Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry Review

Pushing the Limits
by: Katie McGarry

Buy here :http://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Limits-Harlequin-Katie-McGarry/dp/0373210493

"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.

"An edgy romance that pulls you in and never lets go. I was hooked!"-Gena Showalter,  New York Times bestselling author of the Intertwined series.

My Summary...

Echo Emerson had it all.  She was popular, had a great group of friends and dated the one boy every girl in school wanted. She was your average popular girl dating the school jock.  Her life is turned upside down when her older brother is killed in the war, her mother looses her mind and her parents split revealing that his father has fallen in love with Echo's babysitter.  With everything that happens an incident occurs to her leaving her scared on her arms and she has no recollection of what happened.

We find Echo goes through very trying times in which she endures humiliation, insecurity and neglect.  She feels alone and abandoned by both parents.  With all the emotions consuming her she tries very hard to return to her old life, but is it possible?  Will they accept her back.

After some time back in school she decides to return to her friends.  The rumors have been surrounding the hallways.  She has been called a freak, cutter and many more harsh names.  She has been appointed counseling sessions at school to keep her sanity and continue to improve.  In her therapy sessions she is assigned to tutor a boy.

Oh my word!  this boy Noah Hutchinson is a ladies man.  Your typical bad boy with the good looks and evil grin.  Underneath his exterior lies a broken heart with a sad story.  Slowly these two start falling for each other and jeez talk about sexual tension anyone!  It is good.

My Thoughts...

Many teenager endure situations that are similar to the main characters.  This story was very realistic and the character development was well done.  We are introduced to our main characters and their past is clearly explained creating an emotional attachment to the reader.

You will be surprised by how fast these teenagers grow and understand that following your heart and doing the right thing might not always feel good.  In the end this book is about self empowerment and motivation.  Echo and Noah work together and fit like perfect puzzle pieces.

I strongly recommend this book 

5 out of 5 stars

Tammy

 

Book Trailer Thursday

Book Trailer Thursday will feature those book trailers that are amazingly crafted.  They keep getting better and better with time.  Some even look like mini movies helping us have a visual of what we are reading. 

 

Defiance by: C.J. RedWine

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


Blood Fever - The Watchers by: Veronica Wolfe

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME —

EVEN IF HOME IS WHERE THE DEAD LIVE.

It’s the start of the fall semester, and a new crop of Acari and Trainees has descended on the Isle of Night. Watcher training has intensified, and Drew has a new roommate named Mei-Ling. But Mei-Ling harbors a dangerous secret that drove the vampires to abduct her against her will. Drew knows she shouldn’t get involved, but she can’t seem to leave her roommate to fend for herself.

Luckily, Drew has other things on her mind—like vampire Carden. A blood bond to a brawny, eighteenth-century Scottish bad boy tends to preoccupy a girl. And though she’s still figuring out what this bond means, one thing has become clear: She craves him in a major way.

But then bodies start turning up on the island. All the evidence points to the existence of a rogue vampire, and the sinister vampire Alcántara is gunning for Carden, even though Drew has proof that Carden had nothing to do with the murders. Now she has to find the true killer—without endangering Carden, Mei-Ling, or herself…

Teaser Tuesday #3

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following:          

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.  

The Selection -  by: Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 Page 23  

"But I loved Aspen.  I'd loved Aspen for nearly two years", and he loved me.  As he sat there stroking my hair,  I couldn't imagine entering the Selection

***

I'm so loving this story right now.  Can't wait to see what happens next. If you want to find out more about the author please visit her web site at: http://www.kieracass.com/books/

On my to read list this week...

Here is what I'm currently have in my shelf to read.  I will be reading and reviewing this books soon.

Purchased
The Selection by: Kiera Cass
For Darkness Shows the Stars by: Diana Peterfreund

ARC's
Pushing the limits by:  Katie McGarry - Netgalley
Speechless by: Hannah Harrinton - Netalley
Circle of Silence by: Carol M. Tanzman - Netgalley
The Goddess legacy by: Aimee Carter - Netgalley
What's Left of me by: Kat Zhang - Netgalley

Can't wait to read them all :)

Tammy

Lazy Monday

 

What is Lazy Monday?  That day we all hate because its the beginning of a long week.  How to make it better? With Love YA Books Forever Lazy Monday Post of course.  Just sit back and relax .

On Mondays I will recommend book reads for the week.  With previews of upcoming books.  Book Trailers and Movie adaptation news.

 

The Host' first look: Jake Abel on playing Ian, working with Stephenie Meyer -- EXCLUSIVE

You might or might not  be aware that Stephenie Meyer wrote another book.  It is not about vampires but aliens.  I have to add is a pretty good one.  She is currently on location filming and directing this upcoming adaptation of her book.

EW has an article about the movie 

 

City of Bones Movie Update

I have been following TMI Source which has updates about casting and movie updates for this film.  So far the have the main characters and we are yet awaiting filming news.  I cannot wait to see movie posters or a movie trailer for this one.  Yeeep!!!

OFFICIAL CAST

Lily Collins will play Clary
Jamie Campbell Bower will play Jace
Robert Sheehan will play Simon
Jemima West will play Isabelle
Kevin Durand will play Pangborn
Robert Maillet will play Blackwell

CASTING UPDATES

Alec has been cast–but Cassandra Clare is sworn to secrecy until they work his schedule out

Jocelyn has been cast–the studio is just working out her schedule

The studio has agreed on a Magnus but they have to officially offer the role to said actor

The remaining major roles all have actors in serious consideration

If you want to find out more please visit http://tmisource.com/

Freebie Sunday

On this Freebie Sunday ... I provide a few options to read this Holiday. Just sit down relax on the beach with your favorite drink and read away.

Remember these books might not be free tomorrow, so hurry up and download your copy now.

Enjoy!

The Ultimate Sacrifice (The Gifted Teens Series)

By: Talia Jagger

 

Kassia is a 16-year-old girl just trying to have a normal life. This is somewhat difficult because she has the ability to inflict pain on others with her mind, which is why she was sent to a special institute for kids with various gifts. It is here Kassia met her best friend Mira.

Their lives will change forever after Mira is attacked and Kassia finds out her talent is much more powerful when she saves her. Little did she know that this act would attract the attention of demons.

Suddenly, she is on the run from them with her boyfriend, Mira, and a few of their close friends. Realizing she can’t outrun the demons, she seeks the guidance of a shaman. The shaman tells her the heart breaking news that the only way to protect her friends and the institute is through her own death.

Join Kassia on her journey of friendship, love, and the conflicts she must face to protect those around her.

If you are interested in this book please click here: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sacrifice-Gifted-Series-ebook/dp/B0051PKVS0/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342397448&sr=1-2&keywords=teens

A Chance for Charity (The Immortal Ones - A Paranormal Romance)

By:  S.L. Baum

I

If you live LONG enough... love (and danger) will find you.

A new family has just arrived in the isolated mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Welcome the Johnstons - Jason (a doctor), Rachel (a designer), and their niece Emily (a current High School Senior).

Emily has lived the life of a quiet loner in the past, trying to go unnoticed. But with Telluride being such a small and welcoming town, she finds a group of friends at school almost immediately. When Emily meets Link (another new transplant in town) her world turns upside down. She doesn't understand why she feels a magnetic pull toward him, or why she unknowingly lets her guard down around him. Link is just as confused by his own need to be with her.

Emily knows she is playing with fire. She should be doing whatever she can to keep herself isolated, to keep Link from getting too close. Danger has a way of finding Emily's family - that is what keeps them on the move. They arrive in a new town every few years - it is safer that way.

Because... Emily isn't really Emily... her real name is Charity - and Charity has an even bigger secret. Charity and her family are not like other people, they have "skills" that mere mortals cannot begin to comprehend.

Before long, Charity is struggling with the reality that her two lives are coming closer to each other with each passing day. Soon Link will find himself wrapped in a supernatural world that he never knew existed - and discover that mortals are not the only beings that walk this earth.

If you are interested in this book please click here: http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Charity-Immortal-Ones-ebook/dp/B003PPCTS8/ref=pd_sim_kstore_12?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Shattered (Dream Realms Trilogy, #1) 

By: Sophia Sharp

 

Laura Cubus was perfectly content with her life. A junior in high school, she felt perfectly normal. She had good friends, a great family, and did well in school. Nothing particularly exciting ever happened where she lived, and everything was stable.

But that all drastically changes when a new student arrives at Laura's school. Wild rumours swirl about his past, and Laura becomes determined to find out the truth.
As she gets to know the mysterious student, he shares with her an ancient secret... one that may yet put both of them in grave danger.

And for the first time in her life, Laura is exposed to a completely unfamiliar world. She is swept away on an exhilarating journey that takes to a place where great destiny may yet await... and where supernatural powers run rampant.

If you are interested in this book please click here:http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Dream-Realms-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0056U9X20/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342397448&sr=1-6&keywords=teens

Book Trailer Thursday

 Book Trailer Thursday will feature those book trailers that are amazingly crafted.  They keep getting better and better with time.  Some even look like mini movies helping us have a visual of what we are reading.

I absolutely love book trailers.  They are the best sneak peek into a book and amazing help in promotion.  I'm sure many of you have decided to read a book recently based upon these short films.  Below are some amazing trailers that have drawn me into the story inside the book.

Enjoy!

 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Taken (Taken, #1) by Erin Bowman

Release Date: April 16, 2013

Publisher:  Harper Teen

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends...and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

I cannot wait to read this one!

Tammy

League of Strays by L.B. Schulman Review

League of Strays by: L.B. Schulman

Pages: 145

Source: Net Galley

When Charlotte Brody, a lonely 17-year-old student at a new school, receives an invitation to join The League of Strays, she's intrigued by the group's promise of "instant friendship." The League does provide companionship--and even a love interest--but Charlotte grows increasingly uncomfortable with its sinister mission to seek revenge against the bullies of Kennedy High. When escalating acts of vengeance threaten to hurl her down a path of remorse, Charlotte must choose between her new friends and the direction of a future she's never fully considered.

Don’t you love the Cover?  

In this story the main character (Charlotte) finds herself in a world she never expected to partake on.   Charlotte has always been a “good girl” playing by her parents rules.  Unfortunately the one person she hates moves right along with her.  

She is suddenly drawn in to a circle that might not be the best for her.  After receiving a mysterious note she becomes part of a group that feed on revenge.  The leader of this group Kade entrances her and she is drawn to him.  Even though her body is an alarm warning her to run away she still feels a strong attraction to this boy.

In this story we follow the Charlotte as she transforms from a shy very innocent girl into a strong, independent girl.  She is not afraid to speak her mind when things go bad.

This book has a really good message of female empowerment.  I strongly recommend this book.

I give this book five hearts.

Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett Review

Confessions of an Angry Girl

Source: NetGalley/eArc

Release Date: August 28, 2012 (pre-order your copy today)

by Louise Rozett (Goodreads Author)

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some CONFESSIONS to make...

#1: I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

#2: I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who "might" be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

#3: High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry-get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.) (Sorry. That was rude.)

From Goodreads

I was so excited to receive this ARC.  The cover is amazing and immediately drew my attention. 

This is a perfect read for teenagers currently in high school.   But I can assure you anyone can relate to the main character.  We have all been in high school and now what it feels like to have those raw and uncontrolled emotions raging.  

Rose isn't your average 14 year old.  She has just begun high school after coping with the loss of her father.  Not having enough time to grieve her loss has stirred here emotions and they are now manifesting into anger and rage that comes out through her words.

Her older brother has gone off to college and not having him has contributed to her rage.  She feels alone and frustrated and the only way she is able to vent out is in a verbal diarrhea.  

Rose has her best friends Tracy and Robert but everything is about to change when Tracy tries to climb the social ladder we are accustomed to see in high school.  This action puts a strain on their relationship and contributes in the raging anger that our main character experiences.
Rose decides to neglect the social rule and she is left alone with no support. But sometimes taking a risk for something you believe in is worth it right?

 I enjoyed this book. Rose’s journey through her raging emotions and getting used to her new school was funny and very intense at times.  I wanted her to win because I felt for her.  This is the type of book we want our youth to read because it stands for what is right.  The message behind the book is definitely empowerment.      

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend. Is 2013 here yet?

I give this book 5 hearts

It's Finally here...

The first book trailer for the Lux Series by Jennifer Armentrout was released today.  Here it is ...

Enjoy Obsidian Book Trailer

Daemon Invasion Update

Hey Guys tomorrow is the Grand Day! The day of the first book trailer for the Lux series by J. Armentrout.  Over the past days we have seen teaser pictures taken by the amazing photographer Vania from VLC Photo.

This first trailer will be for the first Installment Obsidian.  Below is the trailer release promo taken by the talented photographer.  Be sure to follow #DaemonInvasion on twitter for updates.