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Blog Tour + Book Review + Giveaway | ONLY A BREATH APART by Katie McGarry (@katielmcgarry)

Would you dare to defy destiny?Are our destinies written in stone? Do we become nothing more than the self-fulfilling prophesies of other people's opinions? Or can we dare to become who we believe we were born to be?

“A gorgeous, heartfelt journey of redemption and love” (Wendy Higgins), ONLY A BREATH APART is a young adult contemporary novel from critically acclaimed Katie McGarry. “Haunting, authentic, and ultimately hopeful” (Tammara Webber), order your copy of ONLY A BREATH APART now!

Book Review | Craving Dragonflies by Terri E. Laine (@TerriLaineBooks)

Title: Craving Dragonflies
Series: Chasing Butterflies #4
Author: Terri E. Laine 
Genre: New Adult/College Sports Romance
Release Date: September 23, 2018

A Lucky Second Chance by Nickie Seidler - Book Tour

A Lucky Second Chance

Author: Nickie Seidler

Genre: Suspenseful Romance

Release Date: June 28, 2013

Blog Tour Host: Life with Lesley

What do you do when life doesn't go as planned?

Nobody plans to be abused. Emma Dunn certainly didn't. When life with her fiance' takes a terrifying turn, she flees to her hometown of Chicago without looking back, and her brother Kevin takes her in. Life is slowly getting better for Emma, thanks in no small part to real-life Prince Charming, Nathan Weber. He sweeps her off her feet, almost literally, and dotes on her from day one.

But when the unexpected happens and their pasts catch up with them, can their fairy tale still have a happy ending?

Even the strongest can break. Love has the power to consume, but also has the power to break.

Book Review: A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan Miles

Book Title: A Song for Julia
Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles
Publisher: Cincinnatus Press, December 5, 2012
Series: Thompson Sisters
Amazon|Goodreads
Review: ★★★★★

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy. 

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Book Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Title: Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Series: The Montgomerys & Armsstrongs #2
Source: Netgalley
Get Your Copy From: Amazon

Book Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Book Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Book Description:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

Review: 5/5!!!!!!!

5 stars???

Are you freakin' kidding me?

I NEED MORE STARS!!!! A WHOLE GALAXY OF IT!

Because you! Yes you, Colleen Hoover deserves a whole sky of it for writing this sweet, gut-wrenching, tear-jearker, touching, super amazing, 'unputdownable' book.

Now, how do I start telling everyone that among my holiday reads - this one just beat every single wonderful novel I have downloaded on my Kindle?

I stayed up all night finishing it because I don't want to miss anything! Some things just can't wait - and some books would want you to stay up at night in frantic anticipation. Will they or will they not have a happy ending???

Meet Sky - she's one of those rare human species who doesn't exist online. No Facebook, Twitter or Myspace account. She hates surprises and receiving presents. She's adopted by a woman who lives a very healthy life and seems to have a phobia with technology. Homeschooled since she was young, Sky was finally allowed to enroll in a public school for her senior year. Problem is that, her super best friend in the whole world, Six is half way across the globe and she's now alone facing all the people who seemed to have an idea who she is without even knowing her first. Thank God she met a new best friend, Breckin - a gay Mormon who is just as wonderful as Six. One thing I love about her: She's one lucky, and brave girl.

Then there's Holder. Rumor has it that he's just spent a year in juvi for beating a gay. BUT!!!!

Holder... oh Holder.... He's.... *speechless*

Let me borrow Sky's thought - because I could already feel myself swooning.

1. His amazingly perfect white teeth hidden behind that seductively crooked grin. 2) The dimples that form in the crevices between the corner of his lips and cheeks when he smiles 3) I'm pretty sure I'm having a hot flash or I have butterflies or maybe I'm coming down with a stomach virus.

I can already tell he isn't the kind of guy a girl gets a simple crush on. He's the kind of guy you fall hard for, and the thought of that terrifies me.

He's a boyfriend that a girl could want. Oh hell, I want him for myself!!! How could I not, when he's a whole lot of package roll into one? He's the bad boy who turned to a most whipped boyfriend by love. He's sweet, and I'm glad that he found her after a life-long search.

“F#%k all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers.”

But there are just some things between them - dreams that Sky could not understand and secrets Holder could not divulge. This could end things between them, and their lives would change forever. But no secrets can be kept for long.

I could no longer continue without spoiling the book. So let me end this review right now by saying:

It's one of the book that I will constantly remember for a very, very long time and I will gladly recommend to ALL my friends without any doubt. And Colleen, just like what your character said in the book - let me just rephrase it.

“I swear I will spend every last breath thanking you for writing this book .” 

Favorite Quotes 

• “Sky, I'm not kissing you tonight but believe me when I tell you, I've never wanted to kiss a girl more. So stop thinking I'm not attracted to you because you have no idea just how much I am. You can hold my hand, you can run your fingers through my hair, you can straddle me while I feed you spaghetti, but you are not getting kissed tonight. And probably not tomorrow, either. I need this. I need to know for sure that you're feeling every single thing that I'm feeling the moment my lips touch yours. Because I want your first kiss to be the best first kiss in the history of first kisses.”   
• “The moment my lips touch yours, it will be your first kiss. Because if you've never felt anything when someone's kissed you, then no one's ever really kissed you. Not the way I plan on kissing you.”
• “The sky is always beautiful.Even when it's dark or rainy or cloudy,it's still beautiful to look at....it'll be there no matter what...and I know it'll always be beautiful.”
• "You cant get mad at a real ending. Some of them are ugly. Its the fake happily ever afters that should piss you off.” 
• “I'm not a sucker for happily ever afters, but if these two characters don't get theirs I might climb inside this e-reader and lock them both inside that damn garage forever.” 
• “My lack of access to the real world has been replaced completely by books, and it can’t be healthy to live in a land of happily ever afters.” 
• “You don't deserve words, Sky. You deserve actions.” 
• “F#%k all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers.”      
• “Sky, if you’re wondering if I have commitment issues, the answer is no. Someday in the far, far, far away future…like post-college future…when I propose to you…which I will be doing one day because you aren’t getting rid of me…I won’t be marrying you with the hope that our marriage will work out. When you become mine, it’ll be a forever thing. I’ve told you before that the only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers, and I mean that.”
• “I can already tell he isn't the kind of guy a girl gets a simple crush on. He's the kind of guy you fall hard for, and the thought of that terrifies me.” 
• “Lust is the best of all the deadly sins. Six” 
• “All marriages have a time limit if you enter them for the wrong reasons. Marriage doesn't get easier...it only gets harder. If you marry someone hoping it will improve things, you might as well set your timer the second you say, 'I do.” 
• “I swear I will spend every last breath thanking you for allowing yourself to love me.” 
• “Not everyone gets a happily every after. Life is real and sometimes it's ugly and you just have to learn how to cope.” 
• “The things that knock you down in life are tests, forcing you to make a choice between giving in and remaining on the ground or wiping the dirt off and standing up even taller than you did before you were knocked down. ” 
• “The events of your life are all crammed together one minute right after the other without any time lapses or blank pages or chapter breaks because no mater what happens life just keeps going and moving forward and words keep flowing and truths keep spewing wether you like it or not and life never lets you pause and just catch your fucking breath.” 
• “Sarcasm isn't at all funny when it's the truth” 
• “Somehow in the course of sixty seconds, this guy has managed to swoon me, then terrify the hell out of me.” 
• “Sometimes you have to choose between a bunch of wrong choices and no right ones. You just have to choose which wrong choices feels the least wrong.” 
• “When I touch you, I’m touching you because I want to make you happy. When I kiss you, I’m kissing you because you have the most incredible mouth I’ve ever seen and you know I can’t not kiss it. And when I make love to you—I’m doing exactly that. I’m making love to you because I’m in love with you.”              

Book Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

by Jessica Sorensen

In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.

Callie and Kayden have dark secrets.

Callie and Kayden kept their own scars to the world.

Until that single night which brought the both of them together - she saved his life, and finally he knew her existence.

The novel left me speechless, it had me wanting for more when I got into the last page. It is seldom that I can come across reading a more intense and emotional novel - and this is one of those.

The cover had me, so did the blurb. I was excited to know Callie and Kayden, and when I did - my heart break.

There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that it makes it easier to trust them. It's like they're opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.

Kayden is the star quarterback at school. Their family seemed perfect, but only to the outside. Once the door closes - their home becomes his hell rather than his sanctuary. He suffers in silence, never fights back, never tells anyone. He survived this long - but one night he could almost feel his life was hanging on the edge when finally fate saved him and gave him some luck when Callie coincidentally arrives right on time and saves his life without her realizing it.

If Kayden got lucky, Callie wasn't lucky on the day of her 12th birthday when something unimaginable happened. After that, she changed. She cut her hair, wore baggy clothes and kept everything to herself. Her mother was too happy to notice something terrible happened to her, and she didn't want to disrupt her happiness by telling her. She didn't tell anyone what happened, all she wanted to do was just to get out of town for college and start a new.

I already knew what happened to Kayden, but to Callie, I was half guessing until finally I found some clues. I spend more than half of the novel asking who, who, who? Who can possibly do it?

Once in college, she didn't expect to see him again. She got herself busy with school work and crossing off things from her list that she and her new found friend, Seth made. The List were her road to change, and she's taking baby steps.

As for Kayden, he couldn't stop thinking about the girl who spent her high school being a stranger to everyone and suddenly saved his life. When he found out that Callie goes to the same school, he tried his best to get to know her. But how can he do it - when every time he comes close, Callie seemed to close herself more and more?

And when you think it's only Callie and Kayden keeping secrets - then you are so wrong! Because their friends: Seth and Luke are also keeping their own. But I love them still, they had the back of their friends when they needed them most.

I couldn't help falling in love for each character and wanting them to have their happy endings. I wanted those people who have broken them punished as they should have deserved. But I guess I have to wait for the next novel which is expected to come out next year ----- that long???!!!! with a story as good as this, it should come out earlier!!

I love these two characters who have suffered so much and found the courage to stand up to their oppressors, conquer their fears and fall in love...

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Book Review: All Things Different

by Shawn Underhill

Book Description:

"I know that the night is not that same as the day: that all things are different, that the things of the night cannot be explained in the day, because they do not then exist." 
~ Ernest Hemingway 


Late in the summer of 2005, starkly independent Jake Thornton was on the verge of turning 16, expecting little more than his driver’s license in the fall, and the continuance of the quiet life shared with his father. So when 14-almost-15 year old Sara moved in next door and began vying for his father’s attention, Jake wasn’t exactly thrilled, and couldn’t quite understand his father’s motives for allowing it. But certainly he never anticipated the dramatic shift their lives would take as a result.

As the summer fades and autumn takes over, friendship between the two teenagers begins blossoming into a bond, until fate steps in once more, threatening to tear them apart as quickly as they’ve come together. The decisions that follow, and the emotive tale that results, opens Jake’s eyes to the simple yet life altering truth, a truth that Sara has understood all along: that love—not the feeling but the action—is the most powerful force in the world.

Book Review: 4/5

"Your heart aches because it's good." 

Never judge a book by its cover - an old adage that I should've learned a long time ago. Nevertheless, mistakes do happen, and one look at the cover, I have already concluded that this one belongs to the fantasy genre. Instead, it was a contemporary love story, written in almost narrative form. Which makes me realize that some novels needs less dialogue for it to be great. It just needs the right words, an wonderful plot, and a set of remarkable characters. Just like this book.

Shawn Underhill is a master storyteller. I love the way he wrote the whole novel - the descriptions are vivid and you can just put yourself in the pages - feeling all those emotions and being in the places inside the book. The pacing is just enough to allow readers to sit back and watch not just the development of each characters, but watching relationship flourish as well. 

The Characters

Jake is a likable character. A typical boy who didn't want girls around - especially when he had been living alone with his father for a couple of years. He's responsible, and has a good head on his shoulders. If there is one word that best describe him, it would be: pragmatic. I like how is character matured through the pages, although I wasn't sure when was the time that he really fell in love with Sara. It's almost like being a couple is already given since they were already friends. I think a little bit of sweet words, romantic gestures wouldn't hurt. 

Sara has some heavy baggage to carry, but I love her resilience. The sudden change in her moods is understandable after what she's been through, but despite of it - she decides to live life and find something to be happy about. She found a home with Jake and his father. At a young age, she gave them a home which I greatly admire. I find her very sweet, and thoughtful. She's very persuasive and watching her make Jake putty in her hands is also entertaining.

Jake's Dad is the best father in the world! Just like an ordinary father, he is not vocal with his feelings, but he shows that he cares not only to Jake but to Sara and her mother as well. He's very helpful and generous to people who needs him the most. He is also hardworking, but he always makes sure he has time for Jake.

Finally, after a while - I had the time to read this book on my Kindle. It took me long but it was totally worth it. The whole story is in crescendo and ended in a beautiful finale that left me teary-eyed and satisfied. It may not end the way I wanted it to be, but it is just amazing as it is.

Favorite Quotes:

• “It's not morbid to miss people.” 
• “Your heart aches because it's good.” 

Disclaimer: Book reviewed was sent to me by the author and I have received no compensation of any kind for the review whether it is positive.

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Book Title: Knee Deep

by Jolene Perry

Book Description:

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.

Book Review: 3/5
Because sometimes all we need is somebody to sit in silence with. 

Can you possibly let go of someone you love for a very long time? Would it make you a bad person for wanting to let go when he needs you the most? Are the bruises and hurts worth it? 

I like this book, and it took me a while to finish it because a lot of books came up in between, but I'm glad I did. Jolene Perry made a very beautiful novel. A very sensitive topic was threaded carefully. She did not overdo it that you might want to close the book and not read it again, instead she presented it really well, with situations that are serious, but can be really happening in the real world to some people who can barely recognize abuse all because they are in love.

But, how much are you willing to give for love? How much are you going to sacrifice for it? 

Ronnie has been in love with Shawn since she was young, and after being separated for a couple of years, he was back in town, and they continued their relationship. But things weren't the same anymore. Shawn was different - he was easily angered and could hardly control his actions. 

Balancing the school play Romeo and Juliet, her problematic boyfriend and a weird feeling she has for one of her closest friend - left Ronnie confused. She didn't want anyone to know what's happening to her and Shawn, not even to her father, Luke or even her best friend. She tried to understand him and hope that the boy she fell in love with back then will come back the moment his problems go away. But it did not, and bruises starts to show - both her best friend and Luke tries to tell her to talk to someone. 

Abuse starts small. For Ronnie, it started with commenting on the way she dress, or ordering her which shoes to wear. It revolved into grabbing her wrist and into something unthinkable (sorry no spoilers!:)). If someone loves you, they would love you for who you are - no questions asked. They would never hurt you, emotionally and most especially physically. People should not stay in relationships because of the years they are together. They should stay because they both love each other, they respect each other, and each feels a sense of security. If you don't feel these things anymore, and if the person you're with is hurting you - the most logical (albeit, the hardest) thing to do is to let go. 

Here is one of my favorite poems since then, it is written for the women who, in one way or the other, are/were victims of abuse. I hope all of them will have the courage to stand up, walk through the door and ask for help.

I Got Flowers Today

I got flowers today. 

It wasn't my birthday or any other special day.

We had our first argument last night, 

And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. 

I know he is sorry and didn't mean the things he said. 

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. 

It wasn't our anniversary any other special day. 

Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me.

It seemed like a nightmare. 

I couldn't believe it was real. 

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. 

I know he must be sorry. 

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today, 

and it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day. 

Last night, he beat me up again. 

And it was much worse than all the other times. 

If I leave him, what will I do? 

How will I take care of my kids? 

What about money? 

I'm afraid of him and scared to leave. 

But I know he must be sorry.

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today. 

Today was a very special day. 

It was the day of my funeral. 

Last night, he finally killed me. 

He beat me to death. 

If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him, 

I would not have gotten flowers...today. 

By Paulette Kelly

Favorite Quote:

• “Because sometimes all we need is somebody to sit in silence with.” 
• “The problem is that when you change Romeo and Juliet’s story it ends up like that ridiculous Taylor Swift song. And that’s not what people love about Romeo and Juliet.” 

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Book Review: Going Under

Book Description

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge

Book Review: 3/5

Am I crazy for thinking I could have a chance with her? 

One look at the cover, and I'd guess it was more of a paranormal genre rather than young adult. I was guessing it has something to do with the sea - but I was wrong. Again, never judge the book by its cover because this pretty book doesn't have any paranormal 'blood' in it - something I'm quite thankful for. 

Bad-boy-meets-good-girl 

Jessie, a new face in school seems to be out of place parking his battered jeep beside cars that are more expensive than the place that he lives in. He knew he didn't belong here - but he didn't care. He needed to be here, he needed to be in the football team and he needed the scholarship. He plays really well, he can throw a ball with both arms (yep, ambidextrous, quite impressive). He's also smart - but he's does not brag about it. Honestly, I am ambivalent about what to feel about Jessie. I like him because he cares a lot for his family (his two brothers) and he cares a lot for Claire enough to let her go. However , I could not understand why he is selling himself short for the person who somehow really cares for him AND why in the world is he staying with his grandmother who obviously doesn't give a damn about him? It would clearly bring him into trouble - with all the things that his grandmother is making him do. 

Claire is the running valedictorian, she's a cheerleader and the girlfriend of the quarterback and she's rich. Its a BIG cliche` - but I love her. She's sweet and she doesn't give up on what she wants. At first, she did things that had my brows met, but she completely had me when the tables were turned. She finally had the courage to fight for what she wants and try to weave her happy ending. 

Claire's parents. Claire's mother - It will always be a mother's instinct to hope and want what is best for their children. This is why I understand why Claire's mother is not really into Jessie. But I was glad that she was also into Claire's happiness and made decisions that have saved a couple of lives. On the other hand, Claire's father is the best. He didn't judge, he offers reminders and advice to Claire but that was it. They are a perfect pair for a parent that a growing teenager needs. 

There's Dane who was honest and a real friend to both Jessie and Claire. He didn't mind that Jessie was out of their league and wasn't afraid to point out his friend's flaws when the situation calls for it. He helped both Jessie and Claire when he was needed most.

This is my first Georgia Cates' book and it went well. Not super great that had me at my wits - just plain okay. There were some questions needed answers, and there were characters who just vanished out of the scene. I needed to know what happened to the other characters: Earl, the grandmother, the ex boyfriend and the best friend. The ending was a bit abrupt (in my point of view) and suddenly, I was already reading the epilogue sometime in the future. 

Nevertheless, Going Under deals with topics that are common nowadays: teenage sex, drugs, cliques, social classes, family and of course, romance. It is filled with witty quotes and banters that would keep you entertained. Going Under proves that people change. It also reminds us to see the good in people- no matter what their past is and the length of their rap sheet. Last but not the least, it teaches its reader that there's hope in the bleakest of times and that love knows no boundaries and recognizes no social classes.

Book Review: Pushing the Limits

by Katie McGarry

Book Trailer 

Book Description

"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.

Book Review: 5/5

"Fuck me and the rest of the world, I was in love." 

I fell in love with two scarred teenagers who at a young age, has already a lot on their plates. 

Echo, her name is unique, which I really like. It makes her different from the rest of the heroines I have encountered in the YA-world. She's an artist, and gets good grades. She used to be Ms Popularity, dated the hottest boy in school but she disappeared for a month. She returned a different person - recluse and a loner. She is scarred - literally and figuratively. After losing her brother in the war, everything changed. Her family fell apart - she could no longer see her mom, her father was busy with his new wife who was her former babysitter and she was just lost. Especially when she couldn't remember something important. She had a memory lapse, and she wanted to regain that memory no matter how painful it is. 

Noah lost both his parents at a young age, and was passed from one foster home to the other. He lost hope in the system, and only wants one thing: his brothers. He'd do anything for the both of them. I love that about him, the importance he gave to his family, but sometimes too much love can blind a person. It's a good thing that he saw the light before he made a bad decision he'd regret for life. 

Mrs Collins she had my heart. My sister is a social worker and I am amaze how these people can change and touch lives. Both of her 'wards' are strong-willed and really hard-headed. But she still stayed with the both of them and tried her best in dealing with their issues. She didn't give up and saw some results that paid off her hard work. Social work and helping these kids were more than just a work that pays off her bills for her - Mrs. Collins really cared. You can feel her sincerity at the same time her concern for both Noah and Echo. If people in the social welfare office are like her, then kids inside the foster homes and those who needs a lot of help because of trauma/abuse are in good hands. 

Pushing the limits has its share of protagonist and antagonist that will have you confused as you go along - but I like that every character has its own roles to play. Everyone is important and their own time to shine in one point in the novel. 

Katie McGarry had me hooked, I can't stop reading this book for the whole day. Yep, I finished Pushing the Limits in one sitting. I was so into it because it's more than just an ordinary love story - it revolves around sensitive topic that was delivered with tact. It was discussed carefully, yet extensively. Hot topics such as family dynamics, abuse, foster homes, drugs, sex, social welfare, and mental health. A lot to digest, right? But everything went flawlessly. No doors were left unopened and putting down the book didn't made me crave for more of the characters, instead I was looking forward for more Katie McGarry books. 

Favorite Quotes

• “I love you enough to never make you choose.” 
• “Luke used to give me butterflies. Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls.” 
• “Her shoulders never shook. No tears streamed down her face. The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see--the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it. A section withered and became a scar on the part of your soul that survived. For people like me and Echo, our souls contained more scar tissue than life.” 
• “We’d read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullshit about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because every time I saw her, I lost my mind.” 
• “I gazed into her beautiful green eyes and her fear melted. A shy smile tugged at her lips and at my heart. Fuck me and the rest of the world, I was in love.” 
• “I've already lost a piece of my mind. I can't trust you with what's left.” 
• “Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good.” 

Book Review: Almost

by Anne Eliot

Format: Kindle

Summary:

At a freshman party she doesn't remember, Jess Jordan was almost raped.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life. 

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

Review:

4/5

Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. 

How can you start living your life again when everything fell apart and you couldn't remember anything at all? 

When she was in her freshman year, Jess Jordan attended a senior party and she was almost raped. It turned her world in complete rotation and everything was not what they used to be again. She knew she wasn’t rape – but the whole thing was blurred and she could only remember bits and pieces from that awful night.

She was having nightmares she couldn't decipher, she didn't have any friends, she didn't go out with anyone. She didn't have a normal teenage life. Heryounger sister was frantic - giving her lists on how to act like a normal teenager. Her parents were deeply concern, and were adamant in letting her leave for college when she was obviously not ready to be part from them. She needs to become normal. 

Thus - operation LIVE A NORMAL LIFE began.

While filling out her college application, she applied for a summer internship and met the former hockey jock Gray Porter . They strike a deal: they both get the internship, only one gets paid. He gets the $8000 and she gets a fake boyfriend, including his friends and social life. A total win-win situation. 

Only that, she didn’t expect the consequences. How can she not fall in love with someone as amazing and as nice and as hot as Gray Porter? He’s sweet and kept on holding her hand all the time. It was almost having a real relationship! 

But some secrets aren’t meant to be kept forever

Gray is keeping his own dark secrets he is not willing to share yet. He threw promises to people back then, and now, he is in dilemma. Is he willing to risk a budding relationship with Jess when these secrets are revealed? Can he handle the consequences of probably losing Jess? 

Reading Almost reminded me of my undergrad thesis about PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder . This disorder is often suffered by people who have been experienced a very difficult and stressful situation in their lives and is characterized by recurring nightmares. It is difficult to try to live a normal life when you are afraid to sleep at night because you know bad dreams will visit you. 

I feel sad for Jess, all she wants to be is to become normal. But the over-protectiveness of her parents made it almost impossible. So, she got herself a boyfriend, a couple of friends and the charade begins. I couldn’t blame her for wanting her freedom. I admire her determination and her courage in trying to face her devils. BUT just as when she was having a grand time, the nightmare intensifies and all the puzzle came into pieces.

Gray, Gray, Gray. I love his name and I love his character more. At first, I was not sure whether he’s the hero or the assailant. Everything was vague at first, and when the real story unfolded somewhere at the middle and near end of the story, I fell in love with him. I couldn’t put as much as I want to without giving you spoilers, so I will leave it at that. 

I’m not sure with the people surrounding her – were they protecting her or were they in denial of what happened with Jess? I’m torn between hating and understanding them. In fairness to them, on the other hand, what they did what they thought could help Jess move on.

This is my first Anne Eliot novel – and I love it. I like how the story unfolded – how the puzzles came together and rock my world a bit. It wasn’t that heavy, my heart wasn’t pounding very hard when Jess was having nightmares but the story touched me. The battle that Jess had with PTSD at a young age and her determination in trying to live a normal life is amazing. They way the story unfold, and how Jess finally realized what happened that night and how everyone revealed what happened in the aftermath awed me as well. The pacing was good, with some surprising twist that will make you love and hate some of the characters.

Rape – whether the crime has been consummated or not is NEVER the victim’s fault. Their rights have been violated, and they need all the help they can get. They should get to chose whether they wanted to pursue the assailant or just leave it at that. I think the first thing about moving on is accepting that the awful crime happened to them and it is not their fault. 

Favorite Quotes 

• “Is this a habit of yours?” he asks. “What?” “Dropping stuff whenever you first see me? It's kind of cute. Flattering,” he adds, straightening while easily holding all of my stuff in his giant arms.
• "Maybe because he's already been in my dreams for so long, it feels to me as though we've always been together."

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