Early today I got an exciting email from IndieReader. They reviewed The Edge Rules and not only did they say it’s “perfect for readers looking for a book that is both socially relevant and charming,” but they gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Here’s more:
Author Melanie Hooyenga does a good job exploring the complex personalities and diverse personal history of Brianna, Xavier and Drea. Both the main and supporting characters are universally relatable and realistic, making the bond of friendship that develops between the trio is heartwarming and engaging. The author also addresses important psychological issues that plague each character.
In honor of this exciting news, I thought I’d share an interview the main character from The Edge Rules, Brianna, gave a while back. Enjoy!
Name:
Brianna Vines.
Profession:
High schooler.
Are you happy about your life?
Almost. I’ve been through a lot in the past few months, and I’m proud of some of my more recent decisions, but there’s still a lot I’m dealing with and old habits die hard.
Have you ever thought your life would be made into a book?
I mean, obviously. You have met me, right? The author could have picked a better time of my life to highlight—getting arrested and having Dad leave us for The Seconds was not my finest moment—but it’s fun looking back on when I first met Drea and Xavier.
Your thoughts on love.
Swoon. Oh, sorry. Sure, I believe in love. You would too if you met Xavier.
What would you change about yourself?
*SIGH* I guess I could try not to react so quickly to criticism—or what seems like criticism—and give people the benefit of the doubt every now and then.
Your quirky habits.
I don’t do quirky. I guess I have snorted a couple times when I laugh, but I work hard to always be perfect, and quirky doesn’t play into that.
Which talent would you like to have?
To be able to shred on my board as good as Xavier. But don’t tell him I said that.
On what occasions do you lie?
Whenever it suits me? Do other people not do that?
What kind of impression do you make on people when they first meet you? Is that accurate?
Okay, so this is something I’ve been working on. For the longest time, my first impressions were calculated more closely than when Dad’s figuring out what to tip on the dinner bill, but lately I’ve tried to worry less about what people think about me. Like when I started community service. Those kids were the opposite of anyone I’d normally talk to, and instead of trying to impress them and make them fear me, I acted like myself. Pretending is too exhausting.
Worst and best thing that happened to your life.
Ugh, my beloved author put it in the first chapter of my book. Getting arrested for shoplifting the same day dad announced he was leaving us was definitely the worst. There were a couple other moments that fight for the top spot—Kenzie taking over the Snow Bunnies and picking up trash on the side of a billion highways—but that still wins. Or loses. Whatever.
As for the best, when Xavier taught me to snowboard. I always thought boarding was for losers and slackers, but he showed me that there’s a grace and athleticism to it that I never realized. I feel more a part of the mountain on a board than on skis, but it hurts like hell when you faceplant.
The worst thing you’ve ever done to someone and why?
I blamed the boy I liked for his brother’s death, and then I ostracized him from all our friends because I was ashamed of how I treated him. Back then it made sense, but now it just seems like a waste of energy.
What are you most afraid of?
Being alone.
What is in your refrigerator right now?
Fruit and Mom’s bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (which I might have drank a little of last night).
Favorite dish.
Before a few weeks ago I’d say sushi from Coast, but Xavier converted me. Chicken molé from his uncle’s restaurant.
What would you do if someone tried to blackmail you. How easy or difficult would it be?
Ha, good luck. I’d find something worse on them and make them regret ever trying to manipulate me. No one is better than me at manipulation.
If you’d like to learn more about Brianna, check her out in The Edge Rules. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, start the series here.
