invested as they did—and in only a week—is a little hard for me to swallow.
• The MC sleeps. A lot. Which isn’t bad, I guess. But she’s always tired and sleeping. *Shrugs shoulders* Just thought I’d mention that.
If you’re a fan of the 90’s (and if you aren’t, you should be), if you liked The Lost Boys (and if you didn’t, shame on you. Watch it again and change your mind), and if you enjoy dark humor, pick up the book. You’ll probably be pretty entertained.
Pick it up and decide for yourself. :)
And yes, this is another vampire book. I love them so much
Overview
Every night I'd lie there in bed and look out at the hills behind our house, listening. I knew there'd be consequences.
Actions meant reactions. Sunrises meant sunsets. My fear was too permanent, lasting longer than eyeliner, something I wore every day and didn't wash off.
Quinlan Lacey's life is a red carpet of weird fashions, hip bands, random parties, and chilling by the pool with her on-and-off BFF Libby. There's also her boring job ...