Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

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Source: NetGalley - thank you HT! <3
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: July 31, 2012

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.

At first glance, it's easy to mistake Pushing the Limits for another one of those 'issue' books about troubled teens falling in love. Please don't make that mistake. While the novel certainly goes in that direction, the story of Echo and Noah is much deeper and much more powerful than just that.

Told in alternating points of view, I found Pushing the Limits' main strength in its characterization. Echo and Noah were both such complex, layered individuals. Reading their respective pasts didn't feel like a venture into melodramatic territory but rather like a journey into understanding characters made up of devastating and realistic pasts. It was beautiful and heart-warming to watch as Echo and Noah learned to tackle their problems and change for the better.

The romantic aspect of the book is a fairly prominent one and I really enjoyed reading it. Noah isn't the typical 'bad boy' that I expected him to be. The character that I expected to be broody and surly was so obviously and deeply caring and protective toward his family (and eventually Echo) -- my heart melted. That's not to say though that Noah didn't have plenty of teenage boy moments (one more comment about Echo's body and I was going to throw something at him!). He and Echo had chemistry off the charts... if you're into a lot of sexy moments, there 'ya go!

Katie McGarry will have you on the edge of your seat, crossing your fingers and anxiously reading to see how Echo and Noah overcome the obstacles in their paths. Their journey toward healing isn't an easy one but it's portrayed realistically every step of the way.

I don't normally find myself comparing books but I will say that if you enjoyed Perfect Chemistry, I'm pretty confident that you'll like this one as well!

Cover Comments: I don't really have strong feelings for this one either way. There is quite a bit of that going on in the book! ;)

4 Golden Crowns!

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan

A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan

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Source: Publisher for review
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Format: Hardcover, 192 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Farrah "Digit" Higgins may be going to MIT in the fall, but this L.A. high school genius has left her geek self behind in another school district so she can blend in with the popular crowd at Santa Monica High and actually enjoy her senior year. But when Farrah, the daughter of a UCLA math professor, unknowingly cracks a terrorist group's number sequence, her laid-back senior year gets a lot more interesting. Soon she is personally investigating the case, on the run from terrorists, and faking her own kidnapping-- all while trying to convince a young, hot FBI agent to take her seriously. So much for blending in . . .

Fast, fun, and just plain adorable... there's three words to describe Annabel Monaghan's fiction debut, A Girl Named Digit.

Farrah, code name nickname "Digit," is a secret math genius. She's tried to keep it secret from her normal, popular friends lest she get labelled as the numbers freak again, but there's no denying that she scored perfect on her math SAT. Now, as far as I know, Annabel Monaghan doesn't share Digit's genius-level affinity for numbers (WHO KNOWS) but she does do a wonderful job of setting the scene in Digit's head. This girl eats numbers for breakfast, breathes in patterns and trends like air and still manages to be a character I could connect with. Digit's wired for math, yes, but she's also into bumper stickers and boys (correction: one dedicated and likeable rookie FBI agent boy).

A Girl Named Digit is a short but action-packed adventure. I had high hopes for a light read that involved terrorist codes and secret hide-outs, chase scenes and romance, and Monaghan met them all. There was never a chance for me to worry about some of the more far-fetched concepts because I was having too much fun to notice!

With a romance that will keep a smile on your face and a plot that will keep you on your toes, A Girl Named Digit is one that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Cover Comments: Fun and SHINY... what more could I ask for? I was seriously surprised when I looked at the size of it though... So much fabulous in so few pages! :)

4.5 Golden Crowns!

(You) Set Me on Fire by Mariko Tamaki

(You) Set Me on Fire by Mariko Tamaki

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Source: Penguin Canada for review
Publisher: Penguin Canada
Format: Paperback, 288 pages
Release Date: September 4, 2012

This is a story about college, about fire and also about love.

Allison Lee is seventeen and off to college in the fall. So far, she's been in love once (total catastrophe) and on fire twice (also pretty bad). Both love and fire have left their scars.

Looking a little more burnt chicken and a little less radiant phoenix, Allison takes up residence in Dylan Hall (a.k.a. Dyke Hall) at St. Joseph's College, where she discovers the true gift of freshman year: the opportunity to reinvent yourself. Miles away from the high school she's happy to leave behind, her all-female dorm is a strange new world, home to new social circles and challenges. Allison still feels like the odd girl out ... until Shar appears. Beautiful and blinding, Shar quickly becomes the sun at the centre of Allison's universe, drawing her in with dangerous allure.

Will Allison get burned again? And, if she does, what kind of scars will she earn this time?

I wanted to love this book for a number of reasons. It's a Canadian read. The author seems pretty great. There's girl/girl romance. When I first started the book, I was immediately captured. Personally, I love distinct narration in a voice that actually resembles what goes on in my own head and that's exactly what I found in Allison's. It's dramatic and chaotic, with exclamation points and capitals galore. The narration was easily one of my favourite things about the novel. I really felt it gave me a personal look at Allison's journey and it just felt comfortable, like reading a diary or something.

But while I liked Allison's voice, there was something about her actual character that just didn't click with me. I completely understood where she was coming from for most of the book -- her past experiences in high school and beyond provide a less than solid foundation for college and the struggles that she faces with her new-found freedom are realistic and believable. But I just didn't like her at all. While that's not necessary for me to enjoy a book, I do like to connect with my characters and that didn't happen with Allison.

A large part of that reason was Shar. Allison, for reasons beyond my comprehension, is utterly enchanted by Shar and they quickly form a very dependant relationship with one another. Then when things start getting kind of dangerous and unpredictable, it just keeps going. Allison doesn't seem to change anything she's doing despite the fact that Shar is clearly not who she thought she was and that there are actually (REALLY NICE) people that keep offering their kindness and friendship to Allison. I just felt like Allison had choices and she ignored them.

With some more character development for Allison, I think I would have enjoyed this one a lot more. It was definitely an interesting change to read about a college setting and the writing was quite nice. While it wasn't a favourite book of mine, I didn't dislike it, and I hope that anyone giving it a try will find it more to their tastes!

Cover Comments: I think it's an okay cover. It matches the story pretty well but I don't love the look of it.

3 Golden Crowns!

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

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Source: Publisher for review (ARC)
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format: Paperback, 204 pages
Release Date: May 8, 2012

A story of crushes, corsets, and conspiracy

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.

On the lookout for that fun and breezy summer read? Look no further than Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink.... Almost guaranteed to make you smile.

Libby was a super fun protagonist. She's a total history nerd, has a love for fashion and has quite a few sassy lines that will make you laugh. While I thought that Libby was heaps of fun, I did have my moments of annoyance with her. There was one big thing in particular that I thought Libby was so incredibly naive about. I understand where she was coming from but it just seemed like a very, very, very obvious mistake in my mind. That said, I think Libby's positive attitude and friendly character outweighed the negatives in her behaviour.

Libby's hilarious best friend, Dev, was definitely my favourite character in the novel. I laughed at every encounter with him and I really do think that he proved to be an amazing friend for Libby. Garrett, the local reporter, was great with his nerdy tendencies and quick comebacks.

The romance is fairly believable and makes for a read that is very easy to get through. I loved all of the historical details that are sprinkled throughout the novel -- Libby really knows her stuff! -- and I think of anything, that's what I would want to learn more of. Libby's group of camp girls were absolutely adorable and I loved every minute spent with them!

Fun, quirky and fast-paced, Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink is the perfect summer read!

Cover Comments: It's so cute! It also matches the story quite well, which is always great.

3.5/5

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

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Source: Pulse It
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 378 pages

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...

I read Sarah Ockler's debut novel a while ago and really, really liked it. While this is definitely a different book than Twenty Boy Summer, I found myself loving it all the same!

The main character, Hudson, has such realistic flaws. I love it when my main characters are like actual people and Hudson totally fits the bill. You could almost see her being shaped into who she is from just a few well-placed scenes and memories of her life pre-baking. It's clear that skating was a huge part of Hudson's life and her feelings post-skating career definitely reflect that.

While Hudson is a figure skater through-and-through, circumstances also introduce her to the hockey team. Hudson's first meeting with the Wolves (like, seriously, they're the Watonka Wolves varsity team) is a little intimidating, to say the least. The boys could do with some proper manners and respect for the new girl isn't at the top of their priority list. As I got to know the team though, I started to really, really like them! They were hilarious and all of them had such distinctive personalities. They definitely made for a fun read.

Then there are the characters that Hudson knows on a more personal level: Bug, Dani, Josh, and the other workers at Hurley's. I am so appreciative of the way Sarah Ockler incorporated her friends and family into the framework of Hudson's life. Oh, and Josh is cute. That helps.

The resolution that happens at the end isn't necessarily easy, but it's rewarding. I don't want to spoil anything but Hudson's relationship with some of the characters is damaged (as they are) and there's quite a bit of talking that has to happen. Yay, healthy problem solving! A lot of the times in books, I'm left irritated at the final apology scene when one character takes -- or is given -- more than their fair share of blame. In Bittersweet, I thought it was all handled perfectly.

I really have to issue a warning though, before I can finish off. You guys MUST HAVE CUPCAKES READY for when you're reading. There is so much talk of delicious-sounding baked goods and I just... yeah. Cravings.

Cover Comments: I really want to see this one in person because I think it'll look a lot better than it does on my computer screen. Anyways, the cover is nice enough. I like that they kept it simple and the sugar dusting was a cool idea. It doesn't jump out at me or anything but I like it!

4.5 stars

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith 

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Source: Purchased

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: January 2, 2012

Format: Hardcover, 236 pages

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

5 Reasons Why You Should Read The Statistical
Probability of Love at First Sight

1. There are warm, fuzzy feelings to be had.

Reading this book was kind of like reading one by Stephanie Perkins - there are giggles and squeals and that desire to pick up the book and hug it to your chest. I love some feel-good romance and self-discovery.

2. The main character, Hadley? Yeah, she rocks.

I feel like Hadley could totally be someone I know. She is super relatable and there are all these little stories about her life that make her feel so real to me. I don't know about you guys, but I do not look my hottest on a long plane ride. Guess what? Neither does Hadley! She is not always super put-together and prepared! Sometimes she says the wrong thing! Huzzah!

3. It's all set in a 24-hour period. 

Cool, right? Especially since the book is about falling in love with someone you've just met, I find it really, really interesting that it all happens in a day. Yet, with all of the mentions of things like fate and destiny -- how much does 4 MINUTES change? -- it is also kind of realistic, something that I was hoping for but not necessarily expecting.

4. FAMILY <3

You guys know how I feel about that word there... I've mentioned it often enough. Family plays a huge part in this book and is the reason behind Hadley and Oliver meeting (by that, I mean being on the plane) in the first place. Stuff hasn't been easy for Hadley after her dad left and it was great to see her work through it all with the help of some others.

5. There is this adorable British boy...

(Who saw this one coming?) OLIVER. He is so cute. He makes up these fantastic things (like obviously he's doing a research project on mayo, who wouldn't?) and smiles a lot and did I mention he is British? He is seriously amusing and endearing. I love Oliver <3 

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

Cover Comments: It's cute! I can't imagine that fitting the title on there in a nice way was an easy job but they did a wonderful job :) The entire cover is great, I think.

2012 Reading Challenges

Last year, when I started out as a blogger, it was March and I was mostly just trying to keep up with everything and adjust. I didn't sign up for any challenges, either because the time for that was over or because I just didn't feel ready for it. This year though, I am happily participating in two challenges (so far):

The 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren

I've actually already done a post on this challenge, but here's a re-post of the books I hope to get to. Again, it's not a final list by any means but I am super excited for all of these books.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg

Tempest by Julie Cross

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

Slide by Jill Hathaway

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Also, a book that wasn't on my original list but definitely is now: The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams.

The other challenge I've signed up for is:

The 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Katie's Book Blog and Reading Angel

I've decided to go with Level 3 (15+ books) for this challenge. A challenge it shall be! I'm confident enough that I'll be able to reach my goal though.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jansen
Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney
Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams

Now, THAT was a fun list to come up with! I hadn't even realized that there were so many 2012 contemporaries that I had on my list, but there you are. I actually cut a few out because it looked kind of overwhelming.

***

This whole experience should be fun! Probably nerve-wracking, too. And stressful, if I leave it all for the end like I have a habit of doing. Let's just focus on the fun part though ;)

Are you participating in any challenges this year? Any pointers for me from those that have attempted/successfully completed them in the past? Let me know!