Interim

by S. Walden

~A lot can change in the space between devising a plan and carrying it out. That space is called the INTERIM.~


High school seniors Jeremy Stahl and Regan Walters aren’t friends. Not even close. He’s a picked-on, picked-apart loser outcast. She’s a cool kid running with the popular crowd. It’s unlikely they’d ever speak to one another. Too bad he’s madly in love with her. But what does it matter anyway? He’s got no time for love. Only revenge.


Meticulously detailed in the pages of his battered red notebook is his master plan. He’s finally ready to answer every single taunt, jeer, and flying fist—unwarranted abuse that’s spanned six years of his lonely life. He’s justified. He’s ready. But he never readied himself for her.


Regan finds his journal. She reads it, and when he discovers her intrusion, he has to switch tactics. She’s a liability now.


Better fix that.


(This is a New Adult standalone that contains explicit language and graphic violence, including gun violence. If school shootings are a particularly sensitive topic for you, then I encourage you to refrain from reading this book.)

Genres: Young Adult, Dark, New Adult, Romance, Abuse, High School, Thriller

ebook

First published April 14, 2015

About the author

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Going Under. When she's not writing, she's thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her twitter feed at @swaldenauthor.

Summer Walden

Reviews

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei)]

No rating



There’s a quote in here that perfectly describes my feelings for this book and it is:

“I love you. I hate you…Love. Hate. Good. Evil. Right. Wrong…Sanity. Slipping.”

My mind is a complete mess. I was left scatterbrained after I finished and I’m still scatterbrained so I’m apologizing now if my review doesn’t make much sense. Because WOAH!!! I’m feeling all kinds of things – heartbroken, angry, extremely happy, frustrated, scared...this is a book that bleeds emotions and there’s no way I could read it without letting those feelings seep into me too. It’s dark, it’s violent, but there’s lots of love and hope too, and at the heart of the book is a LOVE STORY, so romance junkies, trust me on this one because you will be happy.

However, I also won’t sugarcoat things because this was mostly a tough read (at least it was for me). Having a romance story set around a meticulously planned school shooting made me feel sick yet also was morbidly fascinating. I admire the guts and sheer tenacity of the author to work with such a difficult, sensitive premise and while I read, I could literally feel the passion she has for this story through her words that sliced and cut me deep.

Then there are the characters. I’ll start with the (anti)-hero Jeremy. This guy...gosh, I don’t even know where I should begin with him. I felt compassion, loathing, love, and annoyance for him all in one breath. My heart broke for him for all the abuse he endured at home, and then the bullying at school. I wasn't sure if I wanted to throttle him or give him a hug when he detailed out his plans to shoot his tormentors. I honestly don’t know what the heck to make of him! I should hate him for wanting to take lives...no, wait, I should agree and sympathize for him because the guys he wanted kill were BAD bad...no, wait, just GAH!! I guess I never really connected with his character because of how complex he was. It’s like he was too remote and too far away for me to reach...

And then there’s the heroine Regan. I cannot emphasize this enough, but I effing HATED this girl for the majority of the book. I won’t deny that she’s innately kind and probably too naïve for her own good, and I may be the only person to think this, but she was too much of a hypocrite for me to EVER warm up to. She’s in with the popular crowd – the same crowd that constantly bullies and puts down people like Jeremy – yet she secretly hates the way they treat others. But at the same time, she’ll remain silent and look the other way when they taunt and make fun of people. And what’s most annoying of all is when she goes around preaching to her best friend, her sister, etc...that doing so and so isn’t nice, or isn’t just, or isn’t ‘the right thing’ and all I can think of is why don’t you take your own advice! Her only saving grace is her positive influence on Jeremy.

As much as I didn’t really care for the main characters, the heartbreaking subject matter and the stunning, evocative writing that pretty much flayed me alive is what made this book so riveting for me. It’s so rare for me to continue on with stories when I’m not fond of either main character so the fact that the author’s writing and plot alone could keep my attention like this scores major points with me.

While I read, there was an alarm clock always ticking in the back of my mind, reminding me that shit will hit the fan at some point and oh gosh...it did, and the whole story feel shifted immediately. My palms got a little sweaty, my stomach knotted, and it was just bloody intense. I could even imagine the anger, the pain, and the hatred radiating from my iPad in these scenes and I told myself over and over again I wouldn’t cry or even shed a tear but nope...bawled like a baby.

“I’ve never seen you wear a dress. Why today of all days?
“Because I held a gun in my hands, so I knew they’d let me.”
(The quote’s not really a spoiler since I excluded specifics but I hid it anyways in case some might think it is)

^^That quote there? There is SO much wrong and sadness in those two lines it’s unbearable to read, even out of context of the book.

This is an entirely fictional read, but sadly, it’s a very real portrayal of what does occur in some schools today. I feel fortunate that I have never gone through such suffering and had a pretty normal, satisfying high school experience so reading this book was an eye-opener. I felt like one of the characters who got bullied, who struggled with hating the tormentors, wanting to disappear, wanting to let out my frustration and anger. The message behind the story, and the sheer magnitude of emotions I felt while reading gets a standing ovation from me.

I refuse to spoil the ending but since I have been asked if there’s a happy ending, the answer is yes and no. I mean...I can’t qualify an ending as happy because this is a book that revolves around a shooting after all. I will say that romance-wise, I think everyone will be happy with the way things wrapped up. I know I finished the book feeling joyful and relieved, but also pensive and somber.

As for the rating, I can’t bring myself to rate it. First of all, I really wasn’t a fan of the main characters (even some of the side characters drove me bonkers) but the writing, the well-executed premise, and the fact that I cried balanced the scale. It was addicting and unputdownable not in the ‘OMG I can’t wait to read more’ sense, but in a ‘this is such a fucking trainwreck and I can’t look away’ sense. I’m unable to straighten out my ‘good’ and ‘bad’ feelings for the book which is why I’ve been jumping around the rating scale for a while now. 2 stars? 3 stars? 5 stars? 6 stars? Who cares? I finally realized that I can’t sort out the good and the bad to form one cohesive rating because this isn’t just a plain black and white story; it’s full of gray areas and they’re all different shades. Thanks author for messing with my mind and leaving me in such a restless, agitated, disorientated state of mind!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

”I am broken because of them.”



This book blew me away. Each chapter had my heart racing, with the clock ticking, time was running out. I was terrified to turn the page, terrified of what was to come, but I could not stop reading. This story is dark, and deals with some very scary subjects, but it is phenomenally done. Realistic emotions, characters, and situations. This is not an easy read, but it was well worth it.



This book made me feel just about every emotion, fear, anger, hope, love, sadness - it's all-consuming, poignant story that will stay with me. I loved these realistic, broken, flawed characters. I wanted to wrap them in love and remind them, that in a few years, high school will be a memory. We should always remember, words have power.



I highly recommend this story.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A lot can change in the space between devising a plan and carrying it out. That space is called the INTERIM."

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This is a rivetingly realistic read that was so extremely well done perhaps the author’s best work to date in my opinion. This story had me in its grasp till the very last line. The topic of bullying leading to some whys of school shootings while other characters struggle to be themselves at school is sadly poignant to our society and to every parent’s fears (being a mom of a high schooler myself).

”I am broken because of them.”

The writing was amazing and captivating and on that merit alone 5 Star rating. However the ending that left me trying to calm down from the panic and emotion of the whole experience still lingers today. I seriously stayed up way to late contemplating the whole experience and probably will for days to come.

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Jeremy Stahl hates his abusive father, hates high school except for getting a glimpse of the girl he’s crushed on since middle school, Regan Walters.

”He hated that school and all the people in it. Except her….She made it better…”

When Regan finds his journal she wishes she could unread his thoughts and plans for justice. She struggles with who she is amongst the popular crowd and starts to see them all differently. Jeremy and Regan fall into a friendship and love amongst the pain, torment and indecision of teen life and disturbing thoughts on justice.

”He knew she was dangerous the moment she discovered his journal. She had all the power to destroy his plan. But now he was discovering a new danger to her – the power she wielded over him to feel. To desire love and acceptance and happiness.”

Jeremy was my favorite character and the years of abuse do take its toll but his fall into love for himself and Regan was the added layer of the story that had me holding out hope that love can mend anything.

”So new. And they were amazed by it. Amazed and nervous. Excited. Committed. They loved each other the way young people do – completely out of their minds, as it should be.”

Overall, this was a story that grabbed me and has yet to release me from its grasp. I would love a novella on some characters going forward in their lives and perhaps dialing down the heart break some since I did survive this story's terrifying tale.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS! ★★★☆



"A lot can change in the space between devising a plan and carrying it out. That space is called the interim."

Wow. Even after putting down this read for days, I'm still struggling of how to piece my thoughts into words. It left me feeling very conflicted with the characters throughout the entire read and the subject matter at hand is one that is hard for me to stomach at times. But I must say this: I felt that the author did a tremendous job in dealing with such a difficult subject matter and especially how realistic it was being portrayed in this read. From bullying to social status quos that led to events like school-shooting, the author laid out the cold hard truth of the real-life struggles that left me feeling angry and heartbroken with it all.

What I mainly struggled with this read is the heroine, Regan. For a large portion of the read, I got annoyed and frustrated by her attitude as the silent heroine. I found it difficult to connect or empathize with her when she was being portrayed as a hypocrite by being the girl in the popular crowd but silently hates her peers who plays a role in the bullying. I wished she would at least owned up to her actions instead of making excuses for her past behaviour. Even when she finally came to her senses, I still felt iffy and had a hard time believing her sudden transformation. But eventually, I did find it in myself to be a bit more forgiving when her presence brought out a positive impact on Jeremy and watching their relationship slowly blossomed into something healthy that healed them both.

Jeremy too left me feeling conflicted but mostly my heart truly broke for him having to witness the abuse he gotten over the years. Reading his thoughts really allowed the readers to see the hatred towards his tormentors that led him on the path to seek justice and honestly, it scares me that I genuinely felt and understand his need to do so. Not that I would go to the extent of saying I condone his plan but again, it's difficult to judge otherwise because I've never been placed in his shoes. In fact, it's really tough to connect fully to all the characters in this read because they're all complex and flawed and each to their own carries around enough baggage that made them succumb to their insecurities.



Overall Interim definitely proves to be a thought-provoking and insightful read that will evoke a mixture of emotions from the readers. It really made me take a step back and ponder about the reality of these events. And honestly? It terrifies me. The fact that the author really approached this subject without sugar-coating it is to be commended for. Flipping through each chapter had me reading with bated breath as it was like a ticking time bomb waiting for it to go off at any time. And when it did...I was absolutely crushed! It was in that moment when you truly grasp the magnitude of their actions and I was left feeling angry, sad and heartbroken all the same.

Having all that said, this is just one of those reads that stays with you for a while after putting it down. Writing this review long after finishing it, the sadness still lingers behind as I recall the story. I admired the bravery of the author to attempt at writing a story that doesn't paint the world in black and white; it's muddled with shades of gray. It wasn't an easy read for sure but I'm glad I took the leap and read this one still.

"Neither seemed fair. Neither seemed right. It was the first time she saw the world in hues of gray. Before, everything was black and white. Right and wrong. Easy."

Interim is a New Adult read that contains trigger elements such as gun violence.

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS

“Who was he? What was his purpose? He knew it once. Once, a long time ago, he decided to be a hero. He decided to avenge himself and all the other kids who were helpless against abuse. Once, a long time ago, he learned the difference between justice and mercy. He learned when justice was required. He learned when mercy was allowed. Once, a long time ago, he faced himself in the mirror and saw a stranger—a better boy than he could ever be. A boy with a mission. A boy with convictions.”

This book was so interesting and so, so gripping. It sucked me in from the beginning. It’s dark and raw and even a little depressing at times. The premise of this story is unique and captivating and from the moment I’ve read the blurb I knew I had to read it. “Interim” is not only a romance, is an educational story as well – about life, high school, about those who are popular and those who are less popular and seen as ‘losers’, about bullying. It’s an eye-opening, intense, complex and REAL story that for sure will make you reflect. The subject matter, bullying is a sensitive subject, but is explored very well here. The author did a really great job portraying the victims, those who are witnessing thy bullying and the bully. But this book is not only about bullying, is also about parental neglect, abuse and school violence.

This was my first read by this author and I’m sure it won’t be my last, because I really enjoyed her writing. Here the writing in my opinion played an important role. It’s powerful and raw and the story is written is such a way that will you feel for these characters.

The plot is very well developed. It’s captivating and like the characters, complex. The characters in this book are flawed, relatable and most of all they are real. Jeremy is such a complex character and because of his complexity I didn’t know what to think about him the entire time reading this book. The abuse he endures at home and at school broke my heart and left me so angry. He is bitter and angry and so, so, lonely. There were so many times I wanted to hug him and give him comfort. Poor Jeremy! I like to think violence should never be the answer, so obviously I can’t say I fully understood him. Malcom x said – “If someone puts their hands on you make sure they never put their hands on anybody else again.” – and Jeremy wants the same thing. He wants revenge and he wants to help others like him who can't defend themselves. I wish I could say I relate with Jeremy in some way but I can’t. I never was bullied, I never bullied someone and I never witnessed bullying. Needless to say I had mixed feelings for him and for what he plans to do and I can't say I felt connected with him. I felt for him, but I hated him at the same time because we all can agree that no one has the right to take the life of another. That being said, I'm sure many readers will connect with his character more than I did.

Regan, our heroine was a girl who frustrated me big time and I’m still not sure how to feel about her character. She pissed me off with her attitude towards Jeremy’s situation. In my opinion she was bully as much as the ‘real’ bully, because even if she has a mouth, she chooses to remain silent. I hate weak heroines and in my eyes, Regan was exactly that. I didn’t like how easily she forgave her best friend, Casey and how easily she forgot about everything this girl did. I believe people can change. I really do, but Casey’s overnight ‘transformation’ wasn’t so credible to me. It was overnight for me because I didn’t get what exactly made her realize how evil she was. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't buy it. Also I really blamed Regan, Cassie and of course ‘the others’ for what happened with a certain side character in the end.

Jeremy and Regan’s love story is sweet and tender and I felt they are good for each other. I liked how Regan gave Jeremy what he desperately needed – love, care and most of all, hope. Their relationship progressed in a very natural way and I liked how they interacted with each other and their sweet moments together. I believe there are some things or events in life that can change who you are, so I understood why and how Jeremy’s...purpose changed. Regan and her love and the happiness she brings him changed him and changed the way he sees everything. I really liked this aspect of the story.

I have to mention a certain side character that made me feel so much - Hannah. Oh my Gawd! My heart ached for this girl. She’s so damn broken and real and I think she represents the ones who lost the battle...’that battle’. However, in my eyes she is and always will be a brave girl.

All in all, “Interim” was a captivating and complex story with a unique premise, great developed characters and evocative writing.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

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"A lot can change in the space between devising a plan and carrying it out. That space is called the INTERIM."



First and foremost, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to S.Walden for writing this heart wrenching, emotional, eye-opening, thought provoking, and all-consuming book. What I truly love about S.Walden is that she writes and tells stories that she is truly passionate about. And in her newest release, INTERIM, you could really see the passion behind this book. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it, S. Walden is one of those authors, who is truly a gifted and brilliant storyteller.



INTERIM is one of those rare books that makes you see both sides of the spectrum of bullying, high school, life, popularity, and love. This book is not just S. Walden's story, but this is a book for everyone to read. It is a book that will consume you, leave you feeling raw, emotional, vulnerable, and inspires HOPE. This book may have been the story of Jeremy Stahl and Regan Walters, but in my opinion I think this is the story for every Jeremy, Regan, Casey, Hannah, Brandon and Ethan's of the world. It is a story where every character mattered. No one is overlooked. No one is the main or secondary character because when you finish reading this book, you will understand that is the story for anyone.

"I am BROKEN because of them!"



If you are expecting first love romance, hearts and flowers, or the typical high school romance, then I will tell you then this is not the book. INTERIM is a raw, real and eye-opening perspective of Jeremy and Regan's personal and high school life. This is not the story of the bad boy getting the girl of his dreams. Nope. Interim is an all-consuming gripping tale of broken, flawed, emotional, and raw characters. It is about realizing bullying does exist whether we like to acknowledge it or not. Bullying does not only exist in classrooms but it can also be found in our adult life. Our actions and words has the POWER to hurt and destroy. And so S.Walden hits her readers with a book that will leave you feeling so RAW and EXPOSED. It will make you see all the facets of the lives of the bullied, the unwanted, the bully, the popular kids, and the ones that tries to blend and fit in.



"It doesn't matter what she does. She could do anything. Be anyone. Hurt my feelings over and over. Say the sweetest things. Make me cry. Make me laugh. Tear me to pieces. Build me back up. Take everything away from me, and give it back. Play games. Be Real. She could do it all, and I would still love her. I would still want her. Because broken people don't know when enough is enough."

In all honesty, I was really nervous and apprehensive about reading this book because it dealt with a sensitive and touchy subject of bullying and school shootings. As readers, we love to read because it is our form of escape of real life. But I'm so glad that S. Walden wrote this book. I applaud her for taking a chance on this book and giving this book LIFE. Yes, this BOOK was one of those rare books that I can say PERFECTION. The story of Jeremy and Regan gripped me from the opening pages because if we really dissected this book, it showcases that everyone is flawed and makes mistake. No is PERFECT. Not the popular cheerleader. Not the high school football star. Not the class clown. Not the outcast. Not the valedictorian. Each and everyone of us has a story and secrets. We are all vulnerable to love, hatred, anger, jealousy, and revenge. And what Interim reminds us all, is that we are all human and we make choices. These choices can affect the present and future. But they are our choice whether it be be good or bad.



"Now, I love you because I know you. I love you because I believe in all your goodness. I love you because of the way you make me feel. I love you because I want to." She smiled. "And I love you because I'm helpless not to."

As for the writing, I will say it again. BRILLIANT. The writing is so powerful and raw that I felt every range of emotions seeping off the pages. I felt for the pain, sadness, anger,loneliness,and confusion for Jeremy, Regan, Hannah, Casey, and Brandon. What can I say but go read this book. It is one of those rare books where I was left saying WOW. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster but I will 100% say, I am glad that I read this book because I loved everything about this book and the messages it reminds us all. LOVE heals. HOPE and SECOND CHANCES do exist. And lastly, we are all different. We must learn to not be afraid to be different and weird. The only thing ugly in this world are those who doesn't see the beauty of the different.




So to quote from one of my favorite 80's movie, "Despite my appearance at this function, I remain now, and will always be a DUCKMAN." ~Duckie (Sixteen Candles) So to all those people who finds themselves in the INTERIM, please remember you are not alone and embrace your individuality. And I will end this review with one more last quote from another 80's movie classic, "We're all bizarre, some of us are just better at hiding it that's all." ~Andy (The Breakfast Club)

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Chilling Stars!!

"Metal could stay a flying fist. Metal could silence an ugly word. Flesh was weak; metal strong. And he would be the boy who wielded the metal— eradicating the abuse for good."

Omg!!! Talk about not having any evens....
My head is pounding from that last 10% or so, and I cannot remember the last time I cried and screamed at my iPad so much.

So, I'm gonna go really, really personal here, and not kidding at all. I grew up in South Florida, born in Miami, but then we moved to a small town called Weston which was really preppy and stepford wifish, back in the day. I was always curvy and always had a lot of....ummm junk in the trunk? But, way before J-Lo made it cool!! I used to get teased about my body all the time around the age of 14-15, and later. They had a nickname for me that I still can't tell anyone because I swear the sound of the words together still fucking hurts. And this was way before kids were as cruel as they are now. What I got hurt, but it was nothing like some of the stuff that I have heard goes on in schools today. But just with the little bit of shame that I was subjected to, I totally get it. Am I saying that I condone someone launching into a school and opening fire on a bunch of their classmates and teachers? Hell fucking NO!! But I get being pushed to a point of desperation, humiliation, and fear....and those things combined, living in the mind of an adolescent can be a very dangerous combination!

THIS is an extremely intense, bold, and fucking daring look at a subject that nobody wants to talk about, but unfortunately, is still happening. I'll have my own girls read this book when they get older. It's very profound and just such a raw look at the makings of this type of senseless catastrophe. I totally got it. I totally got what the victim turned villain here went through and how it pushed them to evil!!

I cried for every one of these characters at the end....the flawed ones and the heroes alike. And Jeremy and Regan were both absolutely KICK ASS main characters. Absolutely ZERO stupid YA drama here. These characters' issues are real and they are gritty. Oh, and I am not saying that I loved them because they were totally, mature and put together, and made all of the decisions when put in this situation that I would at thirty-six years old. Because that would have been completely unrealistic and not have done ANY justice to the story. I loved them because they put me back in the mind of my seventeen-year-old self and what a struggle that was to live in this kind of an environment. I thought they were perfect depictions of high school kids today and what they have to endure.

"I’m only interested in killing those people who’ve wronged me. That’s where the justice comes in. I’m leaving alone all the others. That’s mercy. And I’m not just doing it for me. I’m doing it for every single person those assholes have abused. Every single person they’ve belittled, tormented, passed over."

I will say that although there is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL love story involved here, it does take a backseat to the main story-line. I can see some romance readers having some issue with that. It's more suspense-based, I would say. But, the romantic part of the story that we do get, is so sweet and tender. All unrequited, young love.

“Soooo, you like me?” Jeremy asked finally.
Regan burst out laughing. “I freaking like you a lot! I’ve liked you ever since sixth grade! I even liked you in seventh grade when I hated you! I liked you in eighth grade. I liked you in ninth and tenth and last year and— ”
He cut her off with his lips. He kissed her hard, clacking his teeth with hers, hoping he hurt her just the littlest bit. It was punishment for all those years she held the secret. All those wasted years they could have been together— experienced a different, better reality. All those years he longed for an unattainable girl. And here she was, on his counter, giving him her lips and her words and her heart and, just possibly, her future."

I desperately needed an epilogue here though!!! It's the only reason that I could not give this book 5-stars. To me, that would've made it perfection. It ended kind of abruptly for me. Like, come on... After that mindfuck, we couldn't get an epilogue?! Lol! But, I don't think that those are the things that this book is really about, and that's ok.

This author has just earned my respect with this book. I'm really stunned by what a great job she did in pulling this story off.

P.S. My next SEVERAL reads are going to be about fluffy, unicorns, and bunnies, and cotton candy and shit. Otherwise, I am gonna end up eating my own hair and sucking my thumb in a corner somewhere!!! That was some dark and intense shit!!!! Definitely need some happy therapy to help me recover. SO worth it though!!

You'll need some brass balls, but if you got 'em, read this book!

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars...I think.
Going with a mid-rating. The concept and story was a 4, with a lot of 2 moments.



A very sensitive subject matter that is thought provoking and straddles the line...

The pendulum swung.
Love. Hate.
Good. Evil.
Right. Wrong.
Victim. Vigilante.
Sanity.
Slipping.

Regan Walters is starting her senior year. As this should be some of the best times of her life, she is realizing that she is just a shell of her former self. These past 3 years she's been embraced into the cliché popular crowd, where her personality and style has lay dormant. She used to be a goofy free spirit, but now because of her boyfriend and friends, she feels as if she must conform to what they think. The worst part, is that her "friends" are not nice. They take opportunities to pick on their classmates.



Jeremy Stahl not only has to take the wrath of his father while at home, but when he goes to school he is bullied by classmates. He probably would have never been on their radar, if he didn't have a large scar under his eye that was the evidence of his dad's cruelty. He is the school freak. But during the summer before senior year, he has bulked up his muscles and is done being a victim. He is going to become a vigilante. He has all of his plans laid out in his journal. This is no small plan of revenge. Jeremy wants to end the bullying...permanently.



Everything changes when Regan finds Jeremy's notebook. She knows she shouldn't, but she reads it, and cannot believe the horrific acts that it contains.



A sort of odd comradery blooms when Jeremy finds out that his crush since the 6th grade reveals how she really feels.



When Jeremy convinces Regan that his intentions are just thoughts, not reality, her barriers break down, and she finds that she too can possibly be with the boy she's secretly had a thing for.



In reality, the countdown still continues...





I'd have to say, I'm still really torn about my feelings about this book. It's an incredibly horrible, yet scarily realistic subject matter, so I was extremely nervous to read about it. So I guess I was really surprised that it wasn't as deep as I anticipated.

I think the main reason for the lack of an emotional tie to this book was the melodramatic and immature heroine. The entire time I was reading this I had to repeat the mantra They're in high school, they're in high school, because the crying, screaming, and yelling over minimal things drove me nuts. Yes, things are over dramatized when you're young, but I think Regan and her friend Casey took this immaturity to a new level. Way over the top. However, I will give her some points for separating herself from the flock, and trying to be a better person who realizes what is surrounding her is wrong.

My heart went out to Jeremy. No one should experience being bullied, and the fact that he had to endure an awful home life as well, made it that much harder to imagine. I do feel like some of these things were glossed over. Maybe it was the intentions of the author, knowing it's such a tough subject to write about, but the things that occurred with him were semi-rushed or resolved quickly (hard to explain).

Which brings me to the majority of the book. Maybe it's the fact that you're on the edge of your seat, waiting for something to happen and nervous for the fate of what's to come, but I found myself bored with everything in between.

Major spoiler, that contains something that may ruin the book if you have not read---I actually figured out the twist to the story before it happened. I think Hannah's lunchroom outburst had me wondering if it was her all along. This fact then made some of "Jeremy's thoughts" make more sense. His love/hate feelings for Regan had me a little confused.

All in all, I'm still not sure of what I think. I commend the author for tackling the subject, I think it was pretty brave, and not many will want to read about something so awful. Maybe it was a good thing that I lacked a connection and feels, because it would have been that much more intense and anxiety-filled for me to handle. I did think it was a well thought out and executed story, in most ways.

Not sure if I would recommend. Still have a lot of bipolar feelings about this book. Reviews are DNF's to 5 stars, so I'd read at your discretion. In my opinion it wasn't as Pepto Bismol-inducing as I thought it would be, and I don't know if I'm disappointed or relieved about this.

[Michelle Kannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a day since finishing this book to just think about what I wanted to say.

Pepper and I are going to do a joint review on our blog but I didn't want another day to go by without writing down my thoughts. Now that I'm actually sitting here writing them- I don't know what to say.

Here's my dilemma. I LOVED this book. This book was hooked directly to my brain. I couldn't even force myself to stop thinking about it. But this book is tough. This book has some serious heartbreak in it. Yes- there is love and redemption and hope. It's a happy ending. But everything in between and leading up to that is not happy. And not everyone gets a happy ending and maybe that's what makes it so good.

The thing is- I want you to read this book. I want everyone to read this book. Because it's good. But beyond that- it's important.

A year ago, a friend of mine committed suicide by jumping in front of a metro train. He suffered from depression- something we knew he had to contend with. And even as adult- grown ups- I saw people pick on him. Peter was different. Sometimes women would feel uncomfortable around him but I soon learned that he wasn't creepy- just kind and didn't always know how to convey that the right way. When Peter died- I kept asking myself- did I do enough? Did I let Peter know often enough that I treasured his kindness?? Even today- I wonder that.

I tell you this because Interim made me think about those things all over again. Was I the best person I could be? Was I kind to everyone? I wasn't the most popular kid in school but I wasn't the least popular. That kid that I made fun of with my friends- am I just lucky he didn't bring a gun to school one day? Or was there someone, somewhere that gave him enough joy and love and light that he never had to take his hurt to that place?

This book (and I myself) am not justifying school shootings. Not for a second. They are tragic and painful. But for everyone involved. Bullying is a real thing. Abuse is a real thing. Mental Illness is a real thing. Depression is a real thing. Hopelessness is a real thing. That's what Interim reminds us. These are all things that are happening all around us. Sometimes we can feel all of these motions- good and bad- in a single day. When something as senseless as a school shooting happens- it's more than a crazy kid bringing a gun to school. So much more.

Here's why you should read Interim. Sometimes- we all need a reminder that this world is ugly but even in all of the ugly stuff swirling around us, when we let ourselves be open to love, things are better. Our family, our friends and our significant others- all of that love swirls around and keeps us sane. It gives us something to hold on to. When that love is taken away from one source it still exists somewhere else. It's when we lose sight of that fact- that love is around us in many forms- that the darkness consumes.

If you can overcome your fear of the subject matter- read this book. I really believe you will come out of the other side feeling like it was worth every bit of discomfort and fear and utter sadness that you might feel while reading it. Because- like our lives- love and hope do prevail in the end.

[JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust]

DNF @59%


. . . Yeah, The Grinch pretty much sums up my feelings toward these characters. I have sooooooooo much to say, unfortunately it's mostly negative. Out of respect for the author, it's best if I keep my thoughts to myself. . . . . For now :-)

Please don't let me deter you from reading Interim. The reviews are more than favorable. It just didn't work for me.

** Best wishes and much success to S. Walden**

[Jessica Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I'm being completely honest, S. Walden had me really nervous with this story. Nervous that she wrote a book that many readers might get angry at her for writing. Nervous over what I was about to experience. Nervous over what this story would make me feel. Then I started reading and got nervous that I was feeling all the wrong things, connecting with all the wrong characters, wanting things I wasn't supposed to want. Then I got nervous that this story might not live up to the expectations I set for it in my head. Nervous that, after my very vocal love for this author's previous stories, I might not love this story quite as much. And then something happened, something that stopped my heart, stole my breath and left me sobbing real tears. And I wasn't nervous anymore. Because this story is EVERYTHING this author intended it to be, everything I hoped it might be and so much more. Interim pulverized me, demanding that I feel and hurt and love and break and heal and hope. S Walden has just blown my mind.

I look to books for an escape, those minutes, hours, days that I can put real life issues on the backburner and get lost in someone else's drama, their romance, their struggles, their truth. I think the gravity of Interim might be too much for some readers to take. But I'm a reader that can separate fact from fiction, reality from storytelling and I did that with Interim. I can do that because it feels better to feel pain and loss and fear for fictional characters in fictitious circumstances than it does to turn on the news and face the reality of it. It feels so good to get lost in pretend, even if that pretend makes you feel real, profound, painful emotions. I can close Interim and sigh with relief that, despite the pain and the violence and the gravity of this story, it wasn't real. Even though it is. I think for the sake of our love of fiction, of stories, we should be able to indulge in literary entertainment for a while, and respect that it's possible to cast aside our sensitivities, put our judgements on hold for a few moments, and take a story for what it is. Interim is that story. Every innate opinion has to be checked at the door with this story. It doesn't matter what you stand for, what you believe, how you classify right from wrong. This story will change that. It makes you see rightness in what's undeniably wrong. It demands that you contemplate excusing the wrongness of something that isn't right at all. It forced me to connect with a character, fall in love with a character, who is both right and wrong. It forced me to evaluate where my boundaries reside. 

This story will have people talking, it'll spark controversy and fury. It will divide. It's a strange dichotomy what Walden has done with this story, canonizing a villain, vilifying a victim... Or did she? Jeremy Stahl is a victim of his circumstances, a victim to his father's abuse, victim to bullies at school, victim to his own confusion and emotions. So he plans to respond, to react, to defend against. I don't believe this was Walden's attempt to give a potential school shooter a free pass, or to say "hey, guys, come on, see things from this person's perspective." I think this was just a story that demanded to be told. A fictional account of one teenager's choices, their sense of powerlessness, their misguided longing to regain that control. And this is what happened. It's a fictitious perspective, but there's no denying that it's a perspective we're not often gleaned when we see these things happen in real life. I never once, however, took this as the authors attempt to make a statement about school shootings, about bullying, about gun violence. In fact, I believe she did a fantastic job of demonstrating the spectrum of opinions on all subjects with her widely diverse characters and their very vocal opinions. I believe, at the end of the day, that was the point, to remind us how different we all are, how differently we all deal with loss, pain, abuse, and words in general. How people change and grow in different ways, how we each choose a different path. And how we are all connected. Our words, our actions, our courtesy and consideration or lack thereof, the way we choose to live, all of it effects others. We never know how even one word can change the path of someone else's life.

Brandon and Jeremy's father both serve a pivotal purpose in this story, their characters demonstrating the insecurity and doubt, the fear and shame that ultimately served as the foundation for their bullying and abuse of Jeremy. Their inability to deal with their own insecurities and fears in a healthy way leads them to victimize and knock down other people in an attempt at making themselves feel more than. In Jeremy's fathers case, it's his loss and pain mixed with alcohol. In Brandon's, his inability to compartmentalize his childhood weight issues. It's sad and pathetic and frustrating and wrong, yet it's precisely what is at the root of any bully's pattern of behavior. Shame, self-loathing, insecurity, misplaced anger. The more they each come to hate themselves, the more they long to release those pent up aggressions on someone else. It's a vicious cycle but what Walden does with these characters is paramount to this story. Through flashbacks, we're gleaned insight into the Brandon that once was, the uncertain boy struggling with his sense of self, Jeremy's father in those moments of doting father before suffering the loss of his wife. Jeremy's own battle between good and evil, victim and villain exhibits clearly that there's a little good in every bad, a little bad in every good. There's two sides to every coin and it's what one chooses to do with everything they're facing that determines which side lands face up. 

Interim illustrates the gravity of words, how words can make or break, how those words build up a person or beat them down. How different Jeremy's life might have been had it been filled with more kindness, more compassion, more love and understanding. How different the trajectory of his life may have taken if there were more Roy's and Regan's in his life. Words can't be unspoken. Unheard. Unread. Words have power. To hurt. To break. To scare. To humiliate. To damage. Interim is a lesson in being wise with one's choices of words. You never know the power of your words, the pain they can inflict, the damage they can irrevocably cause. 

This isn't a story about love conquering all. It's not a story about an unremarkable teenager changing the trajectory of another's tormented life with their love. This is about a broken, damaged, scarred soul, a decision to right the wrongs of a tortured past, no matter how misguided that decision might be, and the grim reality that nothing can change that decision. Of course, I longed for love to save the day. I hoped that this could be a story where all hearts were healed, all wounds scabbed over and forgotten, that all could be right with the world. But this isn't that story. S Walden isn't that author. This story would play out the way it was meant to.

I could talk for days and days about my love for Walden's writing. Crisp, clean, fluid, smart writing... raw, clever dialogue... melodic, flawless prose. S Walden is an outside-the-box author, consistently delivering stories that are nothing like the last. It's unfair to compare her books as they're all individual stories, original, refreshing, never been done before. But I'll go out on a limb here and say that Interim is most reminiscent of Going Under. Interim captures the uncertainty and brutality of adolescence, real life issues against the back drop of cafeteria lunches, buzzing hallways, and teenage hormones as Going Under did. But Interim veers in a drastically different direction, with the focus on a different form of bullying, and a character seeking another sort of vengeance. If you think you don't want to read a story centered around high school students, you're wrong. Walden captures the voice of these teenagers perfectly, their naivete, their immaturity, their vulnerability. She consumes the reader with the raw reality of adolescence, of every emotional high and low, of the all-to-real fears and uncertainty that come along with this age. Interim isn't easy to read. It's brutal for an array of reasons, all of which you must read to understand. Be prepared. Be prepared to hurt. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone. Be prepared for a profoundly unforgettable, turbulent journey through tragedy and love that you won't soon forget. I know I won't.

I know the subject matter in this story is daunting, and scary, and sensitive. But I hope readers give this story a chance. It's beautiful and painful and raw and difficult at times, but it's also brilliant and hopeful and romantic. I was worried I'd come away feeling a certain way, that this story would go to a place that it was impossible to come away feeling anything but sadness and regret. That's not the case. It's hauntingly devastating, but it's so much more than that. It's absolutely worth reading despite your fears and reservations. What Walden has done here, with Interim, is perfect.

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing. Spell bound. Masterfully written. FULL REVIEW TO COME!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-three years ago, Pearl Jam released the alternative rock single named Jeremy. Jeremy is one of the most widely-recognized songs performed by Pearl Jam and is based on two different true stories. The main inspiration for Jeremy was a newspaper article about Jeremy Wade Delle of Richardson, Texas. On the morning of January 8, 1991, Jeremy Delle shot himself in front of his second-period English class. This song is also inspired by a student songwriter Eddie Vedder knew when he was in junior high school in San Diego. Instead of taking his own life, this student decided to gun down his classmates.

Now that you know the story behind the song, have you ever taken a moment to focus on the words of Jeremy? Go on.....pull out your iPod or do a search of YouTube videos and listen. It's a very deep and dark song about a troubled teenager who decides to take control of his life and fight back on his own terms. It didn't take long for me to recall Pearl Jam’s Jeremy once I began reading Interim, and the song will forever mean more to me now that I have read this novel.

It wasn't easy for S. Walden to write her story about Jeremy Stahl. It took her a long time to come to terms with what was bouncing around in her head. Walden wants readers to know she is not speaking to a point. She has no agenda. She just has a story. Knowing Walden’s proclivity to write about dark and controversial subjects, I was nervous about reading Interim. In fact, I have never feared the content of a novel like I did with Interim. I had a healthy respect for this story based on the synopsis and personal discussion with the author before I began reading.

Walden truly agonized over writing Interim. Bullying. Parental neglect and abuse. Gun violence in schools. When you combine controversial subjects with violence, you have a recipe for something dark and scary. Something to be feared. This is the truth of the matter – the events that take place in Interim could happen at any school or shopping mall or workplace on any given day. So before you begin reading Interim, please be sure to read the letter from S. Walden at the beginning of the novel and be very sure you can handle the content.

I’m going to get straight to the point. Interim is a 6-star novel. It’s everything I could have hoped for in a thriller. Intense emotions, anger and panic. Darkness. Suspense. Graphic violence. Young adult romance. The authentic feel of the high school social scene. Issues teenagers deal with on daily basis. Walden was a teacher for several years, and she’s acquainted with the age group. She's familiar with bullying. The dialogue, conversations between Jeremy and Regan, Hannah and other secondary characters, kept me on the edge of my seat. Interim completely held my interest. It’s one of the finest examples of character development that I can recall. It may have taken a long time for Walden to write this story, but I applaud the amount of time and thought she put into writing it. There is nothing rushed or sloppy about Interim. It’s one of the best novels I have read this year, and it has definitely earned a place on my list of 2015 favorites!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Countdown Stars



You know that feeling you get when you know something is going to happen but you don’t know if you are excited or scared shitless. Yes, that feeling. Like a rollercoaster X 1000. That is the feeling this novel gives you…..the countdown chapters just remind you that time is ticking. For you and the characters.

I don’t know who came up with the idea that humans are basically good at heart.

High School sucks. For everyone. The popular ones. The geeks. The losers. Sucks for everyone.

Regan and her best friend were the geeky ones in middle school, but through luck and stepping on the backs of their classmates, they have elevated themselves to the popular group. Dating the cute boys. Sitting at the good table at lunch. Being on the giving end of the teasing instead of the receiving end. Life should be grand, right?

Jeremy and his bestie, Hannah, were in the geeky group in middle school too. The group that got picked on for being different. They did not get a change of scenery in high school. Still the picked on kids.

…that’s what I’ve learned…that life’s not fair.

Regan remembers Jeremy from middle school…back when she tried to be his friend. But middle school being middle school, and middle school boys being middle school boys…..Jeremy didn’t exactly know how to handle that.

He hated that school and all the people in it. Except her….She made it better…

Regan wants to change the status quo. But she knows the consequences of bucking the system. Making herself a target.

The grudges sealed themselves in cement hearts.

This is the story of confusion, isolation, taking chances and losing, taking chances and winning, hurt, pain, finding your voice, regret and anger. So much anger. So much to regret.

Love didn’t count when it was one-sided.

It is also the story of what happens when the scales fall away from Regan’s eyes and she sees her friends, her school, as others see it. See it from the outside instead of the cozy inside she has been living in. Does she have the courage to make a change? Is she too late?

It didn’t taste good – this knowing…

Ms Walden has once again given us a story that will make you think. Make you uncomfortable. Do you have the courage to see into a situation that seems so clear cut and let yourself see the fuzzy edges? I predict this book will have lots of people who love it and lots who will have “cement hearts” and not even want to pick it up.

He know all the goodness left him the moment he uttered the words “I can’t” because he secretly meant, “I won’t”.

The writing is excellent, as we expect from Ms Walden. The subject matter tough, as we expect from Ms Walden. Give yourself that butterflies in your stomach feeling and pick this one up. And start the countdown.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewer note:
I've seen the effects of gun violence first hand.
I heard the screams.
I saw the aftermath.
I won't forget about it. Ever!

Most people would say to me, "you shouldn't read this book."
And I say, "fuck it!"

Just like the movie Arachnophobia, which I forced myself to watch (in the fetal position, of course), I felt like I needed to read this book. Granted, my personal story was at the hands of a psychotic woman. This story is different. It's probably one of the most sensitive subjects for a parent. No one wants to see this on the news or God forbid, know someone affected. But I trust this author. I trust that she will explore this subject like it needs to be explored. All of the whys.
Why did the person feel so much hate?
Why not ask for help?
Why would you want to take another life?

I feel like this will be a book I'll read with 1 hand over my eyes and the other with a death grip on my kindle. But yes, I'm going in.

Ok, on to the review.

If you read the synopsis, then you know what you are getting into with this book. Even prepared, I still feel a bit numb after finishing. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with fear, anger and eventually hope. It looks at the heart of bullying and what drives a student to even contemplate a school shooting.

We've all been through high school. We know what it's like. The cliques. The judgement for every little thing we do. The bullying. I thank my lucky stars that while I was never in the "popular group", I never faced anything awful other than a dirty look. I'm also grateful I never witnessed the kind of bullying this book covers. Play grounds fights were always over stupid things, yet turned my stomach. So I'm glad I didn't see worse. But I'm not stupid to think it’s not out there. Through Jeremy's POV, we see how bad it could get. Day after day. Year after year. Add to that his home life sucked, and actually was the catalyst for the teasing, and you could feel his pain. You could feel how we just wanted to get control back. To make others pay for the years of torment.

This book took a different approach than I expected. It started at the worst point, with detailed plans in place and a motto to guide him. From there the author takes us on a different journey. One were a special girl can make a difference. Someone who can take away the pain.

From the moment she is introduced, I liked Regan. She has a fire within her. After years of keeping that fire at bay, following others, and believing the lies from her boyfriend, Brandon, she wakes up for a new school year with the fire coming back to life. She begins to question comments from her "friends". She begins to challenge the hate she was blind to for years. And realizes that that fire within her grows brighter whenever she is near Jeremy.

Jeremy hates Regan by default, for choosing the friends that bullied him over the years. But deep down, has never forgotten what she did to help him years prior. As she begins to wake up to the realities around her, and reaches out to him, he can't walk away. Regan's change isn't over night, but as she distances herself from the in-crowd, she works her way inside Jeremy's heart and gives him pause. The plan he has built suddendly doesn't seem so perfect.

This book deals a lot with character evaluation. Being challenged for past mistakes. Regan is challenged by Hannah, Jeremy's friend, for ignoring the signs of bullying for so long. Casey, Regan's BFF, is challenged by everyone - Regan, Jeremy, and Hannah - for contributing to the bullying.

The most important message I got out of this book was that people change. Fighting back against a bully has consequences. Sometimes fighting back can destroy you in the process.

There is no hero in this book. I won't sugar coat it and say that this story is tied up with a pretty bow. It's not. I cried through the last 5% of the story. This author took on a sensitive subject and she delivered a clear message. All it takes is one person to change your life plan. But what if you lose that one person?

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interim by S. Walden
5 Stars
DAMN that was a GREAT read! Put on your big girl panties ladies if you plan to take this book on. That’s all I have to say. BOOM! This author nailed it!!! This is a very different kind of story with a very serious and quite disturbing subject matter that had my adrenaline pumping the entire time. THE ENTIRE TIME. No there was no kidnapping, sex slaves, rape and such matters. This was a different kind of dark read, this was so real it’s scary how true this could be. It could be the boy who lives next door or the boy that bags your groceries. The writing was GREAT in general, the flow and timing makes it perfection. The characters, I loved ALL the characters from the main to the secondary and their witty banter was what I enjoyed most. Never have I ever enjoyed reading conversations so much. I loved the relationships between the two main characters AND their relationships with the people around them. Yeah its safe to say that I pretty much loved everything about this book. I really really like the way this author writes and I seriously need to stalk her (JK ….maybe.. LOL) .This is the second book I have read by her and the last one being Going Under a LONG time ago (I 5 starred that one too) so I will have to check out what else she’s got for me and what she has in the works next. Yes I do believe she has a new fan. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[Michelle Finkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh....my heart hurts. Wow, I need to process this. I applaud the author for her bravery in writing this story. It was so tragic yet powerful. The topic is so relevant but was very difficult to read. Every aspect of this book is a talking point. Nature vs. Nurture. Bullying. Does love conquer all? Do people really change? My heart bleeds knowing there are no clear cut answers. This book was well written and I appreciated the multi faceted character aspects. Regan and Jeremy really touched my heart. I was rooting for them. I'm still rooting for them. After all they endured. My only criticism is that I wanted one more chapter. I'm not a reader who must have an epilogue, but here, I needed just a bit more to heal my heart.

[Lucy]

DNF

There are times I can read, finish, and even enjoy a book despite hating the main character, this is not one of those times. The character of Regan has made it impossible for me to continue. What a spineless, idiotic, hypocritical, worthless waste of space she was. :)

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog]

TEASER:

Who was he? What was his purpose? He knew it once. Once, a long time ago, he decided to be a hero. He decided to avenge himself and all the other kids who were helpless against abuse. Once, a long time ago, he learned the difference between justice and mercy. He learned when justice was required. He learned when mercy was allowed. Once, a long time ago, he faced himself in the mirror and saw a stranger—a better boy than he could ever be. A boy with a mission. A boy with convictions. And he reached out to take hold of that boy, through the looking-glass, falling into a wonderland where righteousness ruled supreme and evil was destroyed with the pop pop! of a gun. The world made sense to him. Then.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars***

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

What an amazing piece of writing from S. Walden!! I’ve read her books before, and after reading this one I was in complete amazement by how beautifully she scrolls her thoughts on to the page. I want to start off by saying that Interim has some pretty heavy stuff going on and it’s definitely not for everyone. With that being said, I still want everyone to read it.

“Now, I love you because I know you. I love you because I believe in all your goodness. I love you because of the way you make me feel. I love you because I want to.” She smiled. “And I love you because I’m helpless not to.”

This isn’t just a story about a school shooting. This is a story about people. Whether you are a good person or a person with a black soul, you are still a person that had to derive from somewhere. This story moved me in such a way that I have tears in my eyes while I type this. It’s so beautiful and so ugly and I loved every bit of it. This book is about love, and how you interpret that love, or lack thereof. It shows you how people can grow and surprise you every single day. That being kind to someone—even if it’s just ONE person, is the most simple and meaningful thing that a human can do for another human.

“When you’ve gone so many years wanting something, and then you finally get it, sometimes you don’t react appropriately. The feelings are too intense. You don’t know how to handle them. Like being in a manic state, I guess. Out of your mind. That’s how I felt when you kissed me.”

There are so many things I love about this story, but one thing that stood out to me was how connected I felt to the characters. Especially Jeremy, since you get a good look into his head. I was floored by the development that he had so early on in the book. It usually it takes me a while to be so invested, but with the way the Author lures you into his brain it’s pretty hard not to be. He seems so rough and determined and steadfast about what his plans are, but with Regan in the mix everything changes. He feels his resolve slipping and it’s really wonderful to read that in the amazing way it was written. I can’t express how enjoying this was to read just based on the wordage alone.

"Every time he thought of her, something moved in his mind—a cog lifted and slid onto the right bolt. A wheel finally rotated in the correct direction. Wires repaired themselves. Like his mind was healing itself."

I’m not going to even get into the story because I believe that it is a treat all by its self! And one that romance readers from all over the spectrum will embrace. When I first heard the synopsis of this book I was sure it would end up in a controversial spat all over the internet. But after reading it, and falling in love with the characters and writing, I’m almost certain that it will be just the opposite. Every single character had a connection deep to the story and every single word reverberated the feeling of the book as a whole. This was truly a gift to read, S.Walden is brilliant. PLEASE read this book!!

“I love you. I hate you. The pendulum swung. Love. Hate. Good. Evil. Right. Wrong. Victim. Vigilante. Sanity. Slipping.”

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a solid 2 stars if it hasn't been for the last two chapters. Those saved this book and made it a 3 star. And that's generous.. unfortunately.

I am a huge fan of S. Walden, she's written some of my favourite books. She pushes the boundaries and goes places that many authors wouldn't dare. Particularly in Interim, she has created a story that most would find shocking, in fact I'm sure a lot of people couldn't even bring themselves to read it. It's too real, bringing back what I can only imagine are painful memories for some. Having said all that, I still found a massive portion of the book awfully boring.

Jeremy is a complicated character. Having lived a pretty awful home life, being beaten by his father, you'd think he'd have some reprieve at school? But that's not the case. He is bullied, resulting in him being a very angry guy. He wants revenge and he wants it in the worst way possible. Writing daily in his journal, he has intricate plans of how and when tragedy will strike. In the form of a school shooting. He will pay back every single one of his bullies. It's truly awful to read. I've never experienced anything like this personally but I know it happens and I can't even imagine people having to live through it.

Jeremy has always been fixated on one girl in particular, Regan, but she's always been one of the popular ones, way out of his league. But Regan has her own identity struggles. She doesn't want to be part of the bullying, popular kids' group, she breaks away, striking up a friendship, and eventually relationship with Jeremy.

I really didn't care all that much for the characters. I neither liked or disliked them, which isn't ideal in a book. On top of that, I found the story extremely boring at times. I knew Jeremy's plans, I knew what he wanted to do and I feel like the whole book was just waiting for that moment, waiting to see if he would or wouldn't go through with that plan. Not a great deal happened in between and that's why I found it boring. I really could have skipped the chapters in between the first and last two and it wouldn't have made much difference to me.

The ending was great, like I've said, if had me feeling plenty of emotions. It was action packed and very well written. My only complaint with the ending is that there was a lack of epilogue. I think the story would have benefited from seeing what happened with the characters.

All in all, I didn't love this book but I will continue to read books by this author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTERIM was one of those books, you know the ones, those books that make you take a step back and question something you’d never considered. It makes you wonder if there was something that you could have done to change the course of someone else’s life. Or if perhaps you have done something that changed someone’s life. If you did, was it for better or for worse?

Jeremy’s story is beautiful and tragic and moving and wonderful. It was a story that I didn’t know that I needed to read until I read it. I went into INTERIM knowing that it was different than anything that I had read before, and probably anything I’ll read after. And I am better for having read it. It wasn’t a storyline I’d ever encountered; it was completely original. It was a story that needed to be told, it was a story that has the power to make a difference in how we look at not only the perpetrators of seemingly senseless acts, but those against whom the acts were committed.

I was completely blown away by how much I could relate to almost every character in the book. There was something in each personality that was a part of the whole of me. No matter how good or how bad the person, their thoughts, and motivations always remained completely flawed and human. I appreciate that in a book, as so often characters seem to do things that are completely outside of the realm of normal human behavior.

It is obvious S. Walden cares more about the craft than making a list, she is not a flash-in-the-pan author. She doesn’t write what she thinks someone will like, she writes stories that are new and fresh and more. More than you could ever expect, more than you thought you needed. As you read any of her books you can feel the love that she has for the words, for the way they are molded into a sentence, and for the way that each word and sentence is carefully considered before it is included in her finished work. And I absolutely love all of her books. I love that they’re genreless. They are deep and meaningful and unapologetic. And beautiful. No matter what the subject matter is, she manages to make it into a beautifully crafted story, one that completely captivates me.

Ms. Walden, thank you for entrusting me with Jeremy’s story. It was beautiful. As always you have exceeded my very high expectations. It was so much more than I could have hoped for, more than I could have ever thought to ask for.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is one of those books that makes you think. It makes you reflect back on your own high school days and you wonder if you could have been more helpful. You wonder if you've ever looked the other way.

Walden took this tragic topic and she made us face it. She didn't pull any punches. But she handled it with incredible sensitivity.

Jeremy (perfect name choice) has been bullied his entire life. By his dad and classmates. And he has a plan to make them pay. Regan is tired of conforming. She doesn't like who she's become. She used to defend the "losers" and now she turns the other cheek. She's decided to make a change. Jeremy and Regan become friends that grow into something more. I thought Jeremy said it best when he wondered whether victims of bullying still felt the desperation to go to such extremes if they had a little joy in their life.

This book made me nervous, sometimes uncomfortable, incredibly sad, and always hopeful. It's definitely not for everyone. The school shooting DOES happen. But don't worry there is an HEA. If that makes any sense. You'll have to read it and judge for yourself.

Very moving and brilliantly written. Interim will stay with me for awhile. Well done.

[Tracie Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. I loved everything about this.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

We start with a clean slate.  It's everyone else who fucks us up.

When I heard that S. Walden was writing a book that would involve a potential school shooting, well...I was worried.  My thoughts were rampant too.  As a mother I was appalled.  As a reader I was intrigued.  As a blogger I was worried for her.  As a former teenager that was bullied in high school...I was nervous, scared, and just a teeny bit interested to see where it would go.  But after I calmed down and let the synopsis sit for a while.  I thought who better to write THIS story than S. Walden?

I've started and stopped this review several times.  I've been scratching my head, and even resorted to cornering my teenage daughter and adult son, in order to gain some clarity about this review.  At first I wanted to write something really beautiful for the author.  Her writing is superb and I've been a huge fan way before I was a blogger.  Then I thought I should write a review that discussed what's in the book and maybe try to "convince" you to read it.  That's what a review is for after all right?

After talking to my kids, especially my son, I realized that I can't convince you to read something if you've already seen the synopsis and decided it's not for you or that it's not cool to write about school shootings.  I do understand there are some things that are triggers for people.  I personally won't watch anything about 9-11.  I can't handle it.  So I stay away.  So I get it. Maybe you think it's a school violence wrapped in a romance therefore glorifying the act.  Which it's not.  S. Walden does an outstanding job of letting you see every single side, all the angles.  The pros and cons, the discussions about mercy, revenge, justification, kindness, the hopes for forgiveness.  None of it is easy, nor is it sugarcoated.

I could hear her high-pitched giggle float across the field, and I wanted to trap it in my hands.  Take it home.  Listen to it when I felt lonely.

Can I just say that S. Walden wrote a very well thought out story about a troubled kid who had issues at home and at school and sought revenge in the most heinous way possible?  Is that enough for you to read this story?  What if I said he was justified?  That would imply he had a good or legitimate reason.  But is violence ever the answer?  That just opens a whole new can of worms.  Maybe the author makes a good argument for justifying violence.  Maybe our propensity for sympathizing with the victim is all you need.

Can I say that each and every character in this book will have you feeling something?  We all want to connect to a story in some way.  No one wants it to be the bad guy right?  There's someone for everyone in Interim.  I was actually surprised to find a lot of myself in Regan's mom.  Not just because she's a mom either.  But her personality and the way she interacts with Regan is very very similar how I see myself.  My kids may disagree lol.  But there were other characters that spoke to me as well.  Jeremy's father and his employer, Roy, both combined reminded me of my dad.  Boy did that take me back into my childhood.  Making me feel all out of sorts.  But that's what I love about her writing, it's real.  I truly believe that everyone will experience Interim differently.  Connecting in many different ways to the story and the characters.

I love you.  I hate you.  The pendulum swung.  Love. Hate. Good. Evil. Right. Wrong. Victim. Vigilante. Sanity. Slipping.

Can I say that you'll feel very uncomfortable, scared even, but that it's okay, it will be okay?  Can I say that things happen in this book that aren't okay? Because S. Walden brings your emotions forward and directly connects them to the actions in this book?  Isn't this why we read?  To escape our reality, to unwind after a crazy day, to learn, to feel, to laugh or cry, to challenge us in some way.  I like books that make me question what I've read, what I think about myself.  I like to pick apart the characters and try to figure out what it is about them that makes them do what they do.  Why did the author choose those paths or that particular plot.  Did they use those specific words on purpose?  Is there a deeper meaning to what I've just read?  I read for a number of different reasons on different days.  Maybe you're that way too.  Fiction is fiction for a reason, it's imaginary.

Unlike some of S. Walden's other books, Interim is not controversial.  Controversy implies there are two opposing sides to an argument or disagreement.  No one will argue that school violence is okay, ever.  Interim is a slap in the face.  It's going to make you acknowledge what we already know but either choose to ignore or are afraid to face.  And It's not going anywhere until we make it.  This author writes fiction in a very real way.  She's not the one who's afraid to take chances.  That's all on us.

*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Amy Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars....barely made it to the end....Guess I'm in the minority on this one.

[Anusriya · Rating 2 out of 5]

what could have been a good read, quickly turned into a tedious one.

[Dany · Rating 2 out of 5]

With all the books I have read I don't think I have ever had a book complete have my mind all over the place as to what I would like to say. I'm not even sure how to rate it that is how confused I am. If I was rating on subject alone it would be a five without a doubt. When ever I hear about a school shooting or a young person that has committed suicide I ask myself did I ever make anyone feel that way in school. And I hope and pray that I didn't. Because I for one know how it feels to be talked about because you don't have the latest clothes and things like that. So I know how it feels and it doesn't feel good not at all. I give the author a high five for being courageous enough to want to write about this.
Going into it I didn't know that we were going to be getting a dual pov from Regan and Jeremy so I was some what surprised when it was Regan's turn. Now I know I maybe alone on this one so folks don't hate me.
While the subject of the book was great the book itself just didn't work for me.
I have never been one to really care about editing of a book some times I don't even notice because I'm so wrapped up in the story. But I would have to admit with this one I found myself lost at times. At times I couldn't tell the difference between a flashback or present time or when the pov's changed. Sometimes I would have to go back and read the chapter all over.And the conversation between Jeremy and Hannah had me so confused I'm still lost on.
I thought the way the situation ended with Jeremy's father was just a little bit out there. And I know all books don't not have to everyone riding off into the sunset but I did think that we would have gotten a little bit more than what we got.

I guess I'm torn because I absolutely love this author and have really enjoyed her work. I just really wanted to love this one and I can admit I'm truly upset because I didn't. If anyone reads this review please don't let my words turn you. Just because I didn't fall in love with it doesn't mean you won't!!

[Big Joe Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!

Jeremy Stahl is tired. Tired of an abusive dad. Tired of the bullies at school. He is dangerous close to his breaking point and when he breaks those who have wronged him will pay. He has outlined step by step how we will extract his revenge. He trains with his dad's guns in the woods. He will make them pay.

Enter...Regan Walters, she is popular but doesn't bully but also because she is naive and timid, doesn't see it and when she does the minimal amount to stop it. The two have a minimal past. She stopped bullies from beating him in 6th grade after that nothing. Funny thing is, she was in love/lust for him even then and he was in love/lust of her also, yet neither has the courage to do anything.

Now, she is starting to miss the 'loser' she was, happy in dressing as she wanted, doing what she wanted. It is the senior year and she is dressed in close she hates. Friends she is finding she may not like. While still drawn to the boy who took her heart years ago. When she notices him drop a book at his locker, she retrieves it and reads it. It is then that she scared at what she should do....it is his laid out plan for retribution on most of her friends.

What follows is riveting. It is a page-turner with an ending that will shock, stun and haunt you.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book...

Walden's characters are always strong, irrevocably honest, smart, and they acknowledge their own personal flaws as they conquer heavy moral dilemmas. I have never disliked a book of hers and this book was no different!

I didn't know what to expect going into Interim, but once I started reading, my whole heart was invested in each characters' story. The wide range of emotions evoked while reading Interim had me guessing which way my own moral compass pointed, and think Walden's ability to make her readers question such things demonstrates her immense talent as an author. She never shied away from the taboo and that's one of the reasons I love her.