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The Letting #2
THE COUPLING
In Ronnie Billings’ dystopian world, surviving the Letting and breaking free of a corrupt government is less of a surprise than falling in love with Phoenix Day, the leader of the Peaceful Revolution…
When the government sentences Ronnie to a Coupling under the guise of producing a coveted blood type, Ronnie discovers the one she’s slated to Couple with expects even more.
Prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves most, Ronnie devastates Phoenix with her impossible decision. Whisked away from her rebel life to another world ravaged by despair, Ronnie meets her greatest nemesis...her biological father.
Steeling her nerves against the dangers of escape, she embarks on the perilous journey back. She is convinced she belongs with Phoenix and his revolution, but will her friends, and especially Phoenix, be ready to accept her when she returns? Because this time, evil is in her blood...
When the government sentences Ronnie to a Coupling under the guise of producing a coveted blood type, Ronnie discovers the one she’s slated to Couple with expects even more.
Prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves most, Ronnie devastates Phoenix with her impossible decision. Whisked away from her rebel life to another world ravaged by despair, Ronnie meets her greatest nemesis...her biological father.
Steeling her nerves against the dangers of escape, she embarks on the perilous journey back. She is convinced she belongs with Phoenix and his revolution, but will her friends, and especially Phoenix, be ready to accept her when she returns? Because this time, evil is in her blood...
- GenresYoung Adult
ebook
Published February 15, 2016
1 person is currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Cathrine Goldstein
13 books143 followersCathrine is a bestselling author and award-winning playwright, including a win for Best Streaming Play by Broadway World Chicago.
A poet and prolific wellness writer, her work has been featured on many television and radio shows. A long-time yoga teacher, she is the founder of Yoga Care for Caregivers.
You can find her at her websites:
https://www.mydharmicjourney.com/
https://cathrinegoldstein.com/
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@mydharmicjourney
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A poet and prolific wellness writer, her work has been featured on many television and radio shows. A long-time yoga teacher, she is the founder of Yoga Care for Caregivers.
You can find her at her websites:
https://www.mydharmicjourney.com/
https://cathrinegoldstein.com/
Instagram:
@mydharmicjourney
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCathri...
X:
https://x.com/cathrinegold
or Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mydharmicjo...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2016
This was the perfect continuation of book one. It had a great blend of the previous characters, as well as introducing new and interesting ones. It also had a lot of suspense, angst and surprise to build on the previous storyline. With a mix of biological parents and splitting the gang, we are left wanting to read 'just one more page,' until we find ourselves at the back cover.
I found the characters fantastic. They had a lot of depth and personality. I liked how much they stuck to their own personalities, which created a lot of great interaction throughout the read, though not all of it was happy interaction. I liked that the characters from the previous book were given more depth, letting us truly get to know them, but we were still thrown surprises about them. The new characters fit into the story excellently, and were also built from the ground up. This really made the story one that I could get into and become connected with the characters. I really cared about what happened to them and often found myself wondering where the author would take them next.
The story was continued well, and really connected to the first book, making it easy to pick right back up. I liked where the author took the next instalment, as I found it both exciting and intriguing. Throughout the book, we were given lots of detail, which made the story very believable, real and easy to feel a part of.
The pace was great. It was fast enough to really feel as though you've been thrown in the action. However, there are still plenty of moments that you were able to sit back and take in everything, to really understand the characters and the decisions they were making.
Overall, this was a brilliant read. I enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend.
**i received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I found the characters fantastic. They had a lot of depth and personality. I liked how much they stuck to their own personalities, which created a lot of great interaction throughout the read, though not all of it was happy interaction. I liked that the characters from the previous book were given more depth, letting us truly get to know them, but we were still thrown surprises about them. The new characters fit into the story excellently, and were also built from the ground up. This really made the story one that I could get into and become connected with the characters. I really cared about what happened to them and often found myself wondering where the author would take them next.
The story was continued well, and really connected to the first book, making it easy to pick right back up. I liked where the author took the next instalment, as I found it both exciting and intriguing. Throughout the book, we were given lots of detail, which made the story very believable, real and easy to feel a part of.
The pace was great. It was fast enough to really feel as though you've been thrown in the action. However, there are still plenty of moments that you were able to sit back and take in everything, to really understand the characters and the decisions they were making.
Overall, this was a brilliant read. I enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend.
**i received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 13, 2016
I was so excited when this book came up for review. I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to continuing the series. The second installment of The Letting Series is awesome.
Ronnie and Phoenix are back to fight another day. Principle Farnsworth is back to torture another day and...Ronnies learns that her bio dad is alive.....dun dun dunnnnnnnn.
In the war that is waging Ronnie and Phoenix think that they finally have a chance of getting rid of "the letting". Ronnie is determined to keep her girls alive so that they may live their own lives, and not be "sacrificed".
Ronnie is faced with one of the hardest decisions she thinks she will ever have to make. She must "couple" or loose every one she loves. She wants so bad to be with Phoenix, but knows if she doesn't take this "coupling" deal that Farnsworth will rid all of her loved ones of their lives. So, to keep her loved ones safe she agrees to the "coupling". Phoenix is devastated and feels utterly betrayed.
Ronnie is forced to travel with Farnsworth and the things she learns during her travels are that..
1. She cannot ever really trust Farnsworth and
2. Blood isn't always thicker than love
Ronnies plan to return to Phoenix is a long one, and very interesting. She encounters many challenges, and just when she thinks that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.....the tunnel starts to narrow into a tiny sliver.
Take a ride with Ronnie and Phoenix and you will be glad you did. This book is full of twists and turns, love, sacrifice, and understanding.
When I got to the end, I kind of wanted to scream because I know that there is more coming! Ugh...hehe I cannot wait to see what happens :)!
Ronnie and Phoenix are back to fight another day. Principle Farnsworth is back to torture another day and...Ronnies learns that her bio dad is alive.....dun dun dunnnnnnnn.
In the war that is waging Ronnie and Phoenix think that they finally have a chance of getting rid of "the letting". Ronnie is determined to keep her girls alive so that they may live their own lives, and not be "sacrificed".
Ronnie is faced with one of the hardest decisions she thinks she will ever have to make. She must "couple" or loose every one she loves. She wants so bad to be with Phoenix, but knows if she doesn't take this "coupling" deal that Farnsworth will rid all of her loved ones of their lives. So, to keep her loved ones safe she agrees to the "coupling". Phoenix is devastated and feels utterly betrayed.
Ronnie is forced to travel with Farnsworth and the things she learns during her travels are that..
1. She cannot ever really trust Farnsworth and
2. Blood isn't always thicker than love
Ronnies plan to return to Phoenix is a long one, and very interesting. She encounters many challenges, and just when she thinks that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.....the tunnel starts to narrow into a tiny sliver.
Take a ride with Ronnie and Phoenix and you will be glad you did. This book is full of twists and turns, love, sacrifice, and understanding.
When I got to the end, I kind of wanted to scream because I know that there is more coming! Ugh...hehe I cannot wait to see what happens :)!
February 18, 2016
Well this was just not at all what I was expecting. I thought it would be your typical ya dystopian with a few fantasy tropes thrown in. Boy howdy was I wrong. This is more of a horrific psychological thriller, with a dystopian setting and governmental corruption that you'd expect in such a world. Although the first book The Letting left me a bit confused and longing to know more about Ronnie and Phoenix, The Coupling answered most of my questions (though of course since it's not the last book it also raised some more.) Things become even more twisted and unreal in the second installment, and both books are so fast paced that you could read them in one sitting if you had a long afternoon or day off. We start to learn a bit more about what's really going on with the girls Ronnie previously led to The Letting, and she decides to accept her fate of a forced Coupling. Even with everything we know from the first book, there are still many secrets to be unburied. I did find myself becoming more attached to the characters in the second book, and feeling less confused. I'm so anxious to read what comes next and am completely blown away by how original this story truly is. Even if you don't typically read dystopian books, I beg you give these a go, especially if you love anything suspenseful! These are clean ya books so I'd recommend them for 14 and up.
***my copy was provided in exchange for my honest opinion***
***my copy was provided in exchange for my honest opinion***
February 17, 2016
I received an eARC of The Coupling in exchange with an honest review.
I have been anticipating this book ever since I have read The Letting ( Click here to read my review of book 1) , so once The Coupling blog tour was announced, I knew that I had to be a part of it.
The book starts with the best prologue ever. It made me wonder about how the story will twist and turn for the characters to end up right there,since the 1st few chapters and the blurb makes it seem impossible.
I was disappointed with the how some characters acted during the beginning of the book; it made the writing and the character building flake out a bit.
However, the story's plot continues to intrigue me. Catherine has created a novel concept, with events that will keep you flipping through the pages.
I will be waiting for the 3rd book in the series to see what happens next !
I give it 3.25 /5 stars
I have been anticipating this book ever since I have read The Letting ( Click here to read my review of book 1) , so once The Coupling blog tour was announced, I knew that I had to be a part of it.
The book starts with the best prologue ever. It made me wonder about how the story will twist and turn for the characters to end up right there,since the 1st few chapters and the blurb makes it seem impossible.
I was disappointed with the how some characters acted during the beginning of the book; it made the writing and the character building flake out a bit.
However, the story's plot continues to intrigue me. Catherine has created a novel concept, with events that will keep you flipping through the pages.
I will be waiting for the 3rd book in the series to see what happens next !
I give it 3.25 /5 stars
February 12, 2016
This wasn't the book for me. For the most part, I didn't like the dialogue. People don't talk like that. Like when Ronnie was explaining why Farnsworth had her in a bind. I mean so says that in front of the person who has you in the bind? It was too much telling at some points.
I didn't like Ronnie as a character though. She is strong willed and ready to protect those she cares about. Phoenix getting with Brooke I get but it was just stupid. Especially knowing how Brooke feels about Ronnie. The twists and turns try to keep you on your toes. The story is good. I think if the dialogue was written different I would have connected with the story more.
*this is an ARC review 3 stars (2.6)
I didn't like Ronnie as a character though. She is strong willed and ready to protect those she cares about. Phoenix getting with Brooke I get but it was just stupid. Especially knowing how Brooke feels about Ronnie. The twists and turns try to keep you on your toes. The story is good. I think if the dialogue was written different I would have connected with the story more.
*this is an ARC review 3 stars (2.6)
February 16, 2016
The second book of the Letting series is now available and I, for one, could not wait to read it.
This is a wonderful continuation of this futuristic saga. It offers new insight into the characters that we love so well. Although Ronnie and Phoenix are cruelly separated by circumstances that they cannot control, their commitment to the revolution grows stronger and broaden into new regions.
Ms. Goldstein delves deeply into every individual and makes us realize that, even in a world ruled by despots, love and duty are eternal and dreams for a better life are what make humans into heroes.
Great book! I cannot wait to read more.
This is a wonderful continuation of this futuristic saga. It offers new insight into the characters that we love so well. Although Ronnie and Phoenix are cruelly separated by circumstances that they cannot control, their commitment to the revolution grows stronger and broaden into new regions.
Ms. Goldstein delves deeply into every individual and makes us realize that, even in a world ruled by despots, love and duty are eternal and dreams for a better life are what make humans into heroes.
Great book! I cannot wait to read more.
March 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
In the future blood is currency and posessing the O blood type is big money. It means life and death. Phoenix Day and Veronica Billings are trying to make changes without all of the bloodshed. When the war is over will they still love each other?
In the future blood is currency and posessing the O blood type is big money. It means life and death. Phoenix Day and Veronica Billings are trying to make changes without all of the bloodshed. When the war is over will they still love each other?
May 2, 2016
Great story. Can't wait until I find out if there will be a third book. Guess I need to do a bit of research. I want to read more of Phoenix and Ronnie. I want to know, what Brooke makes of her new life. What about Margaret, Gretchen, Raven............ahhhh, so many I want to keep reading about.
April 25, 2016
It’s been awhile since reading The Letting and when I learned I would have the opportunity to read the sequel I was more than excited to get my hands on it. Unfortunately my excited for some of the characters waned unexpectedly, fortunately my newfound annoyance didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the overall story. The Coupling picks up where The Letting left off and the revolution is still happening, but things are not going exactly the way anyone expects it to.
...Even if this is all the happiness we are everallowed, it will be enough.
Veronica “Ronie” Billings, former head leader of her camp and a major unknowing contributor to the Lettings. I’m not sure if I overlooked it previously, but she almost ruined the book for me.The consistent whining and sobbing, I couldn’t take her. Her obsessive need to save everyone was exhausing. It was obvious she was blind to the fact she was actually putting the people that care about her in more danger. Honestly, they need to be saved from her saving them.
“I didn’t marry you so I could win. I married you because I love you”
One of the few unexpected yet appreciated things was my view on Farnworth. His position is not just black and white and dare I say I believe he had some redeemable qualities. Looking back I kind of wish he came up more during the story.
“You should have trusted me . Trusted us.”
It was absolutely mind blowing how much of a trainwreck Ronie and Phoenix relationship continues to be. The communication and trust is basically non-existent. At times their emotions stood in the way of their ultimate goal. Even with their world falling apart around them I don’t think that it should be too difficult to be together.
Overall I still enjoyed reading The Coupling the continued suspense and agnst kept me on edge. Truthfully I will be anticipating the next installment of this series whenever that may be, I will give it my full attention.
February 23, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Poor Veronica did a lot of traveling within this book. She learned so much on her ventures too. I wish she would stop and think though. Just like in The Letting, she continued to let threats to the girls turn her stupid. I'm all about keeping the kids safe, but it was like her brain would short circuit whenever she thought they were in danger, causing her to make some very bad decisions. Phoenix had some real soul searching to do through this book, and I think he came out better because of it. The one who kept surprising me was Farnsworth. Holy cow! I didn't like him. I started to like him. I hated him. I started to like him again. I hated him, and back again. He was something! I'll bet he was a fun character to write. He was definitely unique. This good in general was unique. I wonder if there will be more? I would definitely read more.
The ARC of The Coupling (The Letting #2) by Cathrine Goldstein was kindly provided to me by YA Bound for review. The opinions are my own.
February 22, 2016
For being a sequel, it took me a little while to get into this one. I think where I struggled was the dialogue the most. There were multiple sections I felt could have been pared down a bit or described too much of the internal monologue. And despite the consistent description of internal thoughts, I still felt Ronnie & Phoenix’s interactions were unrealistic at times. Phoenix’s perception of what he wanted in their relationship just always felt “off” to me.
That being said, once I got into the thick of the book, it improved quite a bit for me. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep it interesting and I did not see the ending coming. Though I have the aforementioned reservations on the book, I enjoyed the series and would give more by the author a shot.
Warning: Contains violence and some sexual content.
Who should read it? Folks who enjoyed the first in the series! You’d be a little lost without that context.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of YA Bound Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
That being said, once I got into the thick of the book, it improved quite a bit for me. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep it interesting and I did not see the ending coming. Though I have the aforementioned reservations on the book, I enjoyed the series and would give more by the author a shot.
Warning: Contains violence and some sexual content.
Who should read it? Folks who enjoyed the first in the series! You’d be a little lost without that context.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of YA Bound Book Tours.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
February 20, 2016
Whoa! Book 2, The Coupling was so awesome.
Talk about risking EVERYTHING for the ones you love. There are so many twists and turns that my heart was left trying to pound out of my heart.
Author Catherine Goldstein brings a little bit of everything to us in her stories. Love, horror, patriotism, deception and betrayal. I love every second of it and you will too!
This has to be one of the best Dystopian reads of 2016!
****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest Review.****
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
Talk about risking EVERYTHING for the ones you love. There are so many twists and turns that my heart was left trying to pound out of my heart.
Author Catherine Goldstein brings a little bit of everything to us in her stories. Love, horror, patriotism, deception and betrayal. I love every second of it and you will too!
This has to be one of the best Dystopian reads of 2016!
****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest Review.****
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
April 7, 2017
Don't know why I ever forgot about reading this book... the ending leaves you hopeful for new beginnings though I think a well done third book wouldn't hurt anybody
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews