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Mica & Lexy #1 #1
Forbidden Territory
Best friends mending a heartbreaking feud, two hot boys, a weekend camping trip in the New
Zealand bush away from meddlesome parents . . . what could be better?
That is, until they stumble across a hidden marijuana crop and its terrifying watchmen, and
their dream weekend turns into the ultimate nightmare. Forced apart, the two couples spend
the next 48 hours racing blindly through the bush, searching for each other. Hoping
desperately to find their friends before the hunters do . . .
Zealand bush away from meddlesome parents . . . what could be better?
That is, until they stumble across a hidden marijuana crop and its terrifying watchmen, and
their dream weekend turns into the ultimate nightmare. Forced apart, the two couples spend
the next 48 hours racing blindly through the bush, searching for each other. Hoping
desperately to find their friends before the hunters do . . .
- GenresYoung Adult
258 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2012
About the author
Melissa Pearl
60 books852 followersMelissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books, ranging in genres from Fantasy to Romantic Suspense to Contemporary Romance. She loves the variety.
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."
Melissa Pearl is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download their Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 14, 2013
(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
What would you do if you were being chased by men with guns?
A) Run.
B) Scream.
C) Think about your new relationship, or who fancies who.
If you chose A, congratulations, you might survive.
If you chose B, you probably won't survive, But you can sure deafen them before you die!
If you chose C, please go and stand with Mica and Lexy in the "You may as well just kill me now" line.
Honestly, after meeting Mica and Lexy, i feel like i've lost brain cells.
They were so annoying, and so ridiculous, i would have laughed if i wasn't being put through so much torture.
Every time Lexy and Mica was talking, i had two thoughts.
1)
2)
I actually liked Melissa's other book, Betwixt.. So i'm really confused as to where this one went so wrong.
Honestly, after finishing this...
Overall, Dull, and ridiculous.
What would you do if you were being chased by men with guns?
A) Run.
B) Scream.
C) Think about your new relationship, or who fancies who.
If you chose A, congratulations, you might survive.
If you chose B, you probably won't survive, But you can sure deafen them before you die!
If you chose C, please go and stand with Mica and Lexy in the "You may as well just kill me now" line.
Honestly, after meeting Mica and Lexy, i feel like i've lost brain cells.
They were so annoying, and so ridiculous, i would have laughed if i wasn't being put through so much torture.
Every time Lexy and Mica was talking, i had two thoughts.
1)
2)
I actually liked Melissa's other book, Betwixt.. So i'm really confused as to where this one went so wrong.
Honestly, after finishing this...
Overall, Dull, and ridiculous.
August 1, 2012
Forbidden Territory was the kind of different contemporary I am always looking for. This book had a bit of everything, one sided crushes, best friend's older hot brother, a hiking trip geo-caching (seriously, I need to try this game!), and then the discovery of a dangerous place where they then end up being chased by men with guns which follows 48 hours of trying to stay alive and find their way back. This novel, to say the least, was exciting! First, I am a huge fan of contemporaries where the girl has a crush on a friend's older brother and they get together, especially if they've known each other for a while, because that is way too cute. Also, the second half of the book rocketed my adrenaline and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough! There are four characters in total, Mica and Lexy, who are best friends, Eli, who is Lexy's older brother, and finally Tom, a british exchange student that came all the way to New Zealand from Britian.
The book is told from two points of view and they are Mica and Lexy. In all honesty I preferred Mica's POV and story. I loved Eli to the extreme! he was protective, a hottie, and his smile melts my heart (yes I have imagined it once or twice where he graces me with one of these smiles). However for Lexy and Tom... I just couldn't stand Tom, and someone mentioned before that Tom was a bit of a wuss, and I had to agree. During the hunt, Lexy was doing all the thinking and trying to get out while he was "whats the point? we'll never leave, let me die peacefully". There was a HUGE contrast between Tom and Eli, I have officially moved from liking British guys to New Zealand-ish guys (wait, how would I say that?). I liked both female protagonists, Mica and Lexy each proved how headstrong and independent they were, even though Lexy falling in love so quickly made me go all "huh?", but both girls kicked butt, especially during the chase, all I can say is Girl Power!!
Forbidden Territory was definitely an enjoyable read, I finished it in one sitting because I just couldn't take my eyes away from the book. I would recommend it to all contemporary lovers and anyone interested in survival books, this is a great start to this series! Make sure to read this novel and stay tuned for the other companion novels to Forbidden Territory. Melissa Pearl promised me there will be more Eli, so yea, I am definitely hooked
The book is told from two points of view and they are Mica and Lexy. In all honesty I preferred Mica's POV and story. I loved Eli to the extreme! he was protective, a hottie, and his smile melts my heart (yes I have imagined it once or twice where he graces me with one of these smiles). However for Lexy and Tom... I just couldn't stand Tom, and someone mentioned before that Tom was a bit of a wuss, and I had to agree. During the hunt, Lexy was doing all the thinking and trying to get out while he was "whats the point? we'll never leave, let me die peacefully". There was a HUGE contrast between Tom and Eli, I have officially moved from liking British guys to New Zealand-ish guys (wait, how would I say that?). I liked both female protagonists, Mica and Lexy each proved how headstrong and independent they were, even though Lexy falling in love so quickly made me go all "huh?", but both girls kicked butt, especially during the chase, all I can say is Girl Power!!
Forbidden Territory was definitely an enjoyable read, I finished it in one sitting because I just couldn't take my eyes away from the book. I would recommend it to all contemporary lovers and anyone interested in survival books, this is a great start to this series! Make sure to read this novel and stay tuned for the other companion novels to Forbidden Territory. Melissa Pearl promised me there will be more Eli, so yea, I am definitely hooked
May 22, 2012
I was blessed enough for Melissa Pearl to give me an ARC for review!
I fell in love with the book at the first sentence! I could feel the connections that each of the 4 main characters had with each other.
I had to go to google and look up what the New Zealand bush looked like so I could get a better visual on where they were when they were out "tramping". Wow that's some serious hiking going on there! Now I want to go to New Zealand myself! The only question I had about the bush in the book was what about that deep pit? What was that about?
I enjoyed watching the relationships grow in their home and their bush environments. For some reason, I connected more with Mica and Eli. Wouldn't mind having an Eli for myself! Just kidding, my hubby wouldn't like that! Mica and Lexy were both strong female don't mess with me characters. The guys were different from each other. I liked that. Can't say more than that or I will spoil some of it for you.
I loved the action and suspense in the story. I laughed at the "cheesy" ending.
Overall, Forbidden Territory is a romantic adventure into the New Zealand bush and into your heart!
I fell in love with the book at the first sentence! I could feel the connections that each of the 4 main characters had with each other.
I had to go to google and look up what the New Zealand bush looked like so I could get a better visual on where they were when they were out "tramping". Wow that's some serious hiking going on there! Now I want to go to New Zealand myself! The only question I had about the bush in the book was what about that deep pit? What was that about?
I enjoyed watching the relationships grow in their home and their bush environments. For some reason, I connected more with Mica and Eli. Wouldn't mind having an Eli for myself! Just kidding, my hubby wouldn't like that! Mica and Lexy were both strong female don't mess with me characters. The guys were different from each other. I liked that. Can't say more than that or I will spoil some of it for you.
I loved the action and suspense in the story. I laughed at the "cheesy" ending.
Overall, Forbidden Territory is a romantic adventure into the New Zealand bush and into your heart!
March 9, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Indie Inked and Netgalley.)
Lexy and Mica are best friends.
They go off into some woods ‘geo-caching’, and stumble upon a crop of marijuana.
They get chased by the owners of the crop, but are more concerned about the fact that the boys they like seem to like them back!
I hope they get shot because they’re so freaking irritating.
Well I hate to say it, but we have another contender for worst book of the year.
Mica and Lexy were just irritating,
"hide anything of this magnitude from me again and I'll unfriend you."
annoying,
"Thank god I wasn't a fat porky."
and infuriating.
"I stealthily headed back in the direction of my boyfriend. Ooo, I had a boyfriend!!"
They argued constantly.
They said stupid things, they talked about periods to embarrass the boys, and they took offense at the silliest of things, and kept going off in a strop.
The storyline was okay I guess, but if you had a James Bond film, and replaced Bond with the two of the most annoying, juvenile, teenage girls that you could find, the storyline is going to get trampled.
After numerous arguments, wrong assumptions, and disagreements, Lexy and Mica continued to show their idiocy when they came upon a crop of marijuana, and said very loudly “We’ve got to tell the police about this. It’s organised crime. We can’t just ignore it. These bastards need to be caught for doing this.”
I mean really? They were basically asking for the bad guys to come after them with guns.
And then, as if I didn’t dislike them enough. They’re being chased by guys with guns, they could die, and what is the most important thing... They have boyfriends!!! Yaay!!
Give me a break.
Overall; I was so happy when I got to the end of this.
It was ridiculous, the main characters were ridiculous, and I was so happy that it was over!!
2 out of 10.
Lexy and Mica are best friends.
They go off into some woods ‘geo-caching’, and stumble upon a crop of marijuana.
They get chased by the owners of the crop, but are more concerned about the fact that the boys they like seem to like them back!
I hope they get shot because they’re so freaking irritating.
Well I hate to say it, but we have another contender for worst book of the year.
Mica and Lexy were just irritating,
"hide anything of this magnitude from me again and I'll unfriend you."
annoying,
"Thank god I wasn't a fat porky."
and infuriating.
"I stealthily headed back in the direction of my boyfriend. Ooo, I had a boyfriend!!"
They argued constantly.
They said stupid things, they talked about periods to embarrass the boys, and they took offense at the silliest of things, and kept going off in a strop.
The storyline was okay I guess, but if you had a James Bond film, and replaced Bond with the two of the most annoying, juvenile, teenage girls that you could find, the storyline is going to get trampled.
After numerous arguments, wrong assumptions, and disagreements, Lexy and Mica continued to show their idiocy when they came upon a crop of marijuana, and said very loudly “We’ve got to tell the police about this. It’s organised crime. We can’t just ignore it. These bastards need to be caught for doing this.”
I mean really? They were basically asking for the bad guys to come after them with guns.
And then, as if I didn’t dislike them enough. They’re being chased by guys with guns, they could die, and what is the most important thing... They have boyfriends!!! Yaay!!
Give me a break.
Overall; I was so happy when I got to the end of this.
It was ridiculous, the main characters were ridiculous, and I was so happy that it was over!!
2 out of 10.
July 3, 2012
2012 is the year of great contemporaries! I really, really enjoyed Forbidden Territory. I finished it in one sitting, and I am kind of bummed that it's only a standalone. I really would love to read more about Mica. And Lexy too, but I think Mica has some real spin off potential. Forbidden Territory is a fast paced, action packed, fun story. I loved the story between the two friends as well as the romances. This is a perfect summer read!
The story is split between Lexy and Mica's point of view. I liked that the book was set in New Zealand too. I would love to visit there! I really liked reading some of the slang and terms they used too. I loved the split point of view and I think the fact that Melissa and Brenda collaborated in the story really added to it. It read like it really was two different people, Lexy and Mica had very distinct voices and I loved that! I liked both of them but I was a little bit more partial to Mica. And Eli too. I just have this thing for slightly protective guys. There is just something about them.
The action in this story is pretty intense! It kind of reminded me of the movie Without A Paddle. (which is a hilarious movie. You should watch it if you haven't already) but this was like the teen version of that movie. But with romance thrown in. I liked it! Lexy and Mica were so impressive! They really held it together and kept a cool head. I was so proud of them.
If you are looking for a sweet tale of friendship, romance and more than a little action and adventure, I would recommend checking out Forbidden Territory. It really was a fun read!
update: I just went to upload my review to amazon and they titled the book the Lexy and Mica Series volume 1! I am so excited that this is not a standalone :)
The story is split between Lexy and Mica's point of view. I liked that the book was set in New Zealand too. I would love to visit there! I really liked reading some of the slang and terms they used too. I loved the split point of view and I think the fact that Melissa and Brenda collaborated in the story really added to it. It read like it really was two different people, Lexy and Mica had very distinct voices and I loved that! I liked both of them but I was a little bit more partial to Mica. And Eli too. I just have this thing for slightly protective guys. There is just something about them.
The action in this story is pretty intense! It kind of reminded me of the movie Without A Paddle. (which is a hilarious movie. You should watch it if you haven't already) but this was like the teen version of that movie. But with romance thrown in. I liked it! Lexy and Mica were so impressive! They really held it together and kept a cool head. I was so proud of them.
If you are looking for a sweet tale of friendship, romance and more than a little action and adventure, I would recommend checking out Forbidden Territory. It really was a fun read!
update: I just went to upload my review to amazon and they titled the book the Lexy and Mica Series volume 1! I am so excited that this is not a standalone :)
January 23, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
General Overview (No Spoilers)
I loved this book. It’s not often I read YA that is not fantasy, but this book looked perfect and it was, almost in every way, there was a few little things that annoyed me like some of the speech that adults think teenagers say, it would have been so much better without it, it almost made me put it down, but as the book went on it lessened. The characters were great, the two girls acted like 10year olds at some points but, that aside I loved them. I also really liked the two guys, they both sound like amazing guys and respectful of the girls. The storyline was a little predictable but it was still exciting and full of energy. I thought it was standalone but found out at the end it is the first in the series, will definitely buy the second one in the series.
4.5 stars out of 5
Step by Step Overview (Spoilers)
0%- I have never read a book like this but I do like films like this so I am hoping I will like it. Not keen on the cover (almost put me off), but the title intrigued me greatly. I have not read many books not set in the USA or UK (or a fantasy world), so one set in New Zealand piqued my interest.
10% – I like the term “puss-brain” although it is very childish. I keep hearing an English accent in my head my when I read Tom’s speech, not sure if the authors needed to write like it would sound though. So Geo-Caching is meant to be popular in Britain, never even heard of it. Eli seems like a pretty decent character.
20% – The story so far is switching from Mica and Lexi’s points of view. It’s good but all the so-called teen talk is annoying, it’s not that frequent which is good. typical teenage girls making a plan to get the guys they have a crush on alone. There’s a couple of the scenes where the girls act like 10 year olds instead of 16, not sure if that’s the point to show how immature they are at the start. I remember being that close with my friends at that age, going home from school and can still spend an hour talking on the phone in the evening, makes it more realistic when you can relate to the characters, no matter how small the subject.
30% – I really want Mica and Eli to get together, they seem made for each other, but when he is 19 and she is 16, it is a little creepy. It looks like there will be lots of drama on this trip. Looking forward to it.
40%- So maybe Eli does like Mica, maybe he thinks she doesn’t like him or he is too old for her. Both girls are holding secrets from the other one because they do not want to hurt them.
50% – They bumped into the drug dealers and accidentally got split up with their crushes. Since it’s YA I assume they will all get out alive.
60%- I like the way the author creates suspense by leaving you with a cliff hanger and then switching to the other couple, it leaves you plowing through the story for more.
70% – Unless they were driving up and down the highway, it is highly unlikely that Tom and Lexi would run into the bad guys. Is Tom suffering from concussion? Will Eli and Mica be able to find them?
80% – Looks like it’s up to the two girls to save the girls, hope they can pull it off.
90% – AHHH! I hate the word “pashing” shows no romance at all. I am getting the feeling that it is not yet over for Mica, will her leg get infected?
100% – It’s a nice full ending, I am not left wanting to know anymore. I am a big fan of Mica and Eli as a couple, hoping they will stay that way.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Anyone who likes YA or drama, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it.
it's on the if list http://iflist.com/stories/forbiddente...#
General Overview (No Spoilers)
I loved this book. It’s not often I read YA that is not fantasy, but this book looked perfect and it was, almost in every way, there was a few little things that annoyed me like some of the speech that adults think teenagers say, it would have been so much better without it, it almost made me put it down, but as the book went on it lessened. The characters were great, the two girls acted like 10year olds at some points but, that aside I loved them. I also really liked the two guys, they both sound like amazing guys and respectful of the girls. The storyline was a little predictable but it was still exciting and full of energy. I thought it was standalone but found out at the end it is the first in the series, will definitely buy the second one in the series.
4.5 stars out of 5
Step by Step Overview (Spoilers)
0%- I have never read a book like this but I do like films like this so I am hoping I will like it. Not keen on the cover (almost put me off), but the title intrigued me greatly. I have not read many books not set in the USA or UK (or a fantasy world), so one set in New Zealand piqued my interest.
10% – I like the term “puss-brain” although it is very childish. I keep hearing an English accent in my head my when I read Tom’s speech, not sure if the authors needed to write like it would sound though. So Geo-Caching is meant to be popular in Britain, never even heard of it. Eli seems like a pretty decent character.
20% – The story so far is switching from Mica and Lexi’s points of view. It’s good but all the so-called teen talk is annoying, it’s not that frequent which is good. typical teenage girls making a plan to get the guys they have a crush on alone. There’s a couple of the scenes where the girls act like 10 year olds instead of 16, not sure if that’s the point to show how immature they are at the start. I remember being that close with my friends at that age, going home from school and can still spend an hour talking on the phone in the evening, makes it more realistic when you can relate to the characters, no matter how small the subject.
30% – I really want Mica and Eli to get together, they seem made for each other, but when he is 19 and she is 16, it is a little creepy. It looks like there will be lots of drama on this trip. Looking forward to it.
40%- So maybe Eli does like Mica, maybe he thinks she doesn’t like him or he is too old for her. Both girls are holding secrets from the other one because they do not want to hurt them.
50% – They bumped into the drug dealers and accidentally got split up with their crushes. Since it’s YA I assume they will all get out alive.
60%- I like the way the author creates suspense by leaving you with a cliff hanger and then switching to the other couple, it leaves you plowing through the story for more.
70% – Unless they were driving up and down the highway, it is highly unlikely that Tom and Lexi would run into the bad guys. Is Tom suffering from concussion? Will Eli and Mica be able to find them?
80% – Looks like it’s up to the two girls to save the girls, hope they can pull it off.
90% – AHHH! I hate the word “pashing” shows no romance at all. I am getting the feeling that it is not yet over for Mica, will her leg get infected?
100% – It’s a nice full ending, I am not left wanting to know anymore. I am a big fan of Mica and Eli as a couple, hoping they will stay that way.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Anyone who likes YA or drama, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it.
it's on the if list http://iflist.com/stories/forbiddente...#
July 7, 2012
MICHELLE'S REVIEW:
RATING: 4.5 ELI STARS!
‘Forbidden Territory’ is set in New Zealand. This is not a paranormal story, but a story about two guys and two girls who are going through the trials of falling in love. Add a criminal element to the story and this was a great read.
Eli aka Elijah, and Lexy aka Sexy Lexy ( boys!) aka Alexandra ( just don’t call her that) are brother and sister. Lexy and Mica aka Mike are bff’s. Tom aka Thomas aka Oxford ( he is the British one) is living with Mica’s family , he is the exchange student. Horse face....well, we don’t need to worry about her.
A party and protective Eli is a great opener. I really like Eli, he is rather my kind of lad ( this is fictional self talking here) . I like Mica and Eli together.....if there is a together, not saying there is.....
Lexy has fallen hard for Tom. Tom just needs to wake up and smell the roses. I think I would have liked Tom to have been a bit tougher. Lexy had her girl power going on, enough for the two of them.
Now I thought this was going to be a story about four people finding love, once they got through some obstacles, but, there is more. There is some Geo-Caching.
What is Geo - Caching you ask? Well, I didn’t know. It is modern day treasure hunting using a GPS. Yeah, I know, go figure!
This group of four decide to go off ‘tramping’, which is hiking and follow coordinates to the treasures. Once you find it, you place your name and date in the notebook and take something from the container, add something of yours , pop it back where you found it and then the next Geo-Caching treasure hunters can find it and rinse and repeat.
BUT!!!!
This lot stumble across something they should not have and let the danger and bullets fly, not to mention a river face plant.
Amongst all the danger and bullets, there is some love emerging...awwww. The girls show their strength and determination to stay one step ahead of the baddies. The guys realise maybe the girls are worth snogging.......
The story is told from both Mica and Lexy’s POV, which I liked. I like Mica and Lexy as bff’s. They don’t take any crap from each other, they are honest when it counts and look out for each other. Both girls are strong characters.
I really enjoyed Melissa and Brenda’s story of love, danger and friends who have each other’s back.
QUOTES:
“Twice today…” Eli cleared his throat. “When those guys shot at you and when I saw you drop… both times I thought, 'Not yet. I haven’t gotten to know her properly.'”
I swivelled my head on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “You know me,” I countered with a smile.
“Not the way I want to.”
“He’s a little weedy.”
“No he’s not! He’s gorgeous!”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t gorgeous. I said he was a little weedy.”
“He’s not weedy!”
RATING: 4.5 ELI STARS!
‘Forbidden Territory’ is set in New Zealand. This is not a paranormal story, but a story about two guys and two girls who are going through the trials of falling in love. Add a criminal element to the story and this was a great read.
Eli aka Elijah, and Lexy aka Sexy Lexy ( boys!) aka Alexandra ( just don’t call her that) are brother and sister. Lexy and Mica aka Mike are bff’s. Tom aka Thomas aka Oxford ( he is the British one) is living with Mica’s family , he is the exchange student. Horse face....well, we don’t need to worry about her.
A party and protective Eli is a great opener. I really like Eli, he is rather my kind of lad ( this is fictional self talking here) . I like Mica and Eli together.....if there is a together, not saying there is.....
Lexy has fallen hard for Tom. Tom just needs to wake up and smell the roses. I think I would have liked Tom to have been a bit tougher. Lexy had her girl power going on, enough for the two of them.
Now I thought this was going to be a story about four people finding love, once they got through some obstacles, but, there is more. There is some Geo-Caching.
What is Geo - Caching you ask? Well, I didn’t know. It is modern day treasure hunting using a GPS. Yeah, I know, go figure!
This group of four decide to go off ‘tramping’, which is hiking and follow coordinates to the treasures. Once you find it, you place your name and date in the notebook and take something from the container, add something of yours , pop it back where you found it and then the next Geo-Caching treasure hunters can find it and rinse and repeat.
BUT!!!!
This lot stumble across something they should not have and let the danger and bullets fly, not to mention a river face plant.
Amongst all the danger and bullets, there is some love emerging...awwww. The girls show their strength and determination to stay one step ahead of the baddies. The guys realise maybe the girls are worth snogging.......
The story is told from both Mica and Lexy’s POV, which I liked. I like Mica and Lexy as bff’s. They don’t take any crap from each other, they are honest when it counts and look out for each other. Both girls are strong characters.
I really enjoyed Melissa and Brenda’s story of love, danger and friends who have each other’s back.
QUOTES:
“Twice today…” Eli cleared his throat. “When those guys shot at you and when I saw you drop… both times I thought, 'Not yet. I haven’t gotten to know her properly.'”
I swivelled my head on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “You know me,” I countered with a smile.
“Not the way I want to.”
“He’s a little weedy.”
“No he’s not! He’s gorgeous!”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t gorgeous. I said he was a little weedy.”
“He’s not weedy!”
July 7, 2012
RATING: 4.5 ELI STARS!
‘Forbidden Territory’ is set in New Zealand. This is not a paranormal story, but a story about two guys and two girls who are going through the trials of falling in love. Add a criminal element to the story and this was a great read.
Eli aka Elijah, and Lexy aka Sexy Lexy ( boys!) aka Alexandra ( just don’t call her that) are brother and sister. Lexy and Mica aka Mike are bff’s. Tom aka Thomas aka Oxford ( he is the British one) is living with Mica’s family , he is the exchange student. Horse face....well, we don’t need to worry about her.
A party and protective Eli is a great opener. I really like Eli, he is rather my kind of lad ( this is fictional self talking here) . I like Mica and Eli together.....if there is a together, not saying there is.....
Lexy has fallen hard for Tom. Tom just needs to wake up and smell the roses. I think I would have liked Tom to have been a bit tougher. Lexy had her girl power going on, enough for the two of them.
Now I thought this was going to be a story about four people finding love, once they got through some obstacles, but, there is more. There is some Geo-Caching.
What is Geo - Caching you ask? Well, I didn’t know. It is modern day treasure hunting using a GPS. Yeah, I know, go figure!
This group of four decide to go off ‘tramping’, which is hiking and follow coordinates to the treasures. Once you find it, you place your name and date in the notebook and take something from the container, add something of yours , pop it back where you found it and then the next Geo-Caching treasure hunters can find it and rinse and repeat.
BUT!!!!
This lot stumble across something they should not have and let the danger and bullets fly, not to mention a river face plant.
Amongst all the danger and bullets, there is some love emerging...awwww. The girls show their strength and determination to stay one step ahead of the baddies. The guys realise maybe the girls are worth snogging.......
The story is told from both Mica and Lexy’s POV, which I liked. I like Mica and Lexy as bff’s. They don’t take any crap from each other, they are honest when it counts and look out for each other. Both girls are strong characters.
I really enjoyed Melissa and Brenda’s story of love, danger and friends who have each other’s back.
QUOTES:
“Twice today…” Eli cleared his throat. “When those guys shot at you and when I saw you drop… both times I thought, 'Not yet. I haven’t gotten to know her properly.'”
I swivelled my head on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “You know me,” I countered with a smile.
“Not the way I want to.”
“He’s a little weedy.”
“No he’s not! He’s gorgeous!”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t gorgeous. I said he was a little weedy.”
“He’s not weedy!”
‘Forbidden Territory’ is set in New Zealand. This is not a paranormal story, but a story about two guys and two girls who are going through the trials of falling in love. Add a criminal element to the story and this was a great read.
Eli aka Elijah, and Lexy aka Sexy Lexy ( boys!) aka Alexandra ( just don’t call her that) are brother and sister. Lexy and Mica aka Mike are bff’s. Tom aka Thomas aka Oxford ( he is the British one) is living with Mica’s family , he is the exchange student. Horse face....well, we don’t need to worry about her.
A party and protective Eli is a great opener. I really like Eli, he is rather my kind of lad ( this is fictional self talking here) . I like Mica and Eli together.....if there is a together, not saying there is.....
Lexy has fallen hard for Tom. Tom just needs to wake up and smell the roses. I think I would have liked Tom to have been a bit tougher. Lexy had her girl power going on, enough for the two of them.
Now I thought this was going to be a story about four people finding love, once they got through some obstacles, but, there is more. There is some Geo-Caching.
What is Geo - Caching you ask? Well, I didn’t know. It is modern day treasure hunting using a GPS. Yeah, I know, go figure!
This group of four decide to go off ‘tramping’, which is hiking and follow coordinates to the treasures. Once you find it, you place your name and date in the notebook and take something from the container, add something of yours , pop it back where you found it and then the next Geo-Caching treasure hunters can find it and rinse and repeat.
BUT!!!!
This lot stumble across something they should not have and let the danger and bullets fly, not to mention a river face plant.
Amongst all the danger and bullets, there is some love emerging...awwww. The girls show their strength and determination to stay one step ahead of the baddies. The guys realise maybe the girls are worth snogging.......
The story is told from both Mica and Lexy’s POV, which I liked. I like Mica and Lexy as bff’s. They don’t take any crap from each other, they are honest when it counts and look out for each other. Both girls are strong characters.
I really enjoyed Melissa and Brenda’s story of love, danger and friends who have each other’s back.
QUOTES:
“Twice today…” Eli cleared his throat. “When those guys shot at you and when I saw you drop… both times I thought, 'Not yet. I haven’t gotten to know her properly.'”
I swivelled my head on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “You know me,” I countered with a smile.
“Not the way I want to.”
“He’s a little weedy.”
“No he’s not! He’s gorgeous!”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t gorgeous. I said he was a little weedy.”
“He’s not weedy!”
July 10, 2012
4.5/5 stars! Lexy and Mica are sick of their town and old boyfriend drama. They decide four days in the bush Geocaching is the perfect cure for their boredom especially since the plan includes the two hotties they’re seriously crushing on––Tom, an exchange student from Oxford, England and Eli, Lexy’s brother. The backpacking/camping trip of their dreams gets steamy almost immediately when love and terror bring the couples together in ways they never imagined. Lexy and Mica will discover a courage they never knew they had and that Tom and Eli are hotter than they dreamed. Love and terror––the perfect combination for a summer read. Set in the bush of New Zealand, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this part of the world and love stories that take place in settings that are unique for YA fiction. At least the YA fiction I read.
I have to say that I struggled with Tom’s character and didn’t really get him at times, but I totally dug the relationship between Lexy and Mica. I’m a sucker for gal-pal stories and this delivers. I love how Lexy and Mica’s relationship grows. Apart from Lexy & Mica and Mica & Eli I felt the other relationships weren’t developed as fully. I look forward to learning more about them in the next books. I felt that the terror in the bush was dialed back a bit too much for my tastes. Fortuitous events seemed to get the characters out of trouble more than their abilities or character development. Call me crazy, but I would have liked to see them suffer a little more. But, that’s just me. And, well, I know people who’ve been kidnapped, so…there’s that.
I love Lexy & Mica and can’t wait for their next adventure. Pearl and Howson do a fabulous job of taking the reader to a beautiful part of the world. Nail-biting at times, you will enjoy this story of adventure and romance.
I have to say that I struggled with Tom’s character and didn’t really get him at times, but I totally dug the relationship between Lexy and Mica. I’m a sucker for gal-pal stories and this delivers. I love how Lexy and Mica’s relationship grows. Apart from Lexy & Mica and Mica & Eli I felt the other relationships weren’t developed as fully. I look forward to learning more about them in the next books. I felt that the terror in the bush was dialed back a bit too much for my tastes. Fortuitous events seemed to get the characters out of trouble more than their abilities or character development. Call me crazy, but I would have liked to see them suffer a little more. But, that’s just me. And, well, I know people who’ve been kidnapped, so…there’s that.
I love Lexy & Mica and can’t wait for their next adventure. Pearl and Howson do a fabulous job of taking the reader to a beautiful part of the world. Nail-biting at times, you will enjoy this story of adventure and romance.
July 4, 2012
Check out my blog http://mybookchatterchat.blogspot.co....
for a great interview with the author's Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson :)
Forbidden Territory is the story of a group of average teenagers doing what average teenagers do.
Being good students, falling in love/lust, and finding secret armed compounds of large marijuana crops out in the bush!!
While seemingly average in every way, this group of teenagers are soon put to a test of physical and mental endurance, in a bid to outrun and outsmart a blood hungry group of no-nonsense criminals.
This book has everything...vivid story telling, a great cast of characters, intricate twists and turns with action galore and a little teenage angst thrown in too.
While written in differing points-of-view, by not one but two authors; Forbidden Territory is a coherant and well structured story you will find hard to put down.
Forbidden Territory is one of those books that immediately sweeps you up and carries you away on a spectacular journey, and I think anyone who has grown up in New Zealand will be carried away by childhood memories that this story invokes of adventurous games played in our many reserves and bushblocks - I know I have.
An exciting and adventurous 4 Star read ;]
for a great interview with the author's Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson :)
Forbidden Territory is the story of a group of average teenagers doing what average teenagers do.
Being good students, falling in love/lust, and finding secret armed compounds of large marijuana crops out in the bush!!
While seemingly average in every way, this group of teenagers are soon put to a test of physical and mental endurance, in a bid to outrun and outsmart a blood hungry group of no-nonsense criminals.
This book has everything...vivid story telling, a great cast of characters, intricate twists and turns with action galore and a little teenage angst thrown in too.
While written in differing points-of-view, by not one but two authors; Forbidden Territory is a coherant and well structured story you will find hard to put down.
Forbidden Territory is one of those books that immediately sweeps you up and carries you away on a spectacular journey, and I think anyone who has grown up in New Zealand will be carried away by childhood memories that this story invokes of adventurous games played in our many reserves and bushblocks - I know I have.
An exciting and adventurous 4 Star read ;]
March 27, 2015
Wow this is a great collaboration by Melissa and Brenda. I have read
other books by Melissa Pearl and loved them. It was a great book from two points
of view its almost like Melisa wrote from girls point of view
and Brenda from the others and it really made for a great read. It was
well written, and had me captivated from the start. I read it in one
sitting as I just could not put the book down.
I love that it's the girls who save the boys in this story. Mica has had a
crush on Lexy's big brother for a long time. Now she just has to get
him to see her as more than a little sister. But boy is she in for a
surprise when she finally tells Eli she likes him. And Lexy has had a
crush on the exchange student staying at Mica's house little dose she
know he likes her too. But just as things start to look up, all kinds of
heck breaks lose. They stumble onto a grow patch of drugs. And then
have to escape the drug dealers with their live.
I hope you enjoy this book as Much as I did.
If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
other books by Melissa Pearl and loved them. It was a great book from two points
of view its almost like Melisa wrote from girls point of view
and Brenda from the others and it really made for a great read. It was
well written, and had me captivated from the start. I read it in one
sitting as I just could not put the book down.
I love that it's the girls who save the boys in this story. Mica has had a
crush on Lexy's big brother for a long time. Now she just has to get
him to see her as more than a little sister. But boy is she in for a
surprise when she finally tells Eli she likes him. And Lexy has had a
crush on the exchange student staying at Mica's house little dose she
know he likes her too. But just as things start to look up, all kinds of
heck breaks lose. They stumble onto a grow patch of drugs. And then
have to escape the drug dealers with their live.
I hope you enjoy this book as Much as I did.
If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
March 26, 2015
Such a fun read! Forbidden Territory brought me right back to my favorite part of New Zealand, through the rain forests of Te Anau and Milford Sound. It's such a gorgeous part of the country, and the perfect setting for this story.
Mica and Lexy have such a great chemistry between them, much as I imagine the authors do. Their friendship is by far the best part of this story, with their back and forth banter, both heartfelt and cheeky. Tom and Eli are both slightly mysterious characters, leaving the girls constantly trying to decipher them. Certainly a realistic predicament for teenage girls. ;)
This is the perfect book for maturing teens! It's fun and flirty, with a dash of danger and excitement, while remaining completely clean. Happy kids, happy moms!
A copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Mica and Lexy have such a great chemistry between them, much as I imagine the authors do. Their friendship is by far the best part of this story, with their back and forth banter, both heartfelt and cheeky. Tom and Eli are both slightly mysterious characters, leaving the girls constantly trying to decipher them. Certainly a realistic predicament for teenage girls. ;)
This is the perfect book for maturing teens! It's fun and flirty, with a dash of danger and excitement, while remaining completely clean. Happy kids, happy moms!
A copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!
Mica and Lexy have been best friends their whole lives. They tell each other everything, until one of them falls in love with the exchange student. That’s when they start keeping secrets from each other. After a massive fight between them, they decide to go camping away from their parents and with the boys they both like. What could go wrong? Let’s just say things don’t go exactly like planned.
I loved the friendship between Mica and Lexy, it reminded me a lot of my best friend and I, with all the complicity and support for each other. I also loved how strong and focused they were during the whole story, always trying to look for a way out while falling in love with their guys. The boys, Elijah and Tom, were really sweet and cute.
I think this is a perfect book to read during summer time since it provides a great escape and adventure without leaving your couch, especially during this pandemic in which we can’t really go out and explore for ourselves.
Mica and Lexy have been best friends their whole lives. They tell each other everything, until one of them falls in love with the exchange student. That’s when they start keeping secrets from each other. After a massive fight between them, they decide to go camping away from their parents and with the boys they both like. What could go wrong? Let’s just say things don’t go exactly like planned.
I loved the friendship between Mica and Lexy, it reminded me a lot of my best friend and I, with all the complicity and support for each other. I also loved how strong and focused they were during the whole story, always trying to look for a way out while falling in love with their guys. The boys, Elijah and Tom, were really sweet and cute.
I think this is a perfect book to read during summer time since it provides a great escape and adventure without leaving your couch, especially during this pandemic in which we can’t really go out and explore for ourselves.
March 27, 2015
Forbidden Territory (Mica & Lexy Book 1) by Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson
5 stars
I loved this story. Mica and Lexy have such great bff bond, their friend chemistry was fantastic, and felt so realistic their age. In so many ways these two are the definition of the word heroine in this story. Tom and Eli were smart, and thought on their feet quickly like the girls. I think that they also make really good companions as boyfriends to the girls.
That these kids manage to overcome these unique trials thrown at them, speaks to the strength of the characters, and how well they were written. I look forward to reading more adventures by Mica and Lexy.
5 stars
I loved this story. Mica and Lexy have such great bff bond, their friend chemistry was fantastic, and felt so realistic their age. In so many ways these two are the definition of the word heroine in this story. Tom and Eli were smart, and thought on their feet quickly like the girls. I think that they also make really good companions as boyfriends to the girls.
That these kids manage to overcome these unique trials thrown at them, speaks to the strength of the characters, and how well they were written. I look forward to reading more adventures by Mica and Lexy.
June 5, 2012
I won this book in one of the contests on the author's Facebook page and read it in less than two days. What an exciting and fun read. Many of the situations and feelings explored in this book I can distinctly recall exploring as teenager and this has reminded me of what my own daughter will be going through here very soon!
Fast paced, thrilling, without going over the top - Forbidden Territory is a Wonderful YA novel I will definitely pass on to my daughter! Look forward to the next book in the series!
SJ Byrne - Author of My Butterfly
Fast paced, thrilling, without going over the top - Forbidden Territory is a Wonderful YA novel I will definitely pass on to my daughter! Look forward to the next book in the series!
SJ Byrne - Author of My Butterfly
March 16, 2015
What can I say but this is yet another win for Melissa Pearl?!? She is honestly one of my favorite authors, and I have yet to read of book of hers where a) it didn't warrant far more than 5 stars, and b) I didn't contemplate forgoing work/sleep/etc to keep reading! Now, we have a tag-team authorship in the works, and I have to say it's been great so far!
Kudos to a bright start to what will definitely be another wonderful series, and I'm already anxiously awaiting these girls' next adventure. =D
5 stars (of course)
Kudos to a bright start to what will definitely be another wonderful series, and I'm already anxiously awaiting these girls' next adventure. =D
5 stars (of course)
April 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this romantic adventure by Melissa Pearl and Brenda Howson. Best friends, Mica and Lexy, set off on an innocent geocaching quest with a couple of cute boys from school. The four teenagers are having a good time until they accidentally stumble across a drug operation hidden deep in the bush. After that, the kids are forced to call on every resource in their power to stay alive. During the trial, the girls discover strengths they didn't know they possessed. And under those intense circumstances, they find the sort of love that promises to last.
November 19, 2012
I absolutely adored the romantic elements in this book. I also loved the witty banter between the main characters. I think that Melissa and Brenda make a great writing duo and I can't wait to see what the next book will be like!
March 27, 2015
Another great read from Melissa Pearl! This book kept me surprised at every turn. The way the romance is woven into the dangerous situation is great. Overall. I loved the book and I'd recommend it to anyone.
March 26, 2015
Two friends and their crushes set out for a fun weekend of treasure hunting called geocaching and run into a whole lot of trouble. The girls are hilarious and fun. Tom and Eli are their guy friends and join in the fun with these girls. I can't wait to read the next adventure of this foursome
June 7, 2012
Review coming soon....
April 18, 2015
Girl BFFs, Hiking Weekend with the Boys and Life Threatening Trouble, What's Not to Love?
If you are a female, you know having a Best Friend is a must, having multiple BFFs is a plus, but one in life is a girl definite must in life. Mica and Lexy are the coolest Best Friend Y.A. book duo I've read not only this year but ever. And I'm happy to say this book is ripe with reasons why the book world needs more BFF girl centered series.
Mica and Lexy are the heroines of this book. Lexy and Mica, Mica and Lexy, you don't get one without the other. The pair have been best friends since they were 8 years old and have been stuck to each other's sides ever since. Mica is the outgoing-act first maybe think later kind of friend, while Lexy is the more reserved thinker and planner of the two, but she is totally willing to do something crazy if Mica makes it sound worthwhile.
Mica and Lexy set out tramping, aka hiking, in the New Zealand, Bush, when their group stumbles upon drug fields. And that's when their plans go out the door and all hell breaks loose. Mica was supposed to be flirting up a storm with Eli, Lexy's older, who seems possibly indifferent to Mica, but she's unsure and wanted to see what this trip could reveal. Meanwhile, Lexy would be doing her best to solidify her quasi relationship with Tom, the British foreign exchange student living with Mica's family. However, Mica, Lexy, Tom, and Eli end up far away from the perfect weekend outing. Instead the four are forced to run to survive, split up, take down drug thugs, brave almost drowning and have near death experiences more than once. Yep, not a typical hike, but that's a Mica and Lexy trip.
Overall, I just love this updated version the plot flows smoother, the characters are better and the situations feel a bit more thrilling. Truly, I don't see how a reader can't help seeing themselves, or their friends, in a bit of Mica or Lexy. Their friendly banter is exactly how any best friends would converse at that wonderful high school age. Knowing the authors themselves are best friends makes it no wonder they got the girls conversations down pat. So if you are looking to read a Y.A. book about teenager best friends just trying to have a great weekend to hook the men of the dreams, but find themselves being hunted by drug dealers instead, and have to run for their lives. Then this will be a good read for you.
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
If you are a female, you know having a Best Friend is a must, having multiple BFFs is a plus, but one in life is a girl definite must in life. Mica and Lexy are the coolest Best Friend Y.A. book duo I've read not only this year but ever. And I'm happy to say this book is ripe with reasons why the book world needs more BFF girl centered series.
Mica and Lexy are the heroines of this book. Lexy and Mica, Mica and Lexy, you don't get one without the other. The pair have been best friends since they were 8 years old and have been stuck to each other's sides ever since. Mica is the outgoing-act first maybe think later kind of friend, while Lexy is the more reserved thinker and planner of the two, but she is totally willing to do something crazy if Mica makes it sound worthwhile.
Mica and Lexy set out tramping, aka hiking, in the New Zealand, Bush, when their group stumbles upon drug fields. And that's when their plans go out the door and all hell breaks loose. Mica was supposed to be flirting up a storm with Eli, Lexy's older, who seems possibly indifferent to Mica, but she's unsure and wanted to see what this trip could reveal. Meanwhile, Lexy would be doing her best to solidify her quasi relationship with Tom, the British foreign exchange student living with Mica's family. However, Mica, Lexy, Tom, and Eli end up far away from the perfect weekend outing. Instead the four are forced to run to survive, split up, take down drug thugs, brave almost drowning and have near death experiences more than once. Yep, not a typical hike, but that's a Mica and Lexy trip.
Overall, I just love this updated version the plot flows smoother, the characters are better and the situations feel a bit more thrilling. Truly, I don't see how a reader can't help seeing themselves, or their friends, in a bit of Mica or Lexy. Their friendly banter is exactly how any best friends would converse at that wonderful high school age. Knowing the authors themselves are best friends makes it no wonder they got the girls conversations down pat. So if you are looking to read a Y.A. book about teenager best friends just trying to have a great weekend to hook the men of the dreams, but find themselves being hunted by drug dealers instead, and have to run for their lives. Then this will be a good read for you.
------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 15, 2015I think I lost interest when both of the girls kept noticing how hot their boyfriends were in the middle of a major crisis. One was even running back to defend her "boyfriend" as she wondered if she could call him that.
May 31, 2012
review to come :-)
July 20, 2012
love the cover,sounds great!!!!!!!!
June 29, 2014
Started off terribly, but it really started to get good like halfway through.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews