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Magnetic Shift
The ability to magnetize and manipulate metal with the flick of her wrist makes seventeen-year-old Lexi Adams a crack mechanic, but it’s a disaster in the making when her stepdad trades her skills to NASCAR team owner Dean Grant for an entire season’s worth of sponsorship ads.
Now Lexi has no other choice but to suck it up and hope she can keep her magnetic impulses under control—that is, until she runs into NASCAR’s hot new rookie, Colton Tayler.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death.
Now Lexi has no other choice but to suck it up and hope she can keep her magnetic impulses under control—that is, until she runs into NASCAR’s hot new rookie, Colton Tayler.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death.
260 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2016
About the author
Lucy D. Briand
1 book30 followersLucy D. Briand lives in Ottawa, Canada with her comic book fanatic husband and her nonchalant Siamese cat. By day she works full time as a public servant for the Government of Canada, but by night her creative mind takes over and conjures up young adult gear-head romance stories with supernatural twists.
When not working, reading, writing, or watching way too much TV, Lucy likes to cosplay, attend ComicCons, go on road trips to Walt Disney World, and play ridiculous amounts of board games. She’s a geek to the core but is also a huge NASCAR Cup fan.
Lucy is represented by Brittany Booker Carter of The Booker Albert Literary Agency.
When not working, reading, writing, or watching way too much TV, Lucy likes to cosplay, attend ComicCons, go on road trips to Walt Disney World, and play ridiculous amounts of board games. She’s a geek to the core but is also a huge NASCAR Cup fan.
Lucy is represented by Brittany Booker Carter of The Booker Albert Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 5, 2016
Seventeen year old Lexi Adams has the ability to move and manipulate anything metal with her mind. She sees this as a curse that was inherited from a father that she never knew so she doesn't really understand her powers other than they are tied to her emotions. After her mother passed away she was left with an abusive, controlling step-father that has decided to trade Lexi to a NASCAR team for the rights to advertise his business on the car.
Lexi arrives at the race track and finds that the driver of the car she is supposed to be working for is nineteen year old rookie sensation Colton Tayler. Lexi is immediately attracted to Colton throwing her emotions into overdrive and finding it hard to control her ability around him. The more time the two spend together the harder it is for Lexi to hide what she can do and when Carl Stacy, a rival team owner sees Lexi use her ability he threatens exposure.
When I saw Magnetic Shift up for review I knew that I had to read it being a huge NASCAR fan. I wasn't sure what to expect with the NASCAR tie in to the story, if it would be all fictional or make use of actual facts about racing or not. Well, color me impressed with the authors knowledge of the sport, I thought she did a wonderful job bringing the sport into this story. There may have been a couple little details here and there that could've used a little tweaking but the descriptions of the tracks, the roar of the engines, the pits, stands and fans all made me feel as if I were touring the race circuit right along with this racing team. A definite thumbs up for the setting of the story.
Now, as far as the plot and characters of this story I found that I enjoyed the idea of Lexi having abilities that she was trying to hide but I at times wish we were told a bit more about them a little sooner. Of course Lexi herself really didn't understand them either so I suppose that's why the reader was learning along with her just what she could or couldn't do. I think I'd also might have liked a bit more of a build up between Lexi and Colton in their relationship, it was a tad too insta-lovey when the setting could have made room for more of a growing romance. Overall though it was an enjoyable read with an interesting plot that I'd recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Lexi arrives at the race track and finds that the driver of the car she is supposed to be working for is nineteen year old rookie sensation Colton Tayler. Lexi is immediately attracted to Colton throwing her emotions into overdrive and finding it hard to control her ability around him. The more time the two spend together the harder it is for Lexi to hide what she can do and when Carl Stacy, a rival team owner sees Lexi use her ability he threatens exposure.
When I saw Magnetic Shift up for review I knew that I had to read it being a huge NASCAR fan. I wasn't sure what to expect with the NASCAR tie in to the story, if it would be all fictional or make use of actual facts about racing or not. Well, color me impressed with the authors knowledge of the sport, I thought she did a wonderful job bringing the sport into this story. There may have been a couple little details here and there that could've used a little tweaking but the descriptions of the tracks, the roar of the engines, the pits, stands and fans all made me feel as if I were touring the race circuit right along with this racing team. A definite thumbs up for the setting of the story.
Now, as far as the plot and characters of this story I found that I enjoyed the idea of Lexi having abilities that she was trying to hide but I at times wish we were told a bit more about them a little sooner. Of course Lexi herself really didn't understand them either so I suppose that's why the reader was learning along with her just what she could or couldn't do. I think I'd also might have liked a bit more of a build up between Lexi and Colton in their relationship, it was a tad too insta-lovey when the setting could have made room for more of a growing romance. Overall though it was an enjoyable read with an interesting plot that I'd recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 23, 2016
4.5 Stars
So if you know me you know that this isn’t my typical kind of book, a bit too contemporary for my tastes even with the sci-fi(ish) aspects. But I was asked by a friend from Spencer Hill Press to host the blog tour because she knew I loved NASCAR. And so I said yes and I also said I would read it and review it. I actually waited for racing season to begin so I’d be more in the mood to read it lol. So here I am posting my review.
I went into this book ready to pick it apart being the huge NASCAR fan that I am and also having friends that race in other motorsports. I know my ins and outs of pit stalls, pit road, the tracks, etc. basically the racing world in general. And I can say that Lucy Briand did her research! I was really quite impressed! There were a couple minor things like the chase format but she probably wrote this before the format changed for the umpteenth time. Ok so now onto the story which was freaking awesome! It had everything I look for, a good plot, a very swoon worthy guy (hello Colton!), a really well written MC (trust me you all will love Lexi), great secondary characters, and the story was quick paced without feeling rushed! I don’t want to get too much into the story because I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me when I say that this was awesome and I’d really love to read more of this world but alas it’s a standalone. Fans of NASCAR will love this but you really don’t have to be a racing fan at all to enjoy this one! If you love a good romance this will be right up your alley!
Also for my friends who detest love triangles there isn’t one so go buy this book and enjoy!!!
So if you know me you know that this isn’t my typical kind of book, a bit too contemporary for my tastes even with the sci-fi(ish) aspects. But I was asked by a friend from Spencer Hill Press to host the blog tour because she knew I loved NASCAR. And so I said yes and I also said I would read it and review it. I actually waited for racing season to begin so I’d be more in the mood to read it lol. So here I am posting my review.
I went into this book ready to pick it apart being the huge NASCAR fan that I am and also having friends that race in other motorsports. I know my ins and outs of pit stalls, pit road, the tracks, etc. basically the racing world in general. And I can say that Lucy Briand did her research! I was really quite impressed! There were a couple minor things like the chase format but she probably wrote this before the format changed for the umpteenth time. Ok so now onto the story which was freaking awesome! It had everything I look for, a good plot, a very swoon worthy guy (hello Colton!), a really well written MC (trust me you all will love Lexi), great secondary characters, and the story was quick paced without feeling rushed! I don’t want to get too much into the story because I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me when I say that this was awesome and I’d really love to read more of this world but alas it’s a standalone. Fans of NASCAR will love this but you really don’t have to be a racing fan at all to enjoy this one! If you love a good romance this will be right up your alley!
Also for my friends who detest love triangles there isn’t one so go buy this book and enjoy!!!
March 16, 2016
The ability to magnetize and manipulate metal with the flick of her wrist makes seventeen-year-old Lexi Adams a crack mechanic, but it’s a disaster in the making when her stepdad trades her skills to NASCAR team owner Dean Grant for an entire season’s worth of sponsorship ads. Now Lexi has no other choice but to suck it up and hope she can keep her magnetic impulses under control—that is, until she runs into NASCAR’s hot new rookie, Colton Tayler.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death.
I really wish I had paid more attention to the blurb and realized the world of angst I would be thrown into when I picked up this book. Lexi is a mini-Magneto, and her powers are tied to her emotions. She is sent (read sold) off to a racing car company as a mechanic - like the worst place possible for a person who can literally feel metal and control it. Her prowess with mechanics and speed is thanks to her ability, and it is of course, a very big secret. When Colton, the lead racer, starts taking an interest in her, suddenly she goes haywire. Cue the endless angst as she tries to keep herself away from him, him chasing her, they having some kissing scenes, and then she again running away. Sigh!
I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more, because the writing was pretty good. Lexi's story had a potential to be so much more, with her background as an abused kid, the kindness of her employer and his family, her as someone who has to guard her emotions all the time, the slightly urban fantasy setting, the kindness of her employer and his family - but no, we get pages devoted to the back and forth between her and Colton. I get it - it is a contemporary-ish YA, and romance is a big part of the genre, but when the story was set up for so much and delivered not much in those areas, it felt like a disappointment; a slap in the face, if I must explain. There was a confusing second half where she was convinced she had to keep away from him to protect the team, but the issue was that she was on the team, not that she was his girlfriend, so I didn't get that logic? As I said, unnecessary drama ruined this book for me, which otherwise was shaping up to be such a good plot.
Received a free galley from Spencer Hill Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death.
I really wish I had paid more attention to the blurb and realized the world of angst I would be thrown into when I picked up this book. Lexi is a mini-Magneto, and her powers are tied to her emotions. She is sent (read sold) off to a racing car company as a mechanic - like the worst place possible for a person who can literally feel metal and control it. Her prowess with mechanics and speed is thanks to her ability, and it is of course, a very big secret. When Colton, the lead racer, starts taking an interest in her, suddenly she goes haywire. Cue the endless angst as she tries to keep herself away from him, him chasing her, they having some kissing scenes, and then she again running away. Sigh!
I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more, because the writing was pretty good. Lexi's story had a potential to be so much more, with her background as an abused kid, the kindness of her employer and his family, her as someone who has to guard her emotions all the time, the slightly urban fantasy setting, the kindness of her employer and his family - but no, we get pages devoted to the back and forth between her and Colton. I get it - it is a contemporary-ish YA, and romance is a big part of the genre, but when the story was set up for so much and delivered not much in those areas, it felt like a disappointment; a slap in the face, if I must explain. There was a confusing second half where she was convinced she had to keep away from him to protect the team, but the issue was that she was on the team, not that she was his girlfriend, so I didn't get that logic? As I said, unnecessary drama ruined this book for me, which otherwise was shaping up to be such a good plot.
Received a free galley from Spencer Hill Press, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2020
"I am who I am because of the cards I've been dealt. I know that now. My life wasn't all bad."
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
See reviews first on my blog
Before I say anything else about this book, I should say that my copy of this book was missing some parts here and there so I might have missed something. (I doubt it, but it's possible.)
I really struggled with this book and it ended up falling a little flat for me.
I was expecting this to be a story about a girl mechanic that has an ability that helps her be able to do repairs super fast. Instead what I got was a teen romance story with racing and a small amount of actual mechanic work.
I feel like I should also mention that I haven't watched much NASCAR at all, but I do have a brother who would watch car repair shows all the time growing up and still talks about repairing cars and car parts all the time so I did have a fairly good grasp on what she should be doing to repair the cars.
Lexi ended up only repairing the car once and we only saw her go to the shop once and work their as well. Most of the time she just ended up following Dean and Colton and doing her school work.
Lexi was constantly working on controlling her ability and going back and forth from avoiding Colton to being inseparable from him.
I feel like if you go into this book thinking of it as a romance you will enjoy it, but if you go into it thinking it's going to be about cars you will be highly disappointed.
The story-line itself was well-paced except for the part right before the ending where we jumped forwards a couple of months which was a little strange.
I think there could either be a book two for this story or maybe even a novella because it does end with a potential opening for another one.
"For the first time since Mama died, I had a home, a purpose. People actually cared about me and wanted to help me achieve something better than the solitary life I'd envisioned for myself. Funny how I needed to leave to realize and appreciate all that. "
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
See reviews first on my blog
Before I say anything else about this book, I should say that my copy of this book was missing some parts here and there so I might have missed something. (I doubt it, but it's possible.)
I really struggled with this book and it ended up falling a little flat for me.
I was expecting this to be a story about a girl mechanic that has an ability that helps her be able to do repairs super fast. Instead what I got was a teen romance story with racing and a small amount of actual mechanic work.
I feel like I should also mention that I haven't watched much NASCAR at all, but I do have a brother who would watch car repair shows all the time growing up and still talks about repairing cars and car parts all the time so I did have a fairly good grasp on what she should be doing to repair the cars.
Lexi ended up only repairing the car once and we only saw her go to the shop once and work their as well. Most of the time she just ended up following Dean and Colton and doing her school work.
Lexi was constantly working on controlling her ability and going back and forth from avoiding Colton to being inseparable from him.
I feel like if you go into this book thinking of it as a romance you will enjoy it, but if you go into it thinking it's going to be about cars you will be highly disappointed.
The story-line itself was well-paced except for the part right before the ending where we jumped forwards a couple of months which was a little strange.
I think there could either be a book two for this story or maybe even a novella because it does end with a potential opening for another one.
"For the first time since Mama died, I had a home, a purpose. People actually cared about me and wanted to help me achieve something better than the solitary life I'd envisioned for myself. Funny how I needed to leave to realize and appreciate all that. "
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2016
Spencer Hill Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Magnetic Shift, in exchange for an honest review.
17 year old Lexi Adams has the makings of an excellent mechanic, but her secret gift of being able to manipulate and magnetize metal is really how she is able to work so quickly. Traded away by her stepfather in exchange for a year's worth of sponsorship ads for his salvage yard, Lexi has no choice but to work for Dean, the owner of a Cup Series race team. Colton Tayler, driver for the team, is definitely a perk, but Lexi is worried that someone will find out about her abilities. Will Lexi be able to find some happiness or will everything come crashing down?
Lexi's ability is definitely unique and gives what could be a normal YA romance an interesting twist. I have always been a fan of books about ordinary people with extraordinary abilities and Magnetic Shift definitely delivers in that department. Lexi is the type of person worth getting to know and the author does a great job of conveying her strength, her anxiety, and her overwhelming zeal to take care of those around her. Although I am not a NASCAR fan, the fact that most of this book takes place on or near a track did not bother me. Magnetic Shift is a quick read, well paced, and interesting. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy YA romance with a touch of the unexpected.
17 year old Lexi Adams has the makings of an excellent mechanic, but her secret gift of being able to manipulate and magnetize metal is really how she is able to work so quickly. Traded away by her stepfather in exchange for a year's worth of sponsorship ads for his salvage yard, Lexi has no choice but to work for Dean, the owner of a Cup Series race team. Colton Tayler, driver for the team, is definitely a perk, but Lexi is worried that someone will find out about her abilities. Will Lexi be able to find some happiness or will everything come crashing down?
Lexi's ability is definitely unique and gives what could be a normal YA romance an interesting twist. I have always been a fan of books about ordinary people with extraordinary abilities and Magnetic Shift definitely delivers in that department. Lexi is the type of person worth getting to know and the author does a great job of conveying her strength, her anxiety, and her overwhelming zeal to take care of those around her. Although I am not a NASCAR fan, the fact that most of this book takes place on or near a track did not bother me. Magnetic Shift is a quick read, well paced, and interesting. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy YA romance with a touch of the unexpected.
June 5, 2016
Loved it! Will read again!!
Simply put, I loved this book. A lovely insight inside the world of NASCAR but won't weigh you down if you know nothing of the sport. The main character is lovable and "real", and quirky/sassy. Looking forward to see what else this author will come out with next.
Simply put, I loved this book. A lovely insight inside the world of NASCAR but won't weigh you down if you know nothing of the sport. The main character is lovable and "real", and quirky/sassy. Looking forward to see what else this author will come out with next.
May 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The story and characters pulled me in wanting to know what was ahead of both Lexi and Colton.
March 26, 2016
REVIEW TO COME
October 28, 2018
This was an extremely interesting book. I honestly loved it, I just wish it would've gone a little bit slower and more detailed on some parts. For example, the first race where something went wrong, the whole scene transpired too quickly and it was a little hard to process it had happened in the first place. That being said, it was a great book. It was very young adult in writing, more of a high school read than a college one, but I find those to be a nice change from my typical novel or physiology textbook! The ease of reading makes it go quickly, but it was still a great read. Look forward to more by Lucy Briand!
April 23, 2018
Not usually a fan of this type of book (romance) but the authors writing style is SO good and detailed she really makes the scene and characters come alive. You can really feel what the characters are feeling and the knowledge of racing and NASCAR really shines through. I highly recommend you check this out and see for yourself!!!
July 1, 2023
Unfortunately a DNF for me. I just could not get into it and found it lacked good characterization and a clear path of the plot. I will refrain from rating because of this but since NetGalley requires it I have given it a 1.
March 23, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Amazing romance that I literally couldn’t put down. I loved every minute of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute love story!
Opening Sentence: I jumped down from the truck, gawked up at the fence arching over Daytona International Speedway’s tri-oval tack, and groaned as my gut twisted in the worst way.
The Review:
Lexi Adams has a very special talent that allows her to manipulate metal with just the flick of her hand. It comes in super handy when it comes to taking apart and putting back together a car. But her power can be unpredictable at times and she doesn’t always have the best control of it. No one knows about her special abilities and Lexi wants to keep it that way. The key to not being discovered is to keep her life as normal and low key as possible. She has done a great job for seventeen years, but her life is about to change big time.
Lexi’s stepfather has some serious debt and to get out of it he sends Lexi to work for Dean Grant, the owner of a NASCAR team. Working the NASCAR circuit is as far from calm as you can get and then add the hot young race car driver, Colton Tayler, to the mix and this is just one big disaster waiting to happen. Lexi keeps having outbursts that she can’t control and when a rival team owner discovers what she can do, he tries to destroy Dean’s race team for good. The only way Lexi can save the people she loves is to use her powers, but that might lead to her being exposed and loosing her freedom for good.
Lexi is a spunky girl that you can’t help but love. She is sweet, smart, witty and just a fun character. She is totally tomboyish and loves to work on cars. But she also has a very girly side that she likes to show off once in a while. She has been stuck in a crappy situation for most of her life but she preferred to stay there because she was comfortable and knew what she was dealing with. Whenever things would change her powers would become unstable and the outcome from that was rarely good. Throughout the book she grows so much and it made it easy to connect with her. She is one of those people you want to cheer for and see succeed. She doesn’t give up easily and even though she has a lot of insecurities she tries to overcome them. I adored everything about Lexi and I’m so glad I got to experience her story!
Just thinking about Colton makes me swoon! He is sexy, confident, sweet, and just an all around good guy. I love how down to earth he is even though he is a famous race car driver. He was completely approachable and that just made it so much easier to connect with him. He makes stupid mistakes like a normal teenage boy does and he can be a total jerk when he feels like it, which just made him feel more realistic! His relationship with Lexi was awesome and developed perfectly. The way they would flirt and act totally reminded me of how I was when I was a teenager. If you can’t tell I am a huge Colton fan and I think most girls will find him very swoon worthy.
Magnetic Shift is an adorable romance that I tore through. I had heard really good things about this book, so I decided one night before bed to read a few chapters. Next thing I knew it’s one in the morning and I’m finished with the whole book. It is one of those stories that sucks you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. It has a gripping plot, phenomenal writing, sweet romance, and the perfect amount of drama. I’m not personally a NASCAR fan, but I think this will appeal to both fans of the sport and those like me that don’t really follow it at all. For the most part this read like a contemporary romance, but it did contain a hint of magical realism. Overall, I loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great romance!
Notable Scene:
The sleeves of his black, green, and yellow one-piece fire suit were tied low at his waist, showing off the white short-sleeved cotton t-shirt printed with the large winged Guardian Auto Insurance logo stretched tightly across his chest. I swallowed as I flicked my gaze up to his face. Sandy blond hair peeked out the back of the matching black ball cap pulled low over his eyes.
Oh, good God almighty.
I’d never swooned before—hell, I hardly knew what the word meant—but this guy’s grin made me light-headed and woozy, and my heart raced at two hundred miles per hour. I picked up my jaw, cleared my embarrassing reaction from my throat, and, hoping it wasn’t too late, tried not to look stupid.
FTC Advisory: Spencer Hill Press provided me with a copy of Magnetic Shift. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Amazing romance that I literally couldn’t put down. I loved every minute of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute love story!
Opening Sentence: I jumped down from the truck, gawked up at the fence arching over Daytona International Speedway’s tri-oval tack, and groaned as my gut twisted in the worst way.
The Review:
Lexi Adams has a very special talent that allows her to manipulate metal with just the flick of her hand. It comes in super handy when it comes to taking apart and putting back together a car. But her power can be unpredictable at times and she doesn’t always have the best control of it. No one knows about her special abilities and Lexi wants to keep it that way. The key to not being discovered is to keep her life as normal and low key as possible. She has done a great job for seventeen years, but her life is about to change big time.
Lexi’s stepfather has some serious debt and to get out of it he sends Lexi to work for Dean Grant, the owner of a NASCAR team. Working the NASCAR circuit is as far from calm as you can get and then add the hot young race car driver, Colton Tayler, to the mix and this is just one big disaster waiting to happen. Lexi keeps having outbursts that she can’t control and when a rival team owner discovers what she can do, he tries to destroy Dean’s race team for good. The only way Lexi can save the people she loves is to use her powers, but that might lead to her being exposed and loosing her freedom for good.
Lexi is a spunky girl that you can’t help but love. She is sweet, smart, witty and just a fun character. She is totally tomboyish and loves to work on cars. But she also has a very girly side that she likes to show off once in a while. She has been stuck in a crappy situation for most of her life but she preferred to stay there because she was comfortable and knew what she was dealing with. Whenever things would change her powers would become unstable and the outcome from that was rarely good. Throughout the book she grows so much and it made it easy to connect with her. She is one of those people you want to cheer for and see succeed. She doesn’t give up easily and even though she has a lot of insecurities she tries to overcome them. I adored everything about Lexi and I’m so glad I got to experience her story!
Just thinking about Colton makes me swoon! He is sexy, confident, sweet, and just an all around good guy. I love how down to earth he is even though he is a famous race car driver. He was completely approachable and that just made it so much easier to connect with him. He makes stupid mistakes like a normal teenage boy does and he can be a total jerk when he feels like it, which just made him feel more realistic! His relationship with Lexi was awesome and developed perfectly. The way they would flirt and act totally reminded me of how I was when I was a teenager. If you can’t tell I am a huge Colton fan and I think most girls will find him very swoon worthy.
Magnetic Shift is an adorable romance that I tore through. I had heard really good things about this book, so I decided one night before bed to read a few chapters. Next thing I knew it’s one in the morning and I’m finished with the whole book. It is one of those stories that sucks you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. It has a gripping plot, phenomenal writing, sweet romance, and the perfect amount of drama. I’m not personally a NASCAR fan, but I think this will appeal to both fans of the sport and those like me that don’t really follow it at all. For the most part this read like a contemporary romance, but it did contain a hint of magical realism. Overall, I loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great romance!
Notable Scene:
The sleeves of his black, green, and yellow one-piece fire suit were tied low at his waist, showing off the white short-sleeved cotton t-shirt printed with the large winged Guardian Auto Insurance logo stretched tightly across his chest. I swallowed as I flicked my gaze up to his face. Sandy blond hair peeked out the back of the matching black ball cap pulled low over his eyes.
Oh, good God almighty.
I’d never swooned before—hell, I hardly knew what the word meant—but this guy’s grin made me light-headed and woozy, and my heart raced at two hundred miles per hour. I picked up my jaw, cleared my embarrassing reaction from my throat, and, hoping it wasn’t too late, tried not to look stupid.
FTC Advisory: Spencer Hill Press provided me with a copy of Magnetic Shift. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 29, 2016
I would like to thank Spencer Hill Press & NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC to review. Though I received this ebook for free, that has no impact upon the honesty of my review.
Goodreads Teaser: "The ability to magnetize and manipulate metal with the flick of her wrist makes seventeen-year-old Lexi Adams a crack mechanic, but it’s a disaster in the making when her stepdad trades her skills to NASCAR team owner Dean Grant for an entire season’s worth of sponsorship ads.
Now Lexi has no other choice but to suck it up and hope she can keep her magnetic impulses under control—that is, until she runs into NASCAR’s hot new rookie, Colton Tayler.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death."
This is a sweet love story and a coming of age/self-discovery story all in one. Lexi's lout of a stepfather trade's her to a NASCAR team for an entire season in exchange for what turns out to be a truly ridiculous sponsor ad, yet Lexi is still going through with the deal. It's gotta be better than facing her stepdad again, even if she's going to be struggling every day to keep her secret skills hidden and under wraps.
I mostly liked Lexi. Aside from her extra talent she's pretty much a normal girl, or would be if she'd ever stop bemoaning the state of her life. She considers her talent, and by extension herself, to be a freak of nature. And spends a bit too much time lamenting the fact that she's been stuck with this curse. That bit aside she really is pretty normal. She falls for Colton, but of course feels she can't have him because she'd have to trust him with her secret. But she takes her time falling for him, or at least that's what she thinks. On the outside it's pretty easy to see that she's been falling for him since day one. Which would explain all their fights, which, for the most part, she instigates.
Colton is a nice enough guy, but comes across as being a bit one dimensional for me. He's got his racing career, his intense loyalty to Dean - the owner of the team he races for, and his feelings for Lexi. I did like him, but he fell for Lexi a tad to quickly for me. OK, he fell too hard, too fast; especially given the way Lexi kept treating him, swing from hot to cold in the blink of an eye. Granted the story is told from Lexi's point of view, but the reasons for his attraction to her were never really demonstrated or even explained. Yet even with that pretty glaring omission I still enjoyed him, and the sweetness of their budding relationship.
Dean is also a worthy character, though I can't say why without giving away to much. But he's a good guy and a great role model. This story wouldn't work without him. As far as adults go, he's a keeper.
So you've got a bunch of pretty entertaining characters, a storyline that moves along at a decent clip (only a few shorts lulls when the story could have picked up the pace a bit), and an interesting conflict to be resolved. The question of if it will be resolved, and how, hang over the story and help propel it ever forward. Other than a rather odd pause near the end this story's pacing was pretty solid, with the arc of the tale being relatively smooth, and the characters demonstrating emotional growth along the way. So I'm going to have to say that yes, I enjoyed this book. It didn't run quite as I anticipated, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, it may be a good thing, and may just have helped me to enjoy the story even more than I otherwise would have.
Goodreads Teaser: "The ability to magnetize and manipulate metal with the flick of her wrist makes seventeen-year-old Lexi Adams a crack mechanic, but it’s a disaster in the making when her stepdad trades her skills to NASCAR team owner Dean Grant for an entire season’s worth of sponsorship ads.
Now Lexi has no other choice but to suck it up and hope she can keep her magnetic impulses under control—that is, until she runs into NASCAR’s hot new rookie, Colton Tayler.
When Carl Stacy, the ruthless team owner of the defending Cup Champion, discovers Lexi’s secret and plots to use it to ruin Dean’s race team for good, Lexi must either expose her ability to save Colton, risking Dean’s career and her own freedom in the process, or watch the only guy she’s ever fallen for race to his death."
This is a sweet love story and a coming of age/self-discovery story all in one. Lexi's lout of a stepfather trade's her to a NASCAR team for an entire season in exchange for what turns out to be a truly ridiculous sponsor ad, yet Lexi is still going through with the deal. It's gotta be better than facing her stepdad again, even if she's going to be struggling every day to keep her secret skills hidden and under wraps.
I mostly liked Lexi. Aside from her extra talent she's pretty much a normal girl, or would be if she'd ever stop bemoaning the state of her life. She considers her talent, and by extension herself, to be a freak of nature. And spends a bit too much time lamenting the fact that she's been stuck with this curse. That bit aside she really is pretty normal. She falls for Colton, but of course feels she can't have him because she'd have to trust him with her secret. But she takes her time falling for him, or at least that's what she thinks. On the outside it's pretty easy to see that she's been falling for him since day one. Which would explain all their fights, which, for the most part, she instigates.
Colton is a nice enough guy, but comes across as being a bit one dimensional for me. He's got his racing career, his intense loyalty to Dean - the owner of the team he races for, and his feelings for Lexi. I did like him, but he fell for Lexi a tad to quickly for me. OK, he fell too hard, too fast; especially given the way Lexi kept treating him, swing from hot to cold in the blink of an eye. Granted the story is told from Lexi's point of view, but the reasons for his attraction to her were never really demonstrated or even explained. Yet even with that pretty glaring omission I still enjoyed him, and the sweetness of their budding relationship.
Dean is also a worthy character, though I can't say why without giving away to much. But he's a good guy and a great role model. This story wouldn't work without him. As far as adults go, he's a keeper.
So you've got a bunch of pretty entertaining characters, a storyline that moves along at a decent clip (only a few shorts lulls when the story could have picked up the pace a bit), and an interesting conflict to be resolved. The question of if it will be resolved, and how, hang over the story and help propel it ever forward. Other than a rather odd pause near the end this story's pacing was pretty solid, with the arc of the tale being relatively smooth, and the characters demonstrating emotional growth along the way. So I'm going to have to say that yes, I enjoyed this book. It didn't run quite as I anticipated, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, it may be a good thing, and may just have helped me to enjoy the story even more than I otherwise would have.
April 7, 2016
Magnetic Shift is an original blend of science fiction, romance, and suspense that breathes some fresh air into the young adult genre. The story follows our main character - Lexi - as she lives her one year working for NASCAR team owner Dean Grant. Her stepdad was nice enough to basically sell her and her mechanical skills in exchange for a season's worth of advertising. Things wouldn't be so bad, except Lexi has a secret - she can manipulate metal with just a thought or a movement of her hand. She's spent her life trying to keep her abilities a secret - but working at the track is quickly unraveling her defenses. Enter rookie driver and extreme hottie Colton Taylor - and Lexi is all but doomed. With her attraction to Colton growing by the day, Lexi's life starts to spiral out of control. When her abilities are discovered by a rival team owner who plans on using them to destroy her current boss' career and to end Colton's career, and maybe his life, Lexi has to decide which is more important - keeping her abilities a secret or revealing them to Colton and saving him from the most dangerous race in his life.
The overall premise of this novel is interesting and definitely something new compared to the rest of YA fiction out right now. I'm not a big fan of NASCAR and know basically nothing about it, but that didn't factor into my reading experience at all. Everything that the reader needs to know is explained in an easy to understand way. I was a bit nervous that the whole NASCAR aspect of the book was going to confuse me and/or turn me off to the novel completely. However, the author did a great job infusing just the right amount of racing terms and action to balance out the other parts of the novel - mainly Lexi's abilities and her romance with Colton. I thought that Lexi's character was decently developed, but could have been more rounded. Come to think of it, all of the characters in the story were at least a little flat, with some of them being not much more than stereotypes. I enjoyed watching Lexi's relationship with Colton blossom - it was a bit more believable than some other novels, which I liked. The overall plot wasn't completely original - it's your typical blackmail situation basically - but the addition of Lexi's abilities gave it a new twist and kept things interesting.
I'm not a huge fan of YA contemporary fiction, so I don't read much of it. In all honesty, this book would have lost my interest early on - but it's saving grace was the author's writing style. I'm a huge advocate for first person point of view - if you've read my reviews before, you know all of my reasons for loving it. The author used the first person POV for the story - it's told from Lexi's perspective - and that's what saved it for me. The reader's able to connect so much deeper to the narrator and can really immerse themselves inside the world the author has created. In my opinion, it's one of the best writing styles an author can use - and in this occasion, it was a great fit and saved me from giving up on it. Please note that these are my personal opinions - I know that others readers will have a completely different experience than I did. There's nothing wrong or bad about the book at all (except for the bit I mentioned above). It's well written, has a great pace - not too fast or too slow - an original twist on a much used plot, and the romance is sweet. I definitely recommend that fans of the genre give this one a try! Chances are you'll have a completely different opinion and end up loving it!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The overall premise of this novel is interesting and definitely something new compared to the rest of YA fiction out right now. I'm not a big fan of NASCAR and know basically nothing about it, but that didn't factor into my reading experience at all. Everything that the reader needs to know is explained in an easy to understand way. I was a bit nervous that the whole NASCAR aspect of the book was going to confuse me and/or turn me off to the novel completely. However, the author did a great job infusing just the right amount of racing terms and action to balance out the other parts of the novel - mainly Lexi's abilities and her romance with Colton. I thought that Lexi's character was decently developed, but could have been more rounded. Come to think of it, all of the characters in the story were at least a little flat, with some of them being not much more than stereotypes. I enjoyed watching Lexi's relationship with Colton blossom - it was a bit more believable than some other novels, which I liked. The overall plot wasn't completely original - it's your typical blackmail situation basically - but the addition of Lexi's abilities gave it a new twist and kept things interesting.
I'm not a huge fan of YA contemporary fiction, so I don't read much of it. In all honesty, this book would have lost my interest early on - but it's saving grace was the author's writing style. I'm a huge advocate for first person point of view - if you've read my reviews before, you know all of my reasons for loving it. The author used the first person POV for the story - it's told from Lexi's perspective - and that's what saved it for me. The reader's able to connect so much deeper to the narrator and can really immerse themselves inside the world the author has created. In my opinion, it's one of the best writing styles an author can use - and in this occasion, it was a great fit and saved me from giving up on it. Please note that these are my personal opinions - I know that others readers will have a completely different experience than I did. There's nothing wrong or bad about the book at all (except for the bit I mentioned above). It's well written, has a great pace - not too fast or too slow - an original twist on a much used plot, and the romance is sweet. I definitely recommend that fans of the genre give this one a try! Chances are you'll have a completely different opinion and end up loving it!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
Book Review- Magnetic Shift by Lucy D. Briand
Lexi is now working for Dean Grant thanks to her step-father Roy who basically sold her. She meets the driver of the Angel Insurance car immediately. Colton tries to be as nice as he can. Lexi seems very closed off and skittish. Lexi is horrified when she realizes that Dean and Colton know how Roy treated her. Dean seems determined to save her.
Lexi also has a secret that no one can know. She can move metal with her mind. Her biggest fear is being locked up or hurting someone when she loses control. Colton makes her nervous and her heightened emotions can affect her curse as she calls it.
She tries to ignore Colton but her feelings for him grow. She tries to stay away from him for his own good and everyone else’s. Then when a racing rival owner threatens Dean and Colton using her secret, she begs to be sent home before everything explodes around her.
Her secret becomes known when she has to use it to save Colton. Now she has no idea what to do from there.
This story was very interesting. The racing aspect isn’t something I normally read about but it really worked with this story. I loved Lexi’s ability. She is so afraid of losing control. She is virtually alone dealing with her life and ability. The reader doesn’t really know much about her except her mother dies and about her step father Roy. There is mention of her father but that is a huge mystery which floats throughout the storyline. I like her gallant effort to keep everyone safe by sacrificing herself. She shows she is a strong female character which I love.
Dean and Colton were also great characters. Dean gives her a chance. He is an accepting person. I like how the author portrayed him and his family. Colton is a bit cocky but he’s young and an upcoming driver. So his personality comes across really well in the story. The author gave him more sides to his character though. Loved him. He refused to give up.
The part about this book I didn’t like was the fact since it was an advanced copy there were “not for distribution” words in big black print on every digital page. It cut into the story and I missed parts of the story because of it. It really irritated me and I almost stopped reading it. It would have been a shame. I would have missed a good story. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Lexi is now working for Dean Grant thanks to her step-father Roy who basically sold her. She meets the driver of the Angel Insurance car immediately. Colton tries to be as nice as he can. Lexi seems very closed off and skittish. Lexi is horrified when she realizes that Dean and Colton know how Roy treated her. Dean seems determined to save her.
Lexi also has a secret that no one can know. She can move metal with her mind. Her biggest fear is being locked up or hurting someone when she loses control. Colton makes her nervous and her heightened emotions can affect her curse as she calls it.
She tries to ignore Colton but her feelings for him grow. She tries to stay away from him for his own good and everyone else’s. Then when a racing rival owner threatens Dean and Colton using her secret, she begs to be sent home before everything explodes around her.
Her secret becomes known when she has to use it to save Colton. Now she has no idea what to do from there.
This story was very interesting. The racing aspect isn’t something I normally read about but it really worked with this story. I loved Lexi’s ability. She is so afraid of losing control. She is virtually alone dealing with her life and ability. The reader doesn’t really know much about her except her mother dies and about her step father Roy. There is mention of her father but that is a huge mystery which floats throughout the storyline. I like her gallant effort to keep everyone safe by sacrificing herself. She shows she is a strong female character which I love.
Dean and Colton were also great characters. Dean gives her a chance. He is an accepting person. I like how the author portrayed him and his family. Colton is a bit cocky but he’s young and an upcoming driver. So his personality comes across really well in the story. The author gave him more sides to his character though. Loved him. He refused to give up.
The part about this book I didn’t like was the fact since it was an advanced copy there were “not for distribution” words in big black print on every digital page. It cut into the story and I missed parts of the story because of it. It really irritated me and I almost stopped reading it. It would have been a shame. I would have missed a good story. I give it a 4 out of 5.
April 28, 2016
Boogity boogity boogity, let's go racing boys and girls!
The green flag drops and the debut Author is in the pole position with this YA Paranormal Romance novel.
Magnetic Shift is a refreshing and breezy read. Being a comic book nerd, the author grabbed my attention by having a protagonist with Magnetic abilities (think Magneto, or in this case, more like his daughter, Polaris). Control of her powers fluctuate depending on her emotional state which is quite the rollercoaster ride for a teenage girl that is constantly out of her comfort zone through the story. Snarky and angst ridden, Lexi is pretty much your typical teenager with a rough upbringing. She feels relateable regardless of her extraordinary gifts.
The author also does an admirable job fleshing out the supporting cast. Dean (the mentor) and Colton (the love interest) are likeable with their respective doses of southern charm.
The antagonists, Carl & Gwen, lean more on the 1 dimensional stereotypical bad guys side, but do provide some great moments to help the reader fall in love with the main characters even more. I was cheering every time Lexi, Dean or Colton got a leg up on them.
The NASCAR setting is accurate and evident, but not overbearing for those who are unfamiliar with the sport. It helps ground the entire story in realism while allowing them to get into some pretty crazy situations. Some of the racing scenes add great tension and action that will have the readers chewing up the pages.
The Romance element is typical of what you'd find in a YA novel. Lexi falls hard and quick for Colton (and vice versa), but they both have their reasons to not open up to one another.
If you're a parent wondering about the book's suitability for your young ones, I would categorize this YA paranormal Romance as being on the tame side. There are a few instances of some strong language, maybe one or two kissing scenes, but that's pretty much it. If your child has read Twilight, Divergent or Hunger Games, they won't find anything unsuitable in Magnetic Shift.
It's a fun, accessible read in a unique setting. I recommend it.
The green flag drops and the debut Author is in the pole position with this YA Paranormal Romance novel.
Magnetic Shift is a refreshing and breezy read. Being a comic book nerd, the author grabbed my attention by having a protagonist with Magnetic abilities (think Magneto, or in this case, more like his daughter, Polaris). Control of her powers fluctuate depending on her emotional state which is quite the rollercoaster ride for a teenage girl that is constantly out of her comfort zone through the story. Snarky and angst ridden, Lexi is pretty much your typical teenager with a rough upbringing. She feels relateable regardless of her extraordinary gifts.
The author also does an admirable job fleshing out the supporting cast. Dean (the mentor) and Colton (the love interest) are likeable with their respective doses of southern charm.
The antagonists, Carl & Gwen, lean more on the 1 dimensional stereotypical bad guys side, but do provide some great moments to help the reader fall in love with the main characters even more. I was cheering every time Lexi, Dean or Colton got a leg up on them.
The NASCAR setting is accurate and evident, but not overbearing for those who are unfamiliar with the sport. It helps ground the entire story in realism while allowing them to get into some pretty crazy situations. Some of the racing scenes add great tension and action that will have the readers chewing up the pages.
The Romance element is typical of what you'd find in a YA novel. Lexi falls hard and quick for Colton (and vice versa), but they both have their reasons to not open up to one another.
If you're a parent wondering about the book's suitability for your young ones, I would categorize this YA paranormal Romance as being on the tame side. There are a few instances of some strong language, maybe one or two kissing scenes, but that's pretty much it. If your child has read Twilight, Divergent or Hunger Games, they won't find anything unsuitable in Magnetic Shift.
It's a fun, accessible read in a unique setting. I recommend it.
December 27, 2016
Lexi has a special ability, she can manipulate metal. She can feel it and can magnetize it, only she isn't always able to control it. When she can't handle her emotions her ability becomes a curse. Lexi's life changes drastically when her stepdad exchanges her for advertising. She finds a new home with Dean who runs a NASCAR team. She can work for him as a mechanic while she finishes her last school year online. Colton is Dean's prize racer. Lexi has a tough time being around him as he makes it hard for her to control her impulses. Will she still be able to keep her secret that way or will someone find out what she can do?
Magnetic Shift is a sweet story about a girl who's had a tough time. Lexi can start over, but because of her ability she isn't able to get close to anyone. She needs to hide herself, so nobody will discover her secret. She's brave and she's a fighter, I liked that about her. I also liked the NASCAR angle and it was fun to read about Colton's races. I loved Dean, he's a kind man and a father figure for everyone around him.
Colton and Lexi are drawn to each other like magnets, but because of who Lexi is she can't give in to her feelings. Colton changes Lexi and I kept hoping they'd have a chance together. Their romance is cute and it was obvious from the start that they really like one another. It was endearing to see how Colton tries very hard to get to know Lexi.
Magnetic Shift is a quick and easy read. It's a regular romantic story with a main character who has a special gift. I liked that angle and think it worked well. The emphasis is mainly on the relationships between Lexi and the new people in her life. Lexi's abilities make her a unique main character and it was interesting to see how she handles all the complicated situations she finds herself in. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful story.
Magnetic Shift is a sweet story about a girl who's had a tough time. Lexi can start over, but because of her ability she isn't able to get close to anyone. She needs to hide herself, so nobody will discover her secret. She's brave and she's a fighter, I liked that about her. I also liked the NASCAR angle and it was fun to read about Colton's races. I loved Dean, he's a kind man and a father figure for everyone around him.
Colton and Lexi are drawn to each other like magnets, but because of who Lexi is she can't give in to her feelings. Colton changes Lexi and I kept hoping they'd have a chance together. Their romance is cute and it was obvious from the start that they really like one another. It was endearing to see how Colton tries very hard to get to know Lexi.
Magnetic Shift is a quick and easy read. It's a regular romantic story with a main character who has a special gift. I liked that angle and think it worked well. The emphasis is mainly on the relationships between Lexi and the new people in her life. Lexi's abilities make her a unique main character and it was interesting to see how she handles all the complicated situations she finds herself in. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful story.
Read
February 15, 2016 DNF @ 15%
So I DNFed.
I've been DNFing so often lately, I'm beginning to feel terrible, but I honestly think this was necessary. I like sports. Occasionally. Like I said, I tolerate the Super Bowl and Tom Brady is a babe, but we're forgetting the topic at hand.
Magnetic Shift is centered on NASCAR. Lexi Adams is supposedly a mechanic. One day on the track, she sees a racer named Colton with heterochromic eyes and falls for him almost instantly.
Colton thinks she's fancy and Lexi will do whatever she can to get away from her abusive stepfather. She'd also like to someday inherit her mother's cottage because that's cool.
Lexi has a special ability,which I didn't stick around long enough to check out. Unfortunately, she gets headaches and shakes because of it. Carl, the opposing team owner, wants in on it because he thinks he can utilize Lexi's ability to ruin Colton and Dean, a man who has mostly taken care of her, the NASCAR team owner.
And Lexi is a mechanic, right? Right. Maybe because I DNFed, I never saw her actually doing anything technical. Whenever she was on the race track, she was following after Colton.
The book was tiresome. Lexi only followed Dean and Colton around. If the book wanted to be interesting - really, a suggestion - it should've taken from the POV of the boys. Or, at least, given Lexi a broader role. Whenever she got a headache because of her "ability", she would half-collapse over a table and Colton would hurry to her side. I simply could not.
But if you like sports and NASCAR and dystopian twists, this might just be for you. Give a try.
So I DNFed.
I've been DNFing so often lately, I'm beginning to feel terrible, but I honestly think this was necessary. I like sports. Occasionally. Like I said, I tolerate the Super Bowl and Tom Brady is a babe, but we're forgetting the topic at hand.
Magnetic Shift is centered on NASCAR. Lexi Adams is supposedly a mechanic. One day on the track, she sees a racer named Colton with heterochromic eyes and falls for him almost instantly.
Colton thinks she's fancy and Lexi will do whatever she can to get away from her abusive stepfather. She'd also like to someday inherit her mother's cottage because that's cool.
Lexi has a special ability,
And Lexi is a mechanic, right? Right. Maybe because I DNFed, I never saw her actually doing anything technical. Whenever she was on the race track, she was following after Colton.
The book was tiresome. Lexi only followed Dean and Colton around. If the book wanted to be interesting - really, a suggestion - it should've taken from the POV of the boys. Or, at least, given Lexi a broader role. Whenever she got a headache because of her "ability", she would half-collapse over a table and Colton would hurry to her side. I simply could not.
But if you like sports and NASCAR and dystopian twists, this might just be for you. Give a try.
February 18, 2016
Note ; *I received this arc in exchange for an honest review*
This story mainly focuses around NASCAR. I wasn't sure if I'd like this book solely for that reason. But I'm glad I decided to give it a chance.
Lexi Adams is a mechanic under the watchful eye of her abusive stepfather, since both of her parents are dead. While Lexi is at her mother's grave she is struck by lightening , and gains the ability to manipulate metal, which helps her get things done much faster than most when it comes to her mechanical skills.
Things really get going when NASCAR team owner Dean witnesses Lexi's skills & her step father's abuse first hand. Where he strikes a deal because he felt inclined to get her as far away from Roy as he could.
Lexi has to keep her abilities to herself, cause she is terrified that she will either be locked up and tested like a lab animal or she will be considered a freak by everyone.
Surpris, surprise the driver is a teen heart throb named Colton.. who is obviously intrigued by Lexi. Colton has one blue eye and one green eye making him even more swoon-worthy. Lexi can't seem to keep her emotions in check when Colton is around- so she tries to keep him at arms length to no avail.. especially when Arch enemy Carl the owner of Dean's competing NASCAR team, finds out about Lexi's abilities.. and tries to expose her for cheating etc. And the blackmail is almost DEADLY.
This is a fast paced book and straight to the point. I really hope there is a) either a part 2 or b) a story from one of the guys POV because that would be amazing.
This story mainly focuses around NASCAR. I wasn't sure if I'd like this book solely for that reason. But I'm glad I decided to give it a chance.
Lexi Adams is a mechanic under the watchful eye of her abusive stepfather, since both of her parents are dead. While Lexi is at her mother's grave she is struck by lightening , and gains the ability to manipulate metal, which helps her get things done much faster than most when it comes to her mechanical skills.
Things really get going when NASCAR team owner Dean witnesses Lexi's skills & her step father's abuse first hand. Where he strikes a deal because he felt inclined to get her as far away from Roy as he could.
Lexi has to keep her abilities to herself, cause she is terrified that she will either be locked up and tested like a lab animal or she will be considered a freak by everyone.
Surpris, surprise the driver is a teen heart throb named Colton.. who is obviously intrigued by Lexi. Colton has one blue eye and one green eye making him even more swoon-worthy. Lexi can't seem to keep her emotions in check when Colton is around- so she tries to keep him at arms length to no avail.. especially when Arch enemy Carl the owner of Dean's competing NASCAR team, finds out about Lexi's abilities.. and tries to expose her for cheating etc. And the blackmail is almost DEADLY.
This is a fast paced book and straight to the point. I really hope there is a) either a part 2 or b) a story from one of the guys POV because that would be amazing.
May 23, 2017
In a world of high-speed races and cut throat competition, Lexi has a dangerous and wondrous ability. She can move metal with her mind. After being pretty much sold off to a NASCAR team by her father, she is swept up into a dangerous world where she meets Colton, an up and coming champion racer. As their love blooms things get more and more dangerous as a competitor tries to ruin things... in a potentially deadly way.
Disclaimer, I am not a huge fan of racing, so I came into reading this book with a slight negative bias. That aside, I think Magnetic Shift is just an average book. I didn't find anything about it to be special or stand out as fantastic. It was actually quite boring and generic through most of the novel. There were some moments of supernatural intrigue, but they were left unexplained and were completely glossed over. The characters themselves were not excessively unique or developed either. I found it was a struggle to get into the book and actually care about the characters. Overall I didn't really enjoy the book and I give it only THREE AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE!
Want more of me? Go to: http://thenotsopubliclibrary.blogspot...
January 10, 2016
Grades 9+:
Lexi Adams has a knack for mechanics, an abusive stepfather, and dead parents. When Lexi is struck by lightning, she gains the ability to manipulate metal, thereby allowing her to accentuate her already impressive mechanical skills. When NASCAR team owner Dean catches wind of Lexi’s skill and her stepfather’s abuse, he takes her under their team’s wing. Lexi must keep her abilities a secret, as she is frightened she would be locked up and tested like a lab animal. The NASCAR team’s driver, Colton, is intrigued by Lexi—and so is arch enemy Carl, owner of a competing team. Once Carl realizes Lexi’s supernatural abilities, he attempts to blackmail Lexi with near-deadly consequences.
VERDICT: The entire narrative would be strengthened without the supernatural (and much unexplained) plot device, as Lucy Brand’s story excels at describing the fast-paced, fuel-laced NASCAR life.
NOTE: I reviewed this book for School Library Journal.
Lexi Adams has a knack for mechanics, an abusive stepfather, and dead parents. When Lexi is struck by lightning, she gains the ability to manipulate metal, thereby allowing her to accentuate her already impressive mechanical skills. When NASCAR team owner Dean catches wind of Lexi’s skill and her stepfather’s abuse, he takes her under their team’s wing. Lexi must keep her abilities a secret, as she is frightened she would be locked up and tested like a lab animal. The NASCAR team’s driver, Colton, is intrigued by Lexi—and so is arch enemy Carl, owner of a competing team. Once Carl realizes Lexi’s supernatural abilities, he attempts to blackmail Lexi with near-deadly consequences.
VERDICT: The entire narrative would be strengthened without the supernatural (and much unexplained) plot device, as Lucy Brand’s story excels at describing the fast-paced, fuel-laced NASCAR life.
NOTE: I reviewed this book for School Library Journal.
February 17, 2016
This is a pretty standard Young Adult/New Adult paranormal just with NASCAR added in but at the heart it is a story brimming with raw, heartfelt emotion. The conflict with the protagonist is pretty easy to see coming but it's the love story that was the best part of this book.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed this, although the pacing was a bit off for me. It started really slowly and took forever for her magnetic powers to see any action. And then the ending kind of rushed stuff to the point where I was a bit annoyed. I did honestly think that there would be more cool mutant powers a la Magneto than teen romance, but I still enjoyed it.
June 10, 2016
There wasn't much emphasis on her "magnectic ability". This was more of a love story than a science fiction novel
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