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Behind Shields
I used to have a perfect life. A life that any girl would kill for. I recently graduated college with my nursing degree. I have the greatest family and the best friend I could have ever asked for. I also just married the man of my dreams. My soldier. My Andrew.
Everything was perfect until that deployment. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And that’s where everything went to hell. That’s where everything changed.
See…I have to make a choice. I have to save one of their lives. Andrew, my husband. Or Audrey, my best friend.
How do you choose something like that? How could I choose between them?
I forgot to mention one other thing…about Andrew. He’s kind of a vampire. And the same vampire that tried to kill him was now after me.
And you thought you had problems.
Everything was perfect until that deployment. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And that’s where everything went to hell. That’s where everything changed.
See…I have to make a choice. I have to save one of their lives. Andrew, my husband. Or Audrey, my best friend.
How do you choose something like that? How could I choose between them?
I forgot to mention one other thing…about Andrew. He’s kind of a vampire. And the same vampire that tried to kill him was now after me.
And you thought you had problems.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2012
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 8, 2012
If you had to choose who would live and who would die, would you choose you best friend or the love of your life?
Natalie: She had a habit of saying the inappropriate thing at the wrong time just to break the silence, it was my favorite thing about her. She was a sister in every sense of the word. They had been inseparable for more than twenty years, from babies, through school and boys, they even started their periods at the same time, fights with her parents, getting married and losing Andrew.
Andrew: Their parents had always thought they would end up together. He was a hopeless romantic and a gentleman. He had a generous nature. He had a way of making you feel like you were the only one who mattered to him. She had put him on a pedestal and thought he was perfect. She had loved him for ten years, he'd stolen her kisses and she had lost her virginity to him. He treated her like a queen. He would die to protect her.
But what if the love of your life was a vampire and there was another vampire out there who wanted you dead?
Disclaimer: I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I liked that Kolina Topel was inspired by a fellow soldier. The cover and title drew me in. Before I even read the story, I thought I knew how I would choose. After, I was not so sure. Sometimes things come in to play that you can never imagine. This book can change your perception of how things really are.
Behind Shields Kolina Topel
Natalie: She had a habit of saying the inappropriate thing at the wrong time just to break the silence, it was my favorite thing about her. She was a sister in every sense of the word. They had been inseparable for more than twenty years, from babies, through school and boys, they even started their periods at the same time, fights with her parents, getting married and losing Andrew.
Andrew: Their parents had always thought they would end up together. He was a hopeless romantic and a gentleman. He had a generous nature. He had a way of making you feel like you were the only one who mattered to him. She had put him on a pedestal and thought he was perfect. She had loved him for ten years, he'd stolen her kisses and she had lost her virginity to him. He treated her like a queen. He would die to protect her.
But what if the love of your life was a vampire and there was another vampire out there who wanted you dead?
Disclaimer: I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I liked that Kolina Topel was inspired by a fellow soldier. The cover and title drew me in. Before I even read the story, I thought I knew how I would choose. After, I was not so sure. Sometimes things come in to play that you can never imagine. This book can change your perception of how things really are.
Behind Shields Kolina Topel
October 2, 2012
I signed up to review this book through the We Love YA Books group on Goodreads.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book or not since it seems like there couldn't be anything new with a story involving vampires. I couldn't have been more wrong--I loved this book! The way in which vampires come into the story was different and awesome.
Right away I connected with the main characters Audrey and Andrew and became emotionally invested in their relationship. The issues this couple faced with Andrew being deployed several times were so realistic, but they faced their issues together with love and support for each other. I also loved Audrey's best friend, Natalie. She's definitely the kind of friend I'd want around me, and she also provided much of the humor needed to lighten the mood at times.
There were all kinds of moments in this story--funny, sad, happy--that made me feel a range of emotions, which I believe a great story is supposed to do. What made this book even more emotional for me was that the character of Andrew was inspired by a fellow soldier the author knew. It was so cool to see a picture of the soldier she knew--I thought it was such a sweet and touching tribute.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of Audrey and Andrew's story!
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book or not since it seems like there couldn't be anything new with a story involving vampires. I couldn't have been more wrong--I loved this book! The way in which vampires come into the story was different and awesome.
Right away I connected with the main characters Audrey and Andrew and became emotionally invested in their relationship. The issues this couple faced with Andrew being deployed several times were so realistic, but they faced their issues together with love and support for each other. I also loved Audrey's best friend, Natalie. She's definitely the kind of friend I'd want around me, and she also provided much of the humor needed to lighten the mood at times.
There were all kinds of moments in this story--funny, sad, happy--that made me feel a range of emotions, which I believe a great story is supposed to do. What made this book even more emotional for me was that the character of Andrew was inspired by a fellow soldier the author knew. It was so cool to see a picture of the soldier she knew--I thought it was such a sweet and touching tribute.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of Audrey and Andrew's story!
August 13, 2012
I received this book as ARR through the We <3 YA Books Group, although after reading it, I'm not even sure it is a YA novel.
I was contemplating whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars. If there were half stars it would be 2.5 but since the rating system says 2 stars is "just ok" that is what I will stick with.
I knew this story was about vampires in a way, but if it wasn't for the preface, I never would have anticipated that coming up because the first part of the story was so NOT paranormal. I somewhat enjoyed the first part of the novel, however I do think that the choppy writing style was not for me (i.e. events happening, and then suddenly you're a few days or a week later and you have no idea how you got there). I also thought a lot of the characters seemed really stiff, that their interactions were not as realistic as I thought they could be. There were also some grammar/spelling issues which distracted a bit from the story. However I did mostly like this first part because I kept on reading.
It was when the paranormal started that I think the book went downhill for me. It kind of came from nowhere, and then it felt VERY rushed. Natalie was kidnapped, they drove across the country, they tried to get her back, there was a choice (which was hyped up in the preface and in the novel's description, but in reality was very short and anti-climactic). Then Natalie was gone again, the old vampire Wendy came into the picture and NOTHING HAPPENED. Many questions were left unanswered, which could be good if this is a series and you felt invested in the characters, but I did not, and therefore the ending was simply abrupt and unsatisfying.
I'm not sure I was into the story enough to even want to read a part 2 if there is one...which is actually strange for me because series books often hook me the most.
I hope it can be appreciated that I wrote an honest review of this book. Thank you for allowing me to read and review it, even though it was not my favourite book.
I was contemplating whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars. If there were half stars it would be 2.5 but since the rating system says 2 stars is "just ok" that is what I will stick with.
I knew this story was about vampires in a way, but if it wasn't for the preface, I never would have anticipated that coming up because the first part of the story was so NOT paranormal. I somewhat enjoyed the first part of the novel, however I do think that the choppy writing style was not for me (i.e. events happening, and then suddenly you're a few days or a week later and you have no idea how you got there). I also thought a lot of the characters seemed really stiff, that their interactions were not as realistic as I thought they could be. There were also some grammar/spelling issues which distracted a bit from the story. However I did mostly like this first part because I kept on reading.
It was when the paranormal started that I think the book went downhill for me. It kind of came from nowhere, and then it felt VERY rushed. Natalie was kidnapped, they drove across the country, they tried to get her back, there was a choice (which was hyped up in the preface and in the novel's description, but in reality was very short and anti-climactic). Then Natalie was gone again, the old vampire Wendy came into the picture and NOTHING HAPPENED. Many questions were left unanswered, which could be good if this is a series and you felt invested in the characters, but I did not, and therefore the ending was simply abrupt and unsatisfying.
I'm not sure I was into the story enough to even want to read a part 2 if there is one...which is actually strange for me because series books often hook me the most.
I hope it can be appreciated that I wrote an honest review of this book. Thank you for allowing me to read and review it, even though it was not my favourite book.
July 23, 2012
*I received this book through We <3 YA Book! ARR*
So I was contemplating giving this five stars but decided to settle with four for a variety of reasons. One of these would be how some chapter cut off and suddenly in the next chapter they're somewhere else and doing something else. This only happened a couple of times so I'm not sure if I didn't read close enough or if this is just how this author writes. Anyway there were also some grammar mistakes but nothing to shockingly blatant. Also the ending was a bit cryptic... I only hope that the author continues this story line with a sequel that way we find out why Audrey is so important.
Ok now onto the aspects that I adored in this book. I really liked the characters especially Natalie. I do wish that Natalie and Andrew interacted more because I assume they've also known each other for years and would be rather close especially since both were one of Audrey's best friends since childhood. I also thought Andrew's character was adorable early in the book. The second half I wasn't as sure about him but in the end he pulled through. When Audrey thought he was dead, I had tears welling up in my eyes. I also liked that this book was sorta a mix between the Twilight series and real Romanian folklore but with its own unique voice. I found the history of strigoi and moroi very interesting. The first thing I thought of was the Vampire Academy series so I had to look up the terms and found they had a very unique history.
The fact that Andrew's character is based on a real soldier also makes me sympathize with the characters even more. I think its completely amazing that the author took it upon herself to write this book for this real soldier's friends and family. She should definitely be commended for this true memorial to someone who sacrificed everything for his country.
All in all I would recommend this book anyone but particularly those who enjoy paranormal romance.
So I was contemplating giving this five stars but decided to settle with four for a variety of reasons. One of these would be how some chapter cut off and suddenly in the next chapter they're somewhere else and doing something else. This only happened a couple of times so I'm not sure if I didn't read close enough or if this is just how this author writes. Anyway there were also some grammar mistakes but nothing to shockingly blatant. Also the ending was a bit cryptic... I only hope that the author continues this story line with a sequel that way we find out why Audrey is so important.
Ok now onto the aspects that I adored in this book. I really liked the characters especially Natalie. I do wish that Natalie and Andrew interacted more because I assume they've also known each other for years and would be rather close especially since both were one of Audrey's best friends since childhood. I also thought Andrew's character was adorable early in the book. The second half I wasn't as sure about him but in the end he pulled through. When Audrey thought he was dead, I had tears welling up in my eyes. I also liked that this book was sorta a mix between the Twilight series and real Romanian folklore but with its own unique voice. I found the history of strigoi and moroi very interesting. The first thing I thought of was the Vampire Academy series so I had to look up the terms and found they had a very unique history.
The fact that Andrew's character is based on a real soldier also makes me sympathize with the characters even more. I think its completely amazing that the author took it upon herself to write this book for this real soldier's friends and family. She should definitely be commended for this true memorial to someone who sacrificed everything for his country.
All in all I would recommend this book anyone but particularly those who enjoy paranormal romance.
July 29, 2012
Click here for my full post in my blog.
*I got an ecopy from We <3 YA Books! (ARR)*
This book started great and I loved it immediately. I love the way the author got the inspiration of writing this book from the man she knew. How he was special to her and his family. How he was a good guy.
Behind Shields was like contemporary meets paranormal. Usually, we'll call it paranormal right away. But this book, from start up to the middle, was full contemporary--that's why when I reached the huge twist and highlight of this book, it's like it's hard for me to sink in. It felt like a dream.
The characters are great and it hold their own personality til the end of the book. I really liked Andrew and if I ever got a chance to be friends with him (the real one), I'd be lucky too. I also liked Audrey, her best friend Natalie, and the antagonist and other vamps, although their identity and intention needs more clarification.
I liked it and would liked it more only if there'd be answers to the questions even the female protagonist, Audrey, hadn't have a clue of. It's kind of frustating for the book to end with no answers and with unfinished business. I can see how great this would turn out if only it had been complete til the end. I wonder how will the story in movie will come out. Will there be answers? Will there be proper ending?
-
What I'm not sure of, though, is this a series? Would there be a sequel?
*I got an ecopy from We <3 YA Books! (ARR)*
This book started great and I loved it immediately. I love the way the author got the inspiration of writing this book from the man she knew. How he was special to her and his family. How he was a good guy.
Behind Shields was like contemporary meets paranormal. Usually, we'll call it paranormal right away. But this book, from start up to the middle, was full contemporary--that's why when I reached the huge twist and highlight of this book, it's like it's hard for me to sink in. It felt like a dream.
The characters are great and it hold their own personality til the end of the book. I really liked Andrew and if I ever got a chance to be friends with him (the real one), I'd be lucky too. I also liked Audrey, her best friend Natalie, and the antagonist and other vamps, although their identity and intention needs more clarification.
I liked it and would liked it more only if there'd be answers to the questions even the female protagonist, Audrey, hadn't have a clue of. It's kind of frustating for the book to end with no answers and with unfinished business. I can see how great this would turn out if only it had been complete til the end. I wonder how will the story in movie will come out. Will there be answers? Will there be proper ending?
-
What I'm not sure of, though, is this a series? Would there be a sequel?
August 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting and could not stop turning the pages until I finished! I had to know how it was going to end. Well done Kolina. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Behind Shields is a bitter sweet love story with some very surprising twists. This is the story of Audrey and her life long friend Andrew. They have known each other since they were little and only confessed to loving each other when they were seniors in high school. Andrew goes into the service and they start to plan their wedding. A few months before they are supposed to get married, Andrew gets a call that they are going to be deployed. They decide to move up their wedding date and a few weeks after they get married, Andrew leaves on a secret mission. He never comes home.
I cant keep talking about this book without giving too much of the story away, but I can tell you, you need to read this book. You wont believe what happens and you will love it. I'm hoping this is going to be book one in a series! Kolina? Great job and keep them coming!!
Behind Shields is a bitter sweet love story with some very surprising twists. This is the story of Audrey and her life long friend Andrew. They have known each other since they were little and only confessed to loving each other when they were seniors in high school. Andrew goes into the service and they start to plan their wedding. A few months before they are supposed to get married, Andrew gets a call that they are going to be deployed. They decide to move up their wedding date and a few weeks after they get married, Andrew leaves on a secret mission. He never comes home.
I cant keep talking about this book without giving too much of the story away, but I can tell you, you need to read this book. You wont believe what happens and you will love it. I'm hoping this is going to be book one in a series! Kolina? Great job and keep them coming!!
July 22, 2012
Firstly thankyou for letting me review this book.
It was sad to find out that the character Andrew was based on a real person who was a soldier, but it also gave a picture to Andrew. The love story between Andrew a soldier and Audrey is so touching they are so connected and when tragedy happens when Andrew is deployed Audrey is left all alone with a broken heart thinking she will never love again. This books goes from nice and romantic and sweet to action packed i loved it.
But suddenly Andrew is back , how is this possible? and what did he bring back with him? And what would you do if you had to choose who dies between the man you adore your husband Andrew or your best friend?? These are the questions that Audrey has to face. all im going to say is go out and get it because it is worth the read and it will leave you hanging for the next one. I cant wait.
It was sad to find out that the character Andrew was based on a real person who was a soldier, but it also gave a picture to Andrew. The love story between Andrew a soldier and Audrey is so touching they are so connected and when tragedy happens when Andrew is deployed Audrey is left all alone with a broken heart thinking she will never love again. This books goes from nice and romantic and sweet to action packed i loved it.
But suddenly Andrew is back , how is this possible? and what did he bring back with him? And what would you do if you had to choose who dies between the man you adore your husband Andrew or your best friend?? These are the questions that Audrey has to face. all im going to say is go out and get it because it is worth the read and it will leave you hanging for the next one. I cant wait.
July 28, 2012
Thank you Kolina for giving me the privilege to read and review your book.
I was kind of expecting more. I thought there was going to be a bigger struggle to get Natalie back and the fact that Wendy is helping out so much to protect Audrey when we dont know why she is needs it. i wish we were given more information on why Audrey was a target.
I did like the build up to the life both Audrey and Andrew wanted. You could see the love they have for each other and the heartache when they got the news that he was being deployed. your heart broke for them, the whole family, when the news came back about Andrew.
I honestly have to say I wasnt surprised about Corey. It was almost too convenient.
I would love to read the sequel to find out what Audrey has or is thats making the other vamps in an uproar.
I was kind of expecting more. I thought there was going to be a bigger struggle to get Natalie back and the fact that Wendy is helping out so much to protect Audrey when we dont know why she is needs it. i wish we were given more information on why Audrey was a target.
I did like the build up to the life both Audrey and Andrew wanted. You could see the love they have for each other and the heartache when they got the news that he was being deployed. your heart broke for them, the whole family, when the news came back about Andrew.
I honestly have to say I wasnt surprised about Corey. It was almost too convenient.
I would love to read the sequel to find out what Audrey has or is thats making the other vamps in an uproar.
July 27, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book! The plot was compelling and the characters charismatic. What I enjoyed most was the language and dialogue used throughout the story. The dialogue made the characters really come to life for me. They spoke to one another like real people and not in romanticized language. The characters were so vividly painted in my mind that I connected to them emotionally. I felt Audrey's love, devotion, pain, loss, and fear. I loved Natalie! Her sass and love for her friend were so touching! Andrew was the knight in shinning armor every girl dreams of. This was so much more than just another vampire story! I can not wait for the sequel!
August 17, 2012
*I received this book through We <3 YA Book! ARR*
This was definitely a fast read and it was enjoyable. The beginning had me laughing and enjoying the relationship so much between Audrey and Andrew. Of course things change, as does Andrew, and the story gets a little different. Then the paranormal aspect of the novel begins. I feel as though once that aspect begins the book ends and there was not much Vampire storyline. I am sure that the author will continue with another book because there is so much unanswered, especially what makes Audrey so special? I look forward to reading more from the author and appreciate being able to read this book through "We <3 YA Book! ARR"!
This was definitely a fast read and it was enjoyable. The beginning had me laughing and enjoying the relationship so much between Audrey and Andrew. Of course things change, as does Andrew, and the story gets a little different. Then the paranormal aspect of the novel begins. I feel as though once that aspect begins the book ends and there was not much Vampire storyline. I am sure that the author will continue with another book because there is so much unanswered, especially what makes Audrey so special? I look forward to reading more from the author and appreciate being able to read this book through "We <3 YA Book! ARR"!
July 24, 2012
This was an interesting vampire story. I love how it started out with this great couple, and that Andrew was such a great soldier. Then while he is away on duty his team is attacked, and surprise, he is turned into a vamp.
I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read. It had a lot of mystery come in at the end, so I look forward to the next book to uncover all the secrets. It did feel like there were a few holes in the story, and that sometimes I thought it was day instead of night and the opposite. Like a loss of time, I guess. I recommend this book to 16 and older.
I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read. It had a lot of mystery come in at the end, so I look forward to the next book to uncover all the secrets. It did feel like there were a few holes in the story, and that sometimes I thought it was day instead of night and the opposite. Like a loss of time, I guess. I recommend this book to 16 and older.
June 10, 2013
This novel had many twists and turns with a surprising change halfway through the novel. Personally, I found Behind Shields a little slow and rather boring at times. I often found myself re-reading the same dry dialogue between Natalie and Audrey. This annoying banter became rather tedious and had no real addition to the story. The preface and general plotline was very interesting however, in my opinion, the actual story was not.
*this novel was provided free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
*this novel was provided free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 17, 2017
Rating - 3.5
Interesting story. I love the history behind it. If Andrew was at all like the person in the book then I'm sorry that I never had the honor of meeting him and I thank him for his sacrifice. I like the idea of the story, it has potential. I do look forward to the next book (hopefully there is one) since it ended before everything was explained.
Interesting story. I love the history behind it. If Andrew was at all like the person in the book then I'm sorry that I never had the honor of meeting him and I thank him for his sacrifice. I like the idea of the story, it has potential. I do look forward to the next book (hopefully there is one) since it ended before everything was explained.
July 18, 2012
Soldiers and vampires!!! Who doesn't love a man in uniform! and the Vamps aren't you ordinary vamps. Behind Shields is a fast pace book, with sadness, love, and fear! It had me crying and laughing, and kept me wanting more! I had the book finished in a few hours! Kolina has alot of talent, and I can't wait for the sequel! Most Definitely worth the read!!!
July 20, 2012
I enjoyed the love story, especially since Andrew's character was based on a real person.
Although it kind of had a Twiglight, New Moon and Eclipse all wrapped in one book feel.
I have to ask, is there a sequal because the end was left hanging. Why was she so important?
Although it kind of had a Twiglight, New Moon and Eclipse all wrapped in one book feel.
I have to ask, is there a sequal because the end was left hanging. Why was she so important?
August 4, 2012
A very interesting book, I liked the characters and the plot of the story. But I'm not really into it, so I give it a rating of three stars. Waiting to see how the movie goes though! I'm sure it'll be so cool.
July 19, 2012
Absolutely amazing with vampires and fangs and addictive, I assure you this won't be a one-stop heart-beating novel!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews