Title: Dare You To Author: Katie McGarry Series: Pushing the Limits, book #2 Publisher: Harlequin Teen Publication Date: May 28, 2013 Source: received from publisher via Netgalley Purchase:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....
I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually think I enjoyed Dare You To even more than Pushing the Limits. It might just be that it's been over a year since I read the first book, but I think it probably has more to do with the fact that I'm always drawn to the tough girl/nice guy scenarios. I appreciated that in this story, it was the female who had a troubled past and that for once, the guy was the clichéd virgin. Role reversal always makes for a more interesting story, in my opinion.
I found that, even though I've never been in a situation like Beth's, she was likable and easy to relate to. We all have doubts and insecurities when it comes to reasoning out why someone would be interested in us or if they have other motivations. But Beth was especially on high-alert, after being burned early on by one jock, only to have another make her the subject of his bet. Still, sometimes attraction is undeniable, even when it doesn't make sense...even when your head and heart disagree.
Ryan's character seemed almost too good to be true at times. However suspicious his intentions may have seemed to Beth, reading from his point-of-view made them almost too saccharine for my own taste, which is saying a lot because I'm all about the sweet and adorable. But then I reminded myself of the virginal baseball player that I had a crush on in high school, and well, I'll admit, this guy does exist in real life. Even so, I can see why Beth would have wondered at his motives in the beginning, though I think she doubted his feelings were legit for far too long to be considered reasonable. Almost as if she didn't want to allow herself to be happy.
Despite the bet -- thankfully, the details of which were divulged fairly early on in the story so it couldn't be used as a She's All That moment later on -- these two characters are pretty honest with each other from the start. Beth often admits when she's scared to let herself feel more for Ryan, and Ryan remains pretty open about how he feels for Beth, even when he's not entirely sure she feels the same. It's refreshing to see the lines of communication are open in this relationship, when so often, that's the downfall of a romance.
But honesty is not the only thing these kids have to contend with. Beth is trying to save her junkie of a mother and risks her own life in the process. She also has to struggle with reconnecting to the uncle that was once her closest friend and confidante. Scott was maybe my favorite aspect of the story. Beth goes from being the parental figure to being cared for (and nagged by) the uncle who's been absent from her life for more than ten years. To say that they butt heads often would be an understatement. But as they begin to reconnect, it's clear how much Scott still cares and what he'd sacrifice to see Beth happy again. There's a distinct lack of parental figures and good role models in young adult novels, and despite the fact that the parents in this story are rather useless, it's encouraging to see these kids look to other family for the guidance they need.
The author is pretty forthright with her characterizations, though I do feel she makes everything a bit too black and white where there are many shades of gray. Like, Beth really doesn't like Echo. Still. Apparently because she brought about too many changes, such as Noah deciding to abstain from drugs. But she doesn't seem to mind abstaining herself when there's a chance that it might influence Ryan's opinion of her. Drugs are bad...we get it. But does drug use have to be employed to show that Beth's old crowd is bad and her new, non-using friends are good? Especially when her closest friends weren't bad to begin with? Kids with issues does not equate to bad kids. I feel that this series tries to get that point across, but only on a case-by-case basis, sadly.
Still, I'm glad that this book was about Beth and Ryan, rather than Beth and Isaiah. After Pushing the Limits, I'd have bet money that Beth and Isaiah would end up together, but it's better this way. Isaiah would have only been an enabler. He'd have done anything to keep Beth in his life, even if it might have put them both in danger. But Ryan was more of a saving grace for Beth, putting himself in harm's way so that she might finally escape the nightmare that was her life before she arrived in Groveton.
And besides, Isaiah's getting his chance at happiness in Crash into You. And from the sounds of it, he'll be getting a girl much better suited to him. :)
Rating:
About the author:
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and she remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Writing has given Katie an excuse to pursue her passions. Research for her books has provided her with the amazing opportunity to train with baseball players, ride along in a drag car at ninety-six miles per hour and experience boxing and mixed martial arts. Katie loves to visit schools and talk to teenagers about her research, writing and the truth that no dream is out of reach.
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Here are the books we're teasing this week:
Title: The Bitter Kingdom Author: Rae Carson Series: Fire and Thorns, book #3 Publisher: Greenwillow Books Publication Date: August 27, 2013 Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss Purchase:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
The epic and deeply satisfying conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny.
Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy.
Hector roars, flying through the dark at my attacker. Together, they crash to the ground, and Hector pounds him with fists, over and over again.
-- Loc 1599, 30% of galley
He has not stopped grinning like a little boy about to open his Deliverance Day gifts. He leans closer until our lips are a finger's breadth apart. He brushes a strand of hair from my neck, and I shiver. "If we were alone right now," he says, "I would..."
"I would let you."
-- Loc 1912, 36% of galley
So, I wasn't supposed to read this yet. But I couldn't help myself once I read The Shattered Mountain for next week's Short Story Sunday post. I knew better than to even enter this world because I wouldn't be able to control the urge to read this book next. Oh, well. What's done is done, right? And it's not like I'm not enjoying myself. Though, I'm still not ready for this series to end. :0(
Also, I couldn't help myself with the teasers...I needed to showcase both sides of Hector: Elisa's fierce protector and her even fiercer lover. *swoons*
"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.
"Nothing before you counts," he said. "And I can't even imagine an after."
She shook her head. "Don't."
"What?"
"Don't talk about after."
"I just meant that... I want to be the last person who ever kisses you, too.... That sounds bad, like a death threat or something. What I'm trying to say is, you're it. This is it for me."
This is cute, but I don't remember being like this in high school...lol.
What are you teasing this week? Share it in the comments or leave a link so we can visit!
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where we all get to brag about the books and swag we got in the mail, for review, won in contests, etc.
First, we want to wish everyone in the States a Happy Memorial Day weekend! And if you're not in the US, well, we hope you have a great weekend, anyway. =) Either way, I hope you'll take a moment to remember those who served and those who continue to serve. We may not all agree with the reason(s), but we can still support our troops and remember the fallen.
On a lighter note, here's what we got this week...
For Review:
click on covers to be taken to the Goodreads page for each book
Of Triton by Anna Banks - Of Poseidon was Jen's first mermaid book. And though it didn't end up being her favorite, it was still pretty funny at times, and she's still excited about the sequel. Thanks to AudioGO and Audiobook Jukebox for providing an audiobook for review!
Left Drowning by Jessica Park - We absolutely adored Flat-Out Love and we can't wait to read Jessica Park's newest book. We were slow to join the NA bandwagon, but these books are slowly reeling us in. :) Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy for review!
Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts - We're having flashbacks to Armageddon, both because of the cover and the premise, how about you guys? It wasn't our favorite movie, but we have hope for this book. Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the galley!
Recent Winners: Emily won the Children's Book Week giveaway & Nara chose My Life Next Door in the Love in Bloom Giveaway
Promotional/Discussion Posts: We discussed book-to-screen adaptions on this week's The Sunday Symposium, Josephine Angelini provided 18 tidbits about herself and the Goddess series as part of the Goddess Tour, we revealed an excerpt from Victoria Scott's upcoming sequel to The Collector & Gabriel Merrick from Brigid Kemmerer's Elementals series stopped by to chat with Jen on the Spirit Blog Tour Jen's Currently Reading/Listening:
I kinda loved Katie McGarry's debut Pushing the Limits, despite some early reservations, and I am now loving reading from tough-girl Beth's POV. And Ryan's. Swoon City as far as he goes. =)
I had no intentions of picking up this book, but that's before I knew it was about unconventional zombies. Also, it's narrated by Khristine Hvam, one of my absolute favorite narrators.
Mendy's Currently Reading/Listening:
I'm still enjoying this one...it's just taking me a little while to get through it because of real-life obligations.
I was looking through Jen's Audible account for my next listen, and I remembered she liked this one. I had been about to DL On the Jellicoe Road, but she told me to listen to this one first because Jellicoe would ruin all others for me for awhile.
The Week Ahead:
(Possible) Reviews of Sweet Peril (audio), On the Jellicoe Road (audio), Unbreakable (audio), Tiger Lily (audio), Dare You To & The Pirate's Wish.....we'll see how the week goes before we make any promises. :P
We'll be discussing reading slumps and slump busters on this week's Sunday Symposium post. Something came up and I wasn't able to post over the weekend. Sorry, guys. :(
So, I'm sure you guys have all noticed that flashing button in my sidebar tempting you with the promise of five hot guys as part of the Elementals Read Along that Steph from Cuddlebuggery and I are hosting. I'm sad that it's almost over, but I'm glad I got to experience these books for the first time with some of you!
You know what else I'm excited about? Hosting a stop on the Spirit Blog Tour hosted by The Midnight Garden! And the always delightful Gabriel Merrick is here to answer a few of my burning questions!!!
o Full Name – Gabriel Merrick
o Age – 17
o Goals – Qualify to go through Fire School for the spring semester. Stay alive.
o Likes – Layne, fire, macaroni-and-cheese, running
o Dislikes – Health food, math, when Michael is being a moron
o What constitutes your perfect woman? Have you met Layne?
Welcome
to The Starry-Eyed Revue, Gabriel. I hope you don't mind letting me pick your brain today...I know you control
fire but do you think you can you handle the heat? I guess we’ll find out…
First
things first, why don’t you like to be called Gabe? You call your twin brother Nicky but you don’t like to be called
anything but Gabriel.
Seriously, does anyone like to be called Gabe? Ugh. And I’ve called my brother
Nicky since we were little kids. If he minded, he’d tell me.
Ooookay. I actually knew a Gabe in school, but that's neither here nor there.
So,
I did a little research, and all four of you Merrick boys bear the names of
patron saints. Do you think this was
intentional? Saint Christopher was a
patron for storms. It had to be
intentional, right? That’s just too big
of a coincidence. Except that Saint
Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers, communication workers, and postal
workers. Your parents kind of missed the
mark on that one, huh? Or was I just
looking in the wrong place?
Yeah … um … we’re not really all that
religious. Some d-bag at school said that Gabriel was supposed to be a chick angel
or something. I punched him in the face.
Ha, I'll just bet you did. And deservedly so.
If
you had to pick -- and there was no chance it would cause a fight -- who’s your
favorite brother? (Oh, who am I
kidding…you’d probably do it just to
pick a fight.)
I’m closest to Nicky. That wouldn’t
start a fight. They know.
Okay...I just thought that maybe after what had happened in Spark and what's been foreshadowed with Nick, that maybe you'd have a different opinion. Glad to see you guys are as tight as ever.
I
gotta say, you were my favorite character right from the beginning. That first exchange with Becca in your
kitchen was when I knew. Sure,
you’re cruel to her later in the story, but you own up to your mistakes and
apologize, even going so far as to defend her honor. I think you are a genuinely good guy; you
just don’t know how to verbalize it or show that side of yourself to
others. Am I right?
*scoffs* It’ll probably save you time if
you just keep assuming I’m a complete tool. *hesitates* Nah. You’re right.
You’re right.
Glad to hear it. I've got a soft spot for the bad boy who has a change of heart.
You’re
kind of the black sheep of the family.
And it’s never more evident than in your book. After the events in Spark, do you think you guys might get closer? I
mean, you do realize that your brothers are only trying to protect you,
right? Even when Michael’s being a
hard-ass, it’s because he cares.
It’s funny. Sometimes I think we’re
growing apart—but sometimes I think we’re growing closer. *rolls eyes* Mike
still needs to switch to decaf, though. Or maybe spend more time with Hannah.
*wink*
Agreed. I think Hannah will prove to be very good for Michael.
While
you were avoiding your brothers, you found a friend in an unlikely place. What do you make of this Hunter kid? I really enjoyed the bromance that developed
between the two of you in Spark, but
are you sure we can trust him?
If I answer this question, can we quit
calling it a bromance? Ugh, I hate that word. It’s like we should be sharing
sloppy kisses or something. But yeah, Hunter’s all right. He’s a messed up kid,
but we all are, really. He’s been screwed over too many times. Once he figures
out that we’re not next in line to mess with him, he’ll calm down a bit.
*shakes head* Sorry...that was hawt. I was picturing...no, never mind. Ahem. Where were we? Oh, yeah...sure, sorry, I'll stop calling it a bromance.
Sure, Hunter's as messed up as any of you, but he did get you involved in a pretty risky venture. Was it the lure of the fire drawing you, or
was it saving innocent lives that made you keep doing it? Or are you just that crazy?
Sweetheart, I am just that crazy.
That's okay. I like crazy. *bats eyelashes*
You
finally shared your secret with someone outside of your family. Do you feel relieved not to have to hide it
from Layne anymore? Do you feel like
you’ve burdened her now or put her in danger, like Chris inadvertently ended up
doing to Becca?
Yeah, it’s a relief. Layne earned the
right to know. Maybe I have brought danger to her doorstep—but I can’t undo
that. And now that it’s out there, I don’t think I’d undo it, even if I could.
*wince* I know that makes me sound like a selfish bastard. See what I mean
about keeping up the assumption that I’m a complete tool?
That doesn't make you a tool; I'm glad Layne makes you that happy and that you're that comfortable with her. Speaking
of, how badly did you want to wipe that grin off Chris and Michael’s faces
whenever they compared what you had with Layne to Chris’s romantic entanglement? They really do like to antagonize you. Don’t they realize they’re playing with
fire?
*grin* Don’t worry, I can get them back.
Wait til you see what I do to Chris in Nicky’s book.
Heh. Can't wait!
I
love that the girl you fell for was the polar opposite of anyone you’ve dated
before. I think you surprised just about
everyone…including yourself. Was there
ever a moment when you tried to deny how you felt about Layne, whether to
protect her or yourself? And if so, you
knew that was never going to work, right?
I never wanted to deny what I felt for
Layne. I was too busy hoping she felt the same way back. You’re not going to
print that, right?
*swoons* But, yeah, I'm totally printing that. :0) I
assume you see a future with this girl, considering you let the cat out of the
bag and there’s no going back from that point.
But aside from that, what do you think your future holds? Think you’ll take Hannah’s advice?
Right now, I can’t see a future without
Layne. She’s helping me get my math scores up so I can go through fire school
in the spring.
*sigh* I think that's every nerdy girl's dream...a hot firefighter. Or is that just this nerdy girl?
Besides
fighting fires, I think you should consider a career dealing with special needs
kids. You were really great with
Simon. I know a lot of readers who don’t
exactly like you after reading Storm. Think your actions in Spark will redeem you in their eyes? Do you even care?
You think I give a crap if people don’t
like me? I care about protecting my brothers. I care about protecting Layne. I
care about douchebgs walking through the school hallways and beating the crap
out of some kid who can’t even hear. If that makes me a dickhead, I’m pretty
sure I’ll get over it.
Yeah, I kind of thought that might be your response. For the record, I think it makes you honorable.
Well, that about wraps it up, though I could think of a million more questions to ask you. Thank
you so much for stopping by, Gabriel. I loved you before, but I think I love you
even more now. Don’t be a stranger! ;0)
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
the Elementals series
(click on the images to be taken to the book's Goodreads page)
And now's your opportunity to pick who Brigid writes about next:
About the author:
Brigid Kemmerer started writing in high school, and her first real “novel” was about four vampire brothers causing a ruckus in the suburbs. Those four brothers are the same boys living in the pages of The Elemental Series, so Brigid likes to say she’s had four teenage boys taking up space in her head for the last seventeen years!
Spirit, the latest book in the series, will be released in stores and online on May 28, 2013.
Find the full tour schedule on the main tour page over at The Midnight Garden!
Big thanks to The Midnight Garden, Brigid Kemmerer, and Kensington Teen for putting this tour together and allowing The Starry-Eyed Revue to be a part of it!
Title: Spirit Author: Brigid Kemmerer Series: Elementals, book #3 Publisher: Kensington/KTeen Publication Date: May 28, 2013 Source: ARC received from publisher Purchase:Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
Yep, that about sums it up. After reading the rest of this series the last couple of months, I was not expecting the turn Spirit took. And I liked it! It's rare that a book can truly surprise me these days, and I am impressed.
But, oh, my poor, misunderstood Hunter. He's had a rough go of it lately. Losing the only two people who really know you is difficult enough. But then he trekked to Annapolis to avenge their deaths, and it was like Daniel walking into the lions' den. Except that it didn't have to be.
Hunter's trust issues plagued him (and me!) for the majority of this book, and I'll freely admit that I was more than a little exasperated with his inability to trust anyone. His Guide training has taught him never to trust anyone and to use everyone. That first bit isn't hard for him at all, but he does have some trouble with the latter. And then he meets Kate, his perfect counterpart. This girl is even less likely to trust people, though she's not above doing what she has to in order to get what she needs or wants.
I like that despite everything that's happened, Hunter remains in the forefront. I knew he was getting his own book when I started the series, but I thought that after this, he'd fade into the background. But none of these Elementals are bit players, and I should have realized that Hunter's role as a Fifth would always be important. What's even more interesting, though, is that the Merricks won't let Hunter fade away either, even if he's hell-bent on not trusting them.
Sure, the bromance between Gabriel and Hunter has fizzled after the realizations we were left with at the end of Spark. But the awesome, sometimes over-bearing Michael really steps into his role as guardian in this book, and when everyone else is ready to write Hunter off, he takes the poor guy under his wing. I know this is Hunter's book, but man, Michael really shined in it. I sometimes forget how young he really is, that he's only five or six years older than the twins. But in Spirit, he reminded me of why I liked his character so much in Elemental and why I was willing to give this series a chance in the first place.
I feel like this is the PNR series I've been waiting my whole life for. It's not perfect, but it's so much freakin' fun that I don't care about those slight issues. I just know that I can't get enough of these boys, er, books...I only wish that I didn't have to wait so long for Nicky and Michael's books!
Rating:
***Stop by tomorrow for my stop on the Spirit Blog Tour hosted by The Midnight Garden! I'm interviewing Gabriel!!! This should be interesting! =)***
Brigid Kemmerer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, though her parents quickly moved her all over the United States, from the desert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the lakeside in Cleveland, Ohio, and several stops in between, eventually settling near Annapolis, Maryland. Brigid started writing in high school, and her first real “novel” was about four vampire brothers causing a ruckus in the suburbs. Those four brothers are the same boys living in the pages of The Elemental Series, so Brigid likes to say she’s had four teenage boys taking up space in her head for the last seventeen years. (Though sometimes that just makes her sound nuts.)
Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. Storm: The Elemental Series was her first novel.
I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits, book #2
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....
I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually think I enjoyed Dare You To even more than Pushing the Limits. It might just be that it's been over a year since I read the first book, but I think it probably has more to do with the fact that I'm always drawn to the tough girl/nice guy scenarios. I appreciated that in this story, it was the female who had a troubled past and that for once, the guy was the clichéd virgin. Role reversal always makes for a more interesting story, in my opinion.
I found that, even though I've never been in a situation like Beth's, she was likable and easy to relate to. We all have doubts and insecurities when it comes to reasoning out why someone would be interested in us or if they have other motivations. But Beth was especially on high-alert, after being burned early on by one jock, only to have another make her the subject of his bet. Still, sometimes attraction is undeniable, even when it doesn't make sense...even when your head and heart disagree.
Ryan's character seemed almost too good to be true at times. However suspicious his intentions may have seemed to Beth, reading from his point-of-view made them almost too saccharine for my own taste, which is saying a lot because I'm all about the sweet and adorable. But then I reminded myself of the virginal baseball player that I had a crush on in high school, and well, I'll admit, this guy does exist in real life. Even so, I can see why Beth would have wondered at his motives in the beginning, though I think she doubted his feelings were legit for far too long to be considered reasonable. Almost as if she didn't want to allow herself to be happy.
Despite the bet -- thankfully, the details of which were divulged fairly early on in the story so it couldn't be used as a She's All That moment later on -- these two characters are pretty honest with each other from the start. Beth often admits when she's scared to let herself feel more for Ryan, and Ryan remains pretty open about how he feels for Beth, even when he's not entirely sure she feels the same. It's refreshing to see the lines of communication are open in this relationship, when so often, that's the downfall of a romance.
But honesty is not the only thing these kids have to contend with. Beth is trying to save her junkie of a mother and risks her own life in the process. She also has to struggle with reconnecting to the uncle that was once her closest friend and confidante. Scott was maybe my favorite aspect of the story. Beth goes from being the parental figure to being cared for (and nagged by) the uncle who's been absent from her life for more than ten years. To say that they butt heads often would be an understatement. But as they begin to reconnect, it's clear how much Scott still cares and what he'd sacrifice to see Beth happy again. There's a distinct lack of parental figures and good role models in young adult novels, and despite the fact that the parents in this story are rather useless, it's encouraging to see these kids look to other family for the guidance they need.
The author is pretty forthright with her characterizations, though I do feel she makes everything a bit too black and white where there are many shades of gray. Like, Beth really doesn't like Echo. Still. Apparently because she brought about too many changes, such as Noah deciding to abstain from drugs. But she doesn't seem to mind abstaining herself when there's a chance that it might influence Ryan's opinion of her. Drugs are bad...we get it. But does drug use have to be employed to show that Beth's old crowd is bad and her new, non-using friends are good? Especially when her closest friends weren't bad to begin with? Kids with issues does not equate to bad kids. I feel that this series tries to get that point across, but only on a case-by-case basis, sadly.
Still, I'm glad that this book was about Beth and Ryan, rather than Beth and Isaiah. After Pushing the Limits, I'd have bet money that Beth and Isaiah would end up together, but it's better this way. Isaiah would have only been an enabler. He'd have done anything to keep Beth in his life, even if it might have put them both in danger. But Ryan was more of a saving grace for Beth, putting himself in harm's way so that she might finally escape the nightmare that was her life before she arrived in Groveton.
And besides, Isaiah's getting his chance at happiness in Crash into You. And from the sounds of it, he'll be getting a girl much better suited to him. :)
Rating:
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and she remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.
Writing has given Katie an excuse to pursue her passions. Research for her books has provided her with the amazing opportunity to train with baseball players, ride along in a drag car at ninety-six miles per hour and experience boxing and mixed martial arts. Katie loves to visit schools and talk to teenagers about her research, writing and the truth that no dream is out of reach.
Find Katie:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Teaser Tuesday #59: The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson & Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
• 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 & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns, book #3
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most. Riveting, surprising, and achingly romantic, Rae Carson has spun a bold and powerful conclusion to her extraordinary trilogy.
So, I wasn't supposed to read this yet. But I couldn't help myself once I read The Shattered Mountain for next week's Short Story Sunday post. I knew better than to even enter this world because I wouldn't be able to control the urge to read this book next. Oh, well. What's done is done, right? And it's not like I'm not enjoying myself. Though, I'm still not ready for this series to end. :0(
Also, I couldn't help myself with the teasers...I needed to showcase both sides of Hector: Elisa's fierce protector and her even fiercer lover. *swoons*
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Narrator: Rebecca Lowman & Sunil Malhotra
Series: n/a
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.
This is cute, but I don't remember being like this in high school...lol.
What are you teasing this week? Share it in the comments or leave a link so we can visit!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
In My Mailbox #83
On a lighter note, here's what we got this week...
For Review:
Left Drowning by Jessica Park - We absolutely adored Flat-Out Love and we can't wait to read Jessica Park's newest book. We were slow to join the NA bandwagon, but these books are slowly reeling us in. :) Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy for review!
Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts - We're having flashbacks to Armageddon, both because of the cover and the premise, how about you guys? It wasn't our favorite movie, but we have hope for this book. Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for the galley!
Freebies:
Reviews:
Current Giveaways: SIGNED copies of the first three Elementals books, The Starry-Eyed Revue's 2nd Blogoversary Bash Day 1, Day 2 & Day 3 (international), the Goddess Tour (sponsored giveaway) & the Spirit Blog Tour (sponsored giveaway)
Recent Winners: Emily won the Children's Book Week giveaway & Nara chose My Life Next Door in the Love in Bloom Giveaway
Promotional/Discussion Posts: We discussed book-to-screen adaptions on this week's The Sunday Symposium, Josephine Angelini provided 18 tidbits about herself and the Goddess series as part of the Goddess Tour, we revealed an excerpt from Victoria Scott's upcoming sequel to The Collector & Gabriel Merrick from Brigid Kemmerer's Elementals series stopped by to chat with Jen on the Spirit Blog Tour
Jen's Currently Reading/Listening:
I had no intentions of picking up this book, but that's before I knew it was about unconventional zombies. Also, it's narrated by Khristine Hvam, one of my absolute favorite narrators.
The Week Ahead:
(Possible) Reviews of Sweet Peril (audio), On the Jellicoe Road (audio), Unbreakable (audio), Tiger Lily (audio), Dare You To & The Pirate's Wish.....we'll see how the week goes before we make any promises. :P
We'll be discussing reading slumps and slump busters on this week's Sunday Symposium post.Something came up and I wasn't able to post over the weekend. Sorry, guys. :(Friday, May 24, 2013
{Blog Tour} Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer: Character Interview + Giveaway
So, I'm sure you guys have all noticed that flashing button in my sidebar tempting you with the promise of five hot guys as part of the Elementals Read Along that Steph from Cuddlebuggery and I are hosting. I'm sad that it's almost over, but I'm glad I got to experience these books for the first time with some of you!
You know what else I'm excited about? Hosting a stop on the Spirit Blog Tour hosted by The Midnight Garden! And the always delightful Gabriel Merrick is here to answer a few of my burning questions!!!
o Full Name – Gabriel Merrick
o Age – 17
o Goals – Qualify to go through Fire School for the spring semester. Stay alive.
o Likes – Layne, fire, macaroni-and-cheese, running
o Dislikes – Health food, math, when Michael is being a moron
o What constitutes your perfect woman? Have you met Layne?
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elementals, book #3
Publisher: Kensington/KTeen
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
(click on the images to be taken to the book's Goodreads page)
And now's your opportunity to pick who Brigid writes about next:
Spirit, the latest book in the series, will be released in stores and online on May 28, 2013.
Find Brigid:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule: May 20 - 31, 2013
Find the full tour schedule on the main tour page over at The Midnight Garden!
Big thanks to The Midnight Garden, Brigid Kemmerer, and Kensington Teen for putting this tour together and allowing The Starry-Eyed Revue to be a part of it!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
{Elementals Read Along} Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Series: Elementals, book #3
Publisher: Kensington/KTeen
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
Yep, that about sums it up. After reading the rest of this series the last couple of months, I was not expecting the turn Spirit took. And I liked it! It's rare that a book can truly surprise me these days, and I am impressed.
But, oh, my poor, misunderstood Hunter. He's had a rough go of it lately. Losing the only two people who really know you is difficult enough. But then he trekked to Annapolis to avenge their deaths, and it was like Daniel walking into the lions' den. Except that it didn't have to be.
Hunter's trust issues plagued him (and me!) for the majority of this book, and I'll freely admit that I was more than a little exasperated with his inability to trust anyone. His Guide training has taught him never to trust anyone and to use everyone. That first bit isn't hard for him at all, but he does have some trouble with the latter. And then he meets Kate, his perfect counterpart. This girl is even less likely to trust people, though she's not above doing what she has to in order to get what she needs or wants.
I like that despite everything that's happened, Hunter remains in the forefront. I knew he was getting his own book when I started the series, but I thought that after this, he'd fade into the background. But none of these Elementals are bit players, and I should have realized that Hunter's role as a Fifth would always be important. What's even more interesting, though, is that the Merricks won't let Hunter fade away either, even if he's hell-bent on not trusting them.
Sure, the bromance between Gabriel and Hunter has fizzled after the realizations we were left with at the end of Spark. But the awesome, sometimes over-bearing Michael really steps into his role as guardian in this book, and when everyone else is ready to write Hunter off, he takes the poor guy under his wing. I know this is Hunter's book, but man, Michael really shined in it. I sometimes forget how young he really is, that he's only five or six years older than the twins. But in Spirit, he reminded me of why I liked his character so much in Elemental and why I was willing to give this series a chance in the first place.
I feel like this is the PNR series I've been waiting my whole life for. It's not perfect, but it's so much freakin' fun that I don't care about those slight issues. I just know that I can't get enough of these boys, er, books...I only wish that I didn't have to wait so long for Nicky and Michael's books!
Rating:
Don't forget we're discussing this book over on Steph's GR review on Sunday as part of the Elementals Read Along. It's not to late to join!!!
Brigid Kemmerer finds the time to write somewhere between caring for her family and working at her day job, but sometimes she ends up mothering her coworkers and managing her family. Storm: The Elemental Series was her first novel.
Find Brigid:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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