Thursday, November 20, 2014

Robin in the Hood By Diane Reed Book Review

Title- Robin in the Hood (Robbin' Hearts Series Book 1)
Author- Diana Reed
Source- ebook 
Pages- 300
Publisher- Bandits Ranch Books, LLC
Publication Date- December 5th, 2012


             Amazon Summary-
“Is it any wonder I became a bank robber?” 
But she never dreamed she’d fall in love . . . 

Wealthy high school student Robin McArthur thinks she has it all figured out when it comes to bilking her work-a-holic dad for guilt money as a substitute for his genuine affection. Until one day he suffers a stroke at his law office, and she learns the brutal truth— They’re broke. Her stepmom has skipped the country. And everyone from bankers to bookies has lined up in her dad’s hospital room to collect on the millions he’s racked up in debt. Panicked and desperate, Robin figures she has two choices: either surrender to the pestering caseworker and live in a skanky foster home, or take a chance and sneak her dad out of the hospital to make a run for it. Little does she know that stealing a car and hitting the road means that before the day is through, she will rob her first bank. Now an outlaw, Robin finds a backwoods trailer park to hide her dad from authorities where she encounters Creek, a bad-boy in crime who first steals her money and then steals her heart. The two of them embark on a round of increasingly dangerous heists to provide for their motley trailer park neighbors. But what Robin hadn’t counted on is the way these hardscrabble people begin to embrace her and become the first real family she’s ever known. And along the way, worldly-wise Creek teaches her how to develop a genuine relationship with her dad based on the hard truths of their lives instead of his past lies. As Robin and Creek’s criminal journey forces them to make gut-wrenching choices, they soon begin to discover that people are more precious than pocketbooks, and true love means opening your heart to the kinds of treasures money can’t buy.

~Review~

Cover Thoughts-
It is a very enticing cover. I love how it includes a feather that Robin and Creek use for good luck or to reach out to her mom. Although, I thought the feather was white I still think the vibrant yellow makes the cover stand out. The girl looks beautiful and I can't believe she would fit in a trailer park full of crazy people. 

First Thought-
I knew from the start that this series was gonna be very different from most young adult literature I usually read. It's something more original that today's usual paranormal romance, fantasy, or contemporary romance.

Review-
I would like to start by saying Robin in the Hood is a delicate balance between grieving of loss, of having your life flipped upside down and happiness of being part of a family and discovering who you really are. I spent a whole night changing between laughing and crying. Robin is very brave and hilarious. She reacts to her sudden life change humorously and begins to bond with her father. She challenges a stranger to robbing a place (she didn't technically steal the money), and then he steals her money and probably her heart. You can't help but laugh at that.
Robin in the Hood is oddly spiritual. Granny Tinker, a very strange old lady, scares Robin at first but ultimately the old lady is who helps guide her on her journey through love and discovering herself. With the help of Granny's crystal ball and Creek's white feathers Robin finally learns who she really is and where she comes from.
Robin in the Hood is a funny mix between Robin Hood and Bonnie & Clyde. The characters are all unique with their own distinct personalities. It's impossible not to bond with them. I would rob a bank for Robin and Creek's trailer park family too.
I have some questions about some parts of the book though. Mostly, I really want to know more about Robin's father's journey to riches. How did he go from that trailer park to having Swiss bank accounts? The suspense of what happen to Robin's mother is killing me. How is Robin able to connect with her spiritually if she never met her? (Please don't be dead) How does Robin so easily accept these people when she started as a "rich bitch"? Robin's personality seems far from what I would expect of someone who has everything and then loses it all.
It doesn't matter though because Robin is unique. Her voice is something I could read all day. I feel her fear, her curiosity, her grief, her joy, and her love/loyalty for her new family. What a magical ride this book has been.

Overall Readability-
This is a great read for someone looking for something a little different than your usual fantasy or romance. It's fun, unique, and you never suspect whats going to happen next.

My Final Thought-
That was probably my fastest google for the rest of series ever. There's 3! I really want to know if Robin finds her mom and if her and Creek's love prevails over money greed.


4 out of 5 Haunted Roses

~Author Information~

Diane J. Reed is a mutli-award winning author who has a lifelong passion for books—both popular, forgotten & literary—as long as they touch her soul & make her want to tuck them under her pillow at night to remember them in her dreams. She writes novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries and believe in true love. She also has a soft spot for artisans & outlaws of the heart, those who burn brightly to live each day as a gift—because it is! She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to visit her website or message her here to share the whispers of your spirit.