Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

YA/New Adult Romance, Published July 2012

Read August 2012, 384 pp.

❤ Team: Noah

Challenges: Debut Author Challenge

4/5 STARS

Book Blurb:

“I WON’T TELL ANYONE, Echo. I promise.”

Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone TOUCHED ME like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins?

His DARK BROWN EYES shifted to my covered arms. “You didn’t do that—did you? It was done to you?”

No one ever asked that question.

They stared.

They whispered.

They laughed.

BUT THEY NEVER ASKED.

SO WRONG FOR EACH OTHER…AND YET SO RIGHT.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Thoughts:

This romance is definitely on the borderline of YA and the “New Adult” genre.  While the characters are still in high school, the content still seems quite mature for younger YA readers.  Echo Emerson has problems.  She has survived a very abusive home life and only has a few friends in school.  Noah used to be the popular jock, but now has a few secrets of his own.  While Noah is portrayed to be the bad boy, he really hasn’t done anything wrong, other than defend his younger brothers.  I loved the chemistry between the Noah and Echo and how they truly begin to support one another as friends before anything else.

Can’t wait to read Noah’s friend Beth’s story in Dare You To.  I have a feeling her story is going to be very interesting!

Quotes:

Luke used to give me butterflies.  Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls. (p. 84)

Similar Reads:

• Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry
• Chelsea Fine – Sophie & Carter
• Jessica Sorenson – The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden (Mature – New Adult)
• Jamie McGuire – Beautiful Disaster (Mature – New Adult)

Thanks to NetGalley and HarlequinTEEN for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

YA Fantasy, Published August 2012

Challenges: Big Book Challenge 2012, NetGalley Reading Challenge 2012

❤ Team: Capt. Chaol Westfall

Read September 2012, 404 pp.

4.5/5 ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Book Blurb:

When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the King’s Champion and be released from prison.

Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her.

And a princess from a foreign land will become the one thing Celaena never thought she’d have again: a friend.

But something evil dwells in the castle–and it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying, horribly, one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival–and a desperate quest to root out the source of evil before it destroys her world.

Thoughts:

With comparisons to Game of Thrones, I was very excited to read Throne of Glass.  It is evident that a lot of love has gone into the writing as well as good editing (Maas has been working on this story of 10 years now).  Good editing can go a long way.  As the first in a new high fantasy series, the author does a good job setting up the characters and world as well as the various plot lines.  I thought the story does a good job with having a complete story arc contained within this book and while I still want to know what happens in the uncompleted story arcs, I was satisfied that they were not all left open-ended.

There are a lot of things I loved about this book.  I didn’t know what to expect from a character like Celaena and to find her immediately off the bad as witty and sarcastic with the two main men characters was great.  It definitely made me like her as the heroine.  She has a great rapport with Chaol almost throughout the entire book and I LOVED her letter exchange with Prince Dorian and his response.  I wish they could have kept the letters going throughout the story.  I felt like a lot of their “relationship” was a little forced and I think if they had exchanged more letters, I wouldn’t have felt that way so much.  Celaena’s character, in general, for me seemed to lose this rapport the further into the story we went, but I guess she has a lot on her plate – winning the role of the King’s Assassin, running down the secret passages underneath the old part of the castle, having both Dorian and Chaol sneaking into her chambers in the middle of the night, dressing up for balls, escorting the Princess Nehemia, figuring out why her fellow champions are being murdered – the girl has a lot to do!  The reader follows along more inside her head as well as from various other characters than actual conversations.  I want to hear more from Chaol!!

I can’t wait to read Celaena’s backstory in the novellas and to see where the story continues in book two. 

Quotes:

After a year of slavery in the Salt Mines at Endovier, Celaena Sardothien was accustomed to being escorted everywhere in shackles and at sword-point.

~Opening line

“You like to read?”

She raised an eyebrow.  “Don’t you?”  Not waiting for an answer, she moved farther into the library, the train of her gown sweeping across the floor.  She neared the shelf and looked at the titles.  She recognized none of them.

Grinning, she whirled and moved through the main floor, running a hand across the dusty books.

~p. 55

Book Trailer:

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I have also purchased my own hardcover copy for my shelves.

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Review: Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins

YA Romance, Published June 2012

Read June 26, 2012, 383 pages

5/5 STARS

Book Blurb:

Your heart misleads you.

That’s what my friends and family say.

But I love Noah.

And he loves me.

We met and fell in love in the sleepy farming community of Meadowview, while we rode our horses together through the grassy fields and in those moments in each other’s arms. It should be

ROSE & NOAH

forever, easy.

But it won’t be.

Because he’s Amish.

And I’m not.

Thoughts:

When Rose’s father moves her and her brother to live in Amish country, to say Rose is not excited would be a great understatement.  The only bright side is having her horse near her.  Their Amish neighbors, being neighborly and wanting to get on the good side of the new country doctor, come to help the family fix up their old farm house.  Noah immediately notices Rose and finds every excuse to talk to her.  And so it begins..

I was instantly drawn to the forbidden attraction between Noah and Rose.  I just could not put the book down, which is what I look for in a great summer read.  Temptation brings an interesting and new twist on Amish fiction.  Noah is not interested in leaving his faith or family, but is conflicted with his feelings for Rose.  I loved the interactions between Rose and Noah as well as her growing relationship with Noah’s sister, Sarah.  I also loved Hopkin’s witty writing style and the back and forth character POVs.  The reader not only gets to see an outsider’s point of view of the Amish, but an insider’s as well.

The ending definitely leaves you wanting more – which, conveniently will happen since this is the first in a new series.  I was a little disappointed to see how both Rose and Noah worked to manipulate the other, but I think this is because they are both so young and have a very narrow view of life.  Some have pointed out that the sexism bothered them, but I found it very true to the story.  I don’t think this is meant to teach or influence young readers to not stand up for themselves, but it does make them aware of other cultures, faiths, and to learn to make their own decisions.  *SPOILER ALERT* Now that Rose and Noah are together, a whole new set of obstacles will be before them.  How will they make it work?  Will they go through with a marriage?  They are both so young and since Rose is from the outside world, how will she be able to live with the Amish rules and their constrictions of women?

Quotes:

In that instant, I knew she belonged with me.  But what is forbidden is not so easily forgotten.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarlequinTeen for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: The Espressologist – Get a little ♥ with your latte

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer

YA Fiction/Romance, Published 2009

Read December 2011, 185 pp.

3/5 STARS – Good/Recommended!

Book Blurb:

What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie.

Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

With overtones of Jane Austen’s Emma and brimming with humor and heart, this sweet, frothy debut will be savored by readers.

Thoughts:

If you’re a coffee lover and looking for love, you’re sure to fall in love with The Espressologist.  When word gets around to the coffee shop regulars that Jane can make you a love match based on your favorite coffee order, her boss takes it up as a marketing scheme to drum up business.  Soon customers are lined up down the block to see their favorite barista Jane.

I love the idea behind this book!  I thought the couples Jane matched up were so cute together.  If you’re looking for a quick, fun, cute read this Valentine’s Day, be sure to check this one out!  Make sure you have your favorite hot beverage on hand!

Other Recommendations:

Sarah Addison Allen’s The Peach Keeper also has an “espressologist.”

Book Trailer:

FTC Disclosure:

I purchased this book with my own money.

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Waterfall Wednesdays – Discussion #2

Week 2 – SEPTEMBER 7

Discussion 2 – Chapters 7-11

Today’s questions hosted by The Unread Reader

1. Gabi’s search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between the Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore.  At this point, do you think rivalry is warranted?  Why or why not?

The rivalry seems to be everlasting between the two castles, one representing Siena and the other Florence.  But it also seems to be not taken too seriously at this point in that they have an understanding that if one of the “important” people gets injured, they will stop fighting for the day.

2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better.  Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another?  What are some of your favorite home remedies?

Hmmm, not sure I use any “home remedies” other than maybe using an aloe vera plant for burns and frozen veggies for compresses.  Oh and gargling with warm salt water – my grandmother said that cured just about anything.

3. Marcello and his men don’t hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword.  What do you think of this development?  Has your initial impression of Gabi changed?  Do you have any secret skills?

Of course they would be surprised! Duh! Women did not go around fighting, much less with swords.  I think Gabi is pretty bad ass at this point.  She doesn’t back down from a fight and it is this great difference from the normal demure women that I think Marcello is most attracted to.  Secret skills…well if I told you, they wouldn’t be very secret would they?

4. “Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin.”  Gabi and Marcello’s feelings for one another are beginning to stir.  What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far?  What do you think of his intended?

I ♥ Mecello! He sounds pretty hot!  I think his intended needs to move over…FOR ME!!

5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana.  Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for?  Do you like to dance?  Do you know any cool dance moves?

I think dressing up for a ball would be a lot of fun! I love to dance and would love to learn the dances, especially if Marcello was the teacher.

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Review: Sophie & Carter

Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine

YA Fiction/Romance, Published 2011

Read: August 2011, 128 pp.

5/5

Book Blurb:

While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they’ll sit together on Sophie’s front porch swing and escape from reality, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, will their friendship become something more?

First Impressions (Out of all the books I have to read, why this one?):

I found this gem on the Amazon kindle ebooks listing, on sale for 0.99, so I checked out the preview and really enjoyed it. I wanted to find out more of Sophie and Carter’s stories…so I bought it! Not a fan of the paperback cover. For the kindle, the cover is just their names, which I like better than the ugly jeans and feet.

Thoughts:

This was a pretty quick read and I finished it in one sitting (on a work night, no less).  I was hooked from the very beginning! Sophie and Carter have been next door neighbors since the third grade.  Their houses are really close together so they know what really happens behind closed doors.  The chapters switch back and forth between Sophie and Carter’s point of views.  At school, they are aloof, flirty and act like normal teens, but at home, they are completely different people.  That is when reality sets in. The depth and hardships for both characters was truly heartbreaking and I just wanted to HAD TO! find out how they were going to cope. 

This is a debut novel for Chelsea and according to her blog, she is already at work on a second book, unrelated to S&C, a paranormal romance and then she says there WILL BE a S&C sequel! I can’t wait to see what happens.

I’m in love with Sophie and Carter and this new author! I love their guts!

Read-a-likes:

Perfect Chemistry trilogy by Simone Elkeles (Check out my review for Book #1)

UPDATES:

via her twitter -

ChelseaFine

@emmegail Thanks for the review! I’m so happy you enjoyed Sophie & Carter.

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Review: Spellbound

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

YA Paranormal Fiction/Romance, Published June 21, 2011

ARC received from netGalley.com

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Darlyn & Books

Read June 2011, 384 pp.

4/5

Book Blurb:

What’s a girl to do when meeting The One means she’s cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Thoughts:

This books gets a 4 star from me only because of the fast pace of the narrative and the nonstop action toward the end. It was a little hard to get into the story, but once Emma gets to New York, I just couldn’t put it down with all the tension between her and Brendon.  Emma has had a rough life so far in her short 16 years.  It’s almost like she was destined or cursed to find Brendon, no matter the cost.  I liked that the paranormal aspect of this book wasn’t in your face with everyone at the “academy” being something abnormal.  I LOVED Emma’s new friend Angelique’s character. “I have a good aura about you.”  I also especially loved the history behind the curse, her twin brother Ethan, and Emma’s dreams about their past lives. I just wish there could have been more of that as well as more from Brendan’s grandfather. It would have been nice to see from his point of view about the curse. The foreboding just about killed me! I couldn’t put the book down just knowing something BIG was bound to happen. I was a little disappointed overall, however, with the final climax of the story.  I felt that the foreboding should have added up to something more than what it did.

This was a great debut and I hope we learn more about the curse, if it’s really over (it couldn’t have been THAT easy to break!) and more about Emma and Brendan’s past lives.

Brendon’s on FB! Funny!

Lives in New York, New York   Knows English, Latin, Spanish, French, pirate.

Brendan Salinger Detention during the last week of school? Are you s[****]ing me?

Monday at 12:15pm via Twitter · @BrendanSalinger

• • What did you do boy???

  • Brendan Salinger I took my tie off at lunch and forgot to put it back on. I mean, really? Detention for not wearing the full uniform during the last week of school?

There’s also a Brendan & Emma playlist on itunes…

Quotes: (quoted from ARC, will double check against hard copy when I get one!)

This guy had more lines than loose-leaf.

“And whilst my beloved has left me alone, she is still as fair as the loveliest rose. Tears may fall, but they are not alone.  Every rose will weep petals as she goes.” I was moved by the unrestrained beauty of Lord Archer’s words; even flowers would cry at her loss.  At least I knew what my necklace meant: it symbolized love – a true love – lost brutally.

“Keep their souls on earth bound finding their way with this crest’s face. And whence each other they have found death comes after their destined embrace.”

“If, on your love a crest is worn, be cautious, from you that love will be torn. You’ll be spellbound, enraptured until her last heartbeat, which is numbered the moment your eyes meet.  If freedom from the curse is your goal be warned, it takes a selfless soul.”

The U.S. Postal Service should hire him for an ad campaign.  If he were at the mailbox every time you sent a letter, no one would use email ever again.

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Review: Two Way Street

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

YA fiction/romance, Published 2007

Challenges: YA

Read Dec 2010, 288 pp.

Verdict: 3/5

Book Blurb:

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love.  Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple.  But they clicked; it worked.  They’re even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney – for a girl he met on the Internet.

It’s too late to change plans, so the road trip is still on.  Courtney’s heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days.   La la la – this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares.  A lot.

Turns out, he’s got a secret or two that he’s not telling Courtney.  And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can’t get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

My Thoughts:

Although I rated this book a 3, it was a very quick and enjoyable read.  I liked the overall premise of this book – having to go on a road trip with an ex.  You know some drama is bound to occur.  However, some of the characters and writing left a little to be desired.  The story switches back and forth from Courtney and Jordan’s point of views, and goes back in time to slowly reveal what really happened for Jordan to breakup with her.  I didn’t like how the book ended though, it was too abrupt and cliche.  There was a great buildup throughout the book, although I think the entire “twist” of the story was a little ridiculous.  I did not think it was fair for an adult to ask a kid to keep his secrets.  I felt the tension between Courtney and her best guy friend/past crush Lloyd was pretty realistic, but I didn’t like how the author left some of these secondary characters’ story lines hanging in the end, especially Jordan’s relationship with his brother. 

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Review: Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Caster Chronicles #1

YA Gothic Fiction/Paranormal Romance, Published 2009

Challenges: RIP V, 2010 YA, Series IV

Read Oct 2010, 563 pages

Source: Purchased

Verdict: 4.5/5

First sentence: There are only two kinds of people in our town.

Book Blurb:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations.  But even within the overgrown gardens, murky, swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met.  When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

My Thoughts:

This book had me at haunted plantation and overgrown gardens.  I had seen this book around the blogosphere, but didn’t really read what it was about until I saw it in my local bookstore.  I knew then that I had to have it.

Set in a deeply rooted southern town that still reenacts the War Between the States, there are still remnants of the beautiful plantation homes and it seems everyone in town is holding on to century-old secrets.  This story is told through a unique storyteller, Ethan.  It’s the beginning of his sophomore year.  The dream he has the night before his first day back changes everything.  He soon comes to realize that he and the new girl have a shared link – that they can talk to each other through some sort of telepathy. To top it all off, Lena is the niece of the town’s “Boo Radley.”  There are many references to To Kill a Mockingbird when it comes to Lena’s uncle, Macon.  Their family secret is that they are Casters, as in spell casters, and it is determined on your sixteenth birthday whether you will turn good or evil and Lena has moved in with her uncle until this has been decided.

My favorite story arc within this story was Ethan and Lena discovering Genevieve and Ethan’s names sake, Ethan Carter Wate and I hope we learn more about them in the sequel.  I also really enjoyed the character of Ethan’s grandmother, Amma.  She is the only one that tries to rein Ethan in, and yet she hold a few secrets as well.  Another favorite character was Marian the Librarian.

Overall, I really enjoyed this haunting gothic tale and look forward to see what happens with Lena and Ethan in the sequel, Beautiful Darkness.

Quotes:

There was a curse. There was a girl. And in the end, there was a grave. I never even saw it coming. (p. 3)

Book Trailer:

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Review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry Trilogy #1

YA Romance, Published 2008

Challenges: YA, Series IV

Read Oct 2010, 357 pages

Verdict: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she’s worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

My Thoughts:

LOOOOVED IT! I read this one in 2 sittings and just could not put it down. I can’t help it, I love me a bad boy! hehe I can definitely see what all the Simone Elkeles rage is about.  As soon as I finished this one, I immediately picked up the second in the series, Rules of Attraction, which is not a direct sequel, but rather based on Alex’s younger brother, Carlos.  The third in the trilogy will be based on the youngest Fuentes brother, Luis, entitled Chain Reaction and comes out May 24, 2011, according to Amazon.  I think I have since collected all of Simone Elkeles’ works to read in between now and when Chain Reaction is released.

The story flips back and forth between Brittany and Alex’s view points, which keeps the tension and flirting at a maximum level.  Brittany is the most popular girl in school, on the pom squad, and is dating the most popular boy in school, the football jock.  But she has her secrets that even her best friend barely knows about.  Then there’s Alex.  He lives on the other side of town, you know the bad part of town.  He’s earned his way into the Latino Bloods gang in order to protect his mother and two younger brothers.  His only retreat from the hard gangbanger life is attending school.  When Alex and Brittany are paired up in Chemistry class, they initially hate each other for who they think each other is.  But they soon start to see glimpses into each others’ true selves and sparks begin to fly between the forbidden couple.

I love Alex.  That’s all I can say.  Overall, I loved it (if you can’t tell already), but I’m not sure how I feel about the ending and epilogue.  I think it was a little too sappy for me, but it didn’t stop me from picking up Carlo’s story.

Read-A-Likes:

If you love the bad boy turned good story, I would recommend Tara Janzen’s Steele Street series.  It’s not YA though.   I’ve currently only read #1 and #9 in the series.  Here’s my review for #9 – Loose and Easy.

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