Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits, #1) by Katie McGarry (Review)

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.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common.

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.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:

I don't usually like contemporary novels, however this book kept me riveted and I hated it when I had to put it down. At the same time several things were unbelievable and the ending was just okay - would have liked a little more, but maybe the future books will have more about these characters.

I'm not an emotional reader, rarely do I cry or tear up, but there were a couple scenes towards the end that had me getting misty-eyed - which surprised me! I wasn't expecting that to happen, at all!

There is a lot of strong language in this book (at least 42 f-words, 23 uses of a**, 47 uses of d**n, 65 uses of h*ll, 31 uses of s***, and 9 uses of d**k), as well as several steamy scenes. So while this is a young adult book I would only recommend it to the older range of that group.

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Miss De Bourgh's Adventure by Joan Ellen Delman (Review)

Lady Catherine de Bourgh had always intended a marriage between her daughter Anne and her nephew Mr Darcy. But when Mr Darcy has the temerity to thwart her plans by marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet instead, Lady Catherine resolves on bringing Anne to Bath to seek a husband. Shortly after their arrival, her ladyship is run down by a reckless coachman, and Mr and Mrs Collins hasten to Bath to be of service. As Lady Catherine recuperates from her injuries, Anne is befriended by the beautiful Louisa Wynnewood, and courted by Miss Wynnewood's oh-so-charming and irresistibly handsome brother. But can the Wynnewoods be trusted - or are they only after Anne's fortune? A satisfying love story, written with elegance and wit.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:

I love reading Pride & Prejudice spin-offs, so I knew Miss De Bourgh's Adventure was one I would want to read. I did very much enjoy the story, but for a novella it was slow read. I expected to be able to read it a couple hours, but it wound up taking me a whole lot longer.

It was interesting to finally see how Anne would behave without her overpowering mother by her side. The ending was predictable but nonetheless enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to fans of Jane Austen.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Yankee in Atlanta (Heroines Behind the Lines, #3) by Jocelyn Green

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

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

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

When soldier Caitlin McKae wakes up in Atlanta wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor treating her believes her only secret is that Caitlin had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity as a Union loyalist and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.

Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess for Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army-when the Federal army threatens his homeland, he feels he must defend Georgia to protect his daughter.

Once he leaves, Caitlin is in charge of seven-year-old Analiese. Thieves steal much of her food supply, and Noah isn't paid for months. Soaring inflation makes most things unaffordable, and Caitlin and her charge fight starvation.

Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

For more information on this series, visit www.HeroinesBehindtheLines.com.

Amazon | CBD | B&N | Goodreads

Why I want to read it:
One of my favorite time periods for novels is the U.S. Civil War and I've enjoyed the first book in this series.

Meeting Mr. Right (E-mail Order Brides, #4) by Deb Kastner (Review)

When Mr. Wrong Is Mr. Right

A woman in a man's world, firefighter Vee Bishop has to be tough as nails. She's developed a hard shell that no one can penetrate. But Vee's online friend BJ sees her softer side. BJ seems so kind and caring just the opposite of Ben Atwood. Her annoying coworker has trampled expectations all over town, or so rumor has it. Turns out, once she agrees to give Ben a fair shot, he's surprisingly vulnerable. As Vee prepares to make a difficult choice, an unexpected twist shows that love is always one step ahead.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:

Meeting Mr. Right was such a fun read. It reminded me, in a way, of the movies The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail; but even though it reminded me of those movies it was still unique and very entertaining.

I could relate with the heroine and that always make a story so much more enjoyable. The hero of the story was such a nice guy and was handsome and very fit - which is always a nice thing. :)

The reason I picked this book up was because it's part of an email order bride series. I love the traditional mail-order bride stories and wanted to see how it would be with email. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, both of the main characters weren't looking for someone to marry but happened to meet online and formed a connection. This is the fourth book in the series, but I'll definitely be reading the others three sometime (hopefully this year). I definitely don't think it matters reading them out of order, I never felt lost or anything.

The only reason this book isn't receiving a five star rating is because, at times, it was a tad slow and that made it a little boring to read. But overall it was a very good read and I would recommend it to those who enjoy reading mail-order bride stories.

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A Heartbeat Away by S. Dionne Moore (Review)

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test—but can betrayal be forgiven?

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:
This book sounded like it was going to be one I would love, it's set during the Civil War and is about a romance between people from opposite sides, but I just couldn't connect with it.

I loved the heroine grandmother, she was such a great character! The way she took care of everyone she could, no matter what color uniform they wore, was wonderful. I loved how she explained why she was doing it to Elizabeth.

There is a lot of repetition, which is always boring to me. Though the romance was sweet, it did seem very rushed and that's something I don't like at all. The way things were told made it very hard to understand what was happening or did happen - for the longest time I was trying to figure out what was the cause of Elizabeth's injury.

The part the quilt plays in the story, while touching, felt forced and a little too much.

All in all, this book was okay. If the synopsis sounds interesting and you want to read it, this is one I would recommend borrowing first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

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Peacemaker by James Swallow (Review)

The peace and quiet of a remote homestead in the 1880s American West is shattered by the arrival of two shadowy outriders searching for 'the healer'. When the farmer refuses to help them, they raze the house to the ground using guns that shoot bolts of energy instead of bullets...

In the town of Redwater, the Doctor and Martha learn of a snake-oil salesman whose patent medicines actually cure his patients. But when the Doctor and Martha investigate they discover the truth is stranger, and far more dangerous.

Caught between the law of the gun and the deadly plans of intergalactic mercenaries, the Doctor and Martha are about to discover just how wild the West can become...

The Doctor and Martha are about to find out if a sonic screwdriver is more powerful than a six-shooter - the latest in the bestselling series of Doctor Who novels. 

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:

This was a fun read. I was a little worried that I wouldn't enjoy the story, since it takes place in the Wild West, but I needn't have worried. The story was very entertaining and, as with all DW novels, a fast read. 

The characterization of the Doctor and Martha were spot on in my opinion. I was able to picture everything they did as though the actors playing them were doing it, which is something I love. 

The only thing I didn't care for was the weird way the western people spoke. I've read many novels with characters from the west in the 1800s and none had them speak this way. This wasn't a huge thing, though it's probably the main reason I'm only giving it four stars instead of five. 

If you love watching Doctor Who you'll love reading Peacemaker.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Caught in the Middle (Ladies of Caldwell County, #3) by Regina Jennings

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

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

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

She Wants the Freedom of the Open Plains.
He Wants the Prestige of a Successful Career.
Neither is Ready for What Comes Instead.

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne's been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She's only in town to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in town, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?

Amazon | CBD | B&N | Goodreads

Why I want to read it:

I've read everything Regina Jennings has published and have enjoyed them all, so of course I want to read her next book. ☺

Giveaway: Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash

We are giving away 2 Kindles!! The first one is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter in the rafflecopter.

 

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

($229 value)

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Giveaway Sponsors: 

  I Am A Reader Feed Your Reader Inspired Kathy Ripple Effect Romance Series Author M.A. George The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl Meredith & Jennifer's Musings Owl Always Be Reading Author Jennifer Laurens Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance Bella Street's Weird Romance Author Jennifer Faye Good Choice Reading Reviews from a Bookworm Barbara Silkstone Rae Z. Ryans, Author The Stubby Pencil Author David Pandolfe Hallowed Ink Press Author Louise Caiola The Reporter and The Girl More Than a Review Kathryn Jones Once Upon a Twilight Author Jason Parent Author Amanda Tru Author Cidney Swanson Paige W. Pendleton Claudia Burgoa P.M. Richter - author RoAnna Sylver Tigris Eden The Bloggers Nest J.L. Weil The Cheap Ebook Luthando Coeur Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke Author Alecia Stone KellysLuckyYou Rebecca Talley Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton Simple Wyrdings Tressa's Wishful Endings Paranormal book Club (PBC) Author Stephanie Faris Author Inger Iversen Author Theresa DaLayne Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer Bound 4 Escape Author Laura Diamond   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   

Giveaway Details: 

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 3/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sontaran Games (Doctor Who: Quick Reads #4) by Jacqueline Rayner (Review)

Every time the lights go out, someone dies...The Tardis lands at an academy for top athletes, all hoping to be chosen for the forthcoming Globe Games. But is one of them driven enough to resort to murder? The Doctor discovers that the students have been hushing up unexplained deaths. Teaming up with a young swimmer called Emma, the Doctor begins to investigate - but he doesn't expect to find a squad of Sontarans invading the academy! As the Sontarans begin their own lethal version of the Globe Games, the Doctor and Emma must find out what's really going on. But the Doctor is captured and forced to take part in the Sontaran Games. Can even a Time Lord survive this deadly contest? Featuring the Doctor as played by David Tennant in the acclaimed hit series from BBC Television.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:
The Sontaran Games takes the Doctor to an academy where people train for the Globe Games, which are similar to the Olympics. However, as usual, as soon as he arrives there's trouble that he had to stop and a mystery he has to solve.

This was a fun and quick read. It's the first Doctor Who quick book I've read, but I will definitely be giving the other ones like it a try.

Recommended if you love Doctor Who and are looking for something light to read really quickly.

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Shades of Earth (Across the Universe, #3) by Beth Revis (Review)

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:
I finished A Million Suns and started Shades of Earth almost right away, which I then finished in one day. I just didn't want to put this book down and had to see where the story ended.

The story picks up exactly where the previous one left us. There was so much going on, though I did have suspicions I really wasn't right about any of them, so the twists and turns were great!

I was disappointed in Amy's father. In the first book he seemed so great and then in this one he came across differently. I know he was in soldier mode and had to command everyone, which he did very well, but I didn't like the way he referred to the people from the ship.

I loved this series SO much! I didn't expect to when I got Across the Universe, the first book in the series, to read. However reading the first chapter drew me right in and I was hooked. These books are very addicting! I would suggest that you read the first chapter of Across the Universe and if you get as hooked as I did, then have them all ready because you'll want to read them all.

I am very much looking forward to reading any future books this author writes.

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