I think I may have liked this one better than the first book. The story was just more fast-paced. I did not, however, like what happened between Tansy and Skyler. And I think Tansy was way too forgiving.
Overall a great read, with a mean cliffhanger

This book was fun, fast-paced and very enjoyable! I liked all of the characters and thought the conflict was fun. Marlene Perez's writing style is very beautiful and clear.

If you’re looking for a comedy -horror this is the ruby for you. I’m With The Banned: book two in the Afterlife Series by Marlene Perez💜❤️. First saw Afterlife of the Party on the last shelf of the YA section at barnes and nobles, but like Travis’s siren calls, I gave it a stake. This unique take on Vampires was awesome! Just because he sparkles and has fangs doesn’t mean you’ve found your Edward. The first book took me on a [Afterlife] ride, so when I saw I’m with the banned, I had to request it! Hellcats! It did not disappoint,In this Edgy and Vampy with a dash of Comedy, you get to meet our new heroine, and Vampire Queen, Tansy Mariotti. Where we realize even if you’re a Queen you have to get your hands dirty to fix a mess and save the lives of humans and vampires alike. Add in finding whose (s)taking hearts while protecting your own.

My hunches were always just the tip of the drumstick and it was an amazing feeling. The action parts had me rooting for the good girls and pets alike, just wish they lasted a bit longer. The Aftermath where the gang comes together had a hitch and had me thinking we wouldn’t get it after all. The hitch in question, the comments by “Schuler” that always hit their mark and I’d totally prefer a drumstick to the heart, since it hurts less. On that note, I hope to see a redemption arc for their friendship. But I have high hopes for this friendship because our Tansy taught us that you never leave a girl behind even if her head’s in the wrong place or in this case, side. Ending had me looking up dates and stalking for the next book in the series. I’m ready for another ride with the supe gang and anticipating Voldemort’s entrance.

Thank you, Netgally for this gem in return for my honest review

This was so fun! So well built and fast paced that I wasn't able to put it down till I reached the end. I was absolutely captivated by the atmosphere, and the characters.

The best decision I have made in regards to reading this year, was continuing to read this series. If you are looking for a ya vampire series that gradually has more action, fade to black romance scenes, mythical creatures, and a strong female lead you will not be disappointed. Bonus that the book is quick paced and easy to follow. I found myself being able to connect with the characters regardless of our current age differences. While this is a fantasy it is a fantasy, I will tell you I forgot this at times due to how well the story flowed.

I'm with the Banned follows our girl Tansy as she navigates even stranger supernatural waters, and her new responsibilities as the vampire queen of California with the help of some old and new friends.

LISTEN HERE, TANSY DID NOT COME TO PLAY IN THIS ONE. She was awesome before, but now she's taking it to the next level and I'm here for it. She's growing more mature by the minute, my little baby. I love her so much.

Skylar surprised me with her behaviour. In book one the circumstances were different so she's forgiven for acting so odd, but now? YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE SKYLAR, NONE.

I almost started to like Vaughn, but then he would choose his friends over Tansy every time. I get it Vaughn, you have responsibilities and all that, but if you've been in love with her for so long why are you neglecting her now when you have her?

Tansy would go to hell and back for her friends, which she keeps proving time and time again, and yet they can't extend the same courtesy to her. It's infuriating.

Rose and Thorn got bigger roles, it's what they deserve. I hope we get to know them even more in the next book.

Surprisingly, Travis is becoming one of my favourite characters in the world. He's a lot funnier now that he's not kidnapping girls to drain them dry. I'm digging the western vibe, and how he's always at the wrong place at the wrong time.

I don't have much to say about the wolf pack, except if they don't all start liking Tansy ASAP I'm throwing hands. They're cool though (not Connor).

Hecate is one of the new characters too, and I want to hug the hell out of her. See what I did there? Authors don't often use hellcats in books, and Hecate is the prime example of why they should start. You cannot go wrong with a floofy hellcat who likes pies.

There's another character who comes back, but I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. I just want it known that I hate them with the passion of a thousand burning suns.

Now for the other tidbits.

This is one of those books that you can binge in a day if you feel like it. And you should feel like it, because it's super fun. Dare I say, even more entertaining than book one? I do dare.

The writing is better in this one too. In my review of The Afterlife of the Party, I said how it was choppy on occasion. Definitely not the case here, everything flows smoothly.

I can't wait to see what shenanigans these characters will be up to next. Less than a year till that happens, I'm counting down the days.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

After the exciting events of Afterlife of the Party (which I loved so very much) I was impatiently waiting for this book, and I’m With the Banned doesn’t disappoint!

The story starts out with Tansy staring in her new role as Queen of the Vampires and having a lot more responsibilities with a steep learning curve! She not only has to continue with her human responsibilities, like school and being a teenager but also with keep the vampires in line and that is a full-time job in and of itself. Especially while she is still learning all the rules.

On top of that Tansy is missing Vaughn, her handsome and fun boyfriend, after a summer apart. As excited as she can be, Tansy is looking forward to the first day of school because she will finally be reunited with Vaughn, or so she believes… Vampires, Werewolves, the return of The Drainers, murder and more make up this action packed supernatural story.

This story is another fantastic supernatural adventure that is full of wonderful characters, snarky lines, funny moments, twists, turns and a plot that will have the reader addicted to turning the pages.

I devoured this story in one sitting and immediately wanted more because I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters nor this world! I hope this series continues. Highly recommended. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Entangled Publishers and I am leaving an honest review.

Tansy is a busy high school senior. She's got school, homework, a catering gig on the side, a hot boyfriend and a finicky best friend, not to mention the upcoming homecoming dance! You know, all those things that take up your time when you're seventeen. Well, to top it all off, she's the freaking Queen of the (California) Vampires! What's a girl to do?

This is a fun read, a mix of the dazzle and swoon of Twilight and the supernatural world building of True Blood. I did come late to the party though, this is book two of the series. There's enough exposition to glean what happened in the first book, but more history probably would have added to my enjoyment of this one. There are some continuity challenges with the story, but I think that's beside the point.

Vampires, Werewolves, Hellcats (this is a new one), and Witches! Who knows what can happen with that mix?

My thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a story about surviving the almost dead.

I read both the first book & this one this weekend & was pleasantly surprised by how fun they were! I love a good horror comedy (esp bc it’s the season!) & these were highly entertaining.

Semi spoiler ahead- not for anything specific but a couple general thing I didn’t love:

The MC’s best friend is the actual WORST. Our protagonist is willing to walk through fire for her, and she’s honestly pretty awful in return… And I love strong friendships in books, so that definitely disappointed me. Also I wanted the main character to be a bit more OP, since as she was I don’t think she would’ve lasted long in the established world.

Overall, a fun time was had reading both books!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . 💫 /rounded to 4

Thank you entangled teen & netgalley for the eArc!

"... I was about to go all girl detective"
This is just one of the really good quotes I found in this book. The thing about second books in trilogies is that they tend to be a little less than the prequel and not enough for the sequel... it seems this was not the case.
I found this book to have enough balance to keep up what was left from the first and leave me hanging to read the third.
For the fans of Twilight and Vampire Academy this book was a fun and interesting story about teenagers, werewolves, vampires and witches, about treason, friendship and love that I really enjoyed.
With a badass main character, her incredibly handsome boyfriend, her complicated best friend and her unique and strong grandmother, it kept me entertained till the very end.
I liked the dynamics between the characters and the plot development was so good and easy to follow , it didn't take me more than a day to finish it.
It isn't just a really good urban fantasy book , it is so much fun too!
"The secret to why Tom Cruise doesn't age"
I know I'll take with me many things from this book but one message more than the others...
"We can't choose our parents, ... But we're not responsible for their mistakes either"
Leaving hints of what may happen after and how the characters may react to it, makes this story definitely fresh.
I'm glad I read it and many more people should
"Everyone is scared, Tansy, it's what you do with the fear that makes the difference"
"If you want your life back? ... Then take it"

Nowhere on netgalley did this mention it being a sequel. I didn't know until I opened the book.
I honestly should have done some research before requesting this. 20 pages in and I have to dnf because I didn't read/know about book 1, and book 2 doesn't make sense without it.

Tansy is a Queen in the sequel and it was cool to see her adventures continue. This book is perfect for fans of "Twilight" and "Crave." I will be posting a review closer to the pub date..

I read the first book in the series before reading this one. It was full of twists and a fun read! I’m here for Tansy and will be continuing to follow this series as the books come out.
Thank you to Netgalley for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! The second book of the series, make sure to read book 1st. I am glad I was able to read this. It YA paranormal and I throughly enjoyed it.

Thank you so much for allowing me to receive a copy of this book!

- definitely enjoyed it!
+ I was a little confused with the beginning of the book though, I read book one and two back to back. at the end of book one, sneak peak of book 2: chapter one starts off with Vaughn automatically being back at school. he tells her they need to talk and that's when he tells her about his dads new gf. She eventually meets up with Skyler fills her in and yada yada. In coming Rose and Thorn, right? but once you read book two: vaughn is completely cut out of this whole chapter. The events that happened in the sneak peak still happen, it just excludes him. Vaughn isn't mentioned until the dive bar scene.


*Spoiler*

- I just knew Vaughn was going to turn into a werewolf! I thought he was already one in book 1, so when he actually turned I was like I knew it!!
- hate how he chooses the pack over Tansy like if this was truly someone you love/liked then why are you 100% for her then?
- Skyler once again gets on my nerves, chewing Conner over your best friend... girl priorities, get it together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. book number two in the Afterlife series and follows the story, this has been a thrilling ride of a story and I have loved following Tansy as she steps into her new role, being the vampire queen. She misses the days of being a regular teenager and worrying about normal problems. I adore Tansy’s grandma she always makes me smile. I Can’t wait to see what adventures wait for them in the next book!

What a quick and fun vampire novel! I love the new take on vampire and werewolves. The characters are entertaining and Tansy’s granny is a hoot! Can’t wait to see what adventures wait for them in the next book!

I’m with the Banned by Marlene Perez a five-star read that will bring you back to life. This is number two in the Afterlife series and follows the story, I am so eager for number three as I am desperate to see what will happen with Tansy next, this has been a thrilling ride of a story and I have loved following Tansy as she steps into her new role. Its not just her journey though, its that of her friends as well, as they all play a part in the afterlife. This may be aimed a younger adult audience but its easy to read for even old people like myself, just because the main character is finishing high school, she still has a maturity to her.

I'm with the Banned is an exciting and edgy second book in the 'Afterlife series'. Marlene Perez energizes paranormal readers with her compelling characters and stunning plot.

In this book, Tansy is faced with the new responsibility of being the vampire queen. She misses the days of being a regular teenager and worrying about normal problems. On top of trying to keep vampires in line, she is also missing her boyfriend Vaughn. After spending the summer apart, she can't wait to see him on the first day of school. But to her surprise, he is ghosting her. How could so much change in a couple of months?

Vaughn is back in town but there is something different about him. Something happened while he was training in Texas and he doesn't want to tell Tansy. Things could be so complicated but their feelings for each other make it a bit easier to break the ice.

Vaughn and Tansy are going through so many changes in their lives and want to prioritize their relationship. That gets trickier when Travis and his band are back. The Drainers are gone but the Thirsty Thieves are here to stay. Travis claims to have changed but trouble seems to follow him. Werewolves seem to be left for dead after their heart is ripped out. Why?

I loved all the twists and turns. They keep you on your toes. Of course, I couldn't get enough of Tansy and Vaughn. They are young and trying to figure it all out while trying to keep everyone in both realms happy and safe. Marlene also gives readers great supporting characters. Getting to know Connor and Skyler better is great. They are the perfect balance that Tansy and Vaughn need. There are some new characters that make an appearance and stir the pot.

I give I'm with the Banned 5 stars. I can't get enough of this series. Tansy is a badass vampire queen. She can be nice but if you mess with her, her family, or her friends then you better watch out. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

4.5 stars! - The Afterlife series continues to be a fun and lighthearted paranormal YA read. We follow now-Queen Tansy and her friends on more wild adventures, now with werewolves and dark magic in the mix.