Another Great Series...

Pushing the Limits

(Pushing the Limits #1)

by Katie McGarry

Hardcover, 392 pages

Published July 31st 2012 by Harlequin Teen (first published June 1st 2012)

ISBN: 9780373210497

Library

ABOUT:

"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...

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Poor misunderstood “bad” boy meets use to be popular but is now misunderstood but is still a “good” girl story. My kind of book. Yeah this is an older title, published in 2012, so I knew little bits would be out dated. We all have fancy smart phones now and dress a bit differently after a whole 6 years. But this was still a good read. It made me really feel for the characters and root for them. Sure there were pieces that were annoying (I hate when guys call girls baby or use other stupid nick names), but for the most part though I could get behind the characters actions. I loved that the chapters alternate between Noah and Echo, and that we get to see what both characters are really thinking and feeling.

This book is perfect for older teens looking for more “bad” boy romance novels.

Dare You To

(Pushing the Limits #2)

by Katie McGarry

Hardcover, 456 pages

Published May 28th 2013 by Harlequin Teen (first published May 22nd 2013)

ISBN: 9780373210633

Library

ABOUT:

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....

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Ok, after reading Pushing the Limits it took me a bit to get use to Beth and Isaiah not being together. I got over it pretty quick though and Ryan did win me over.

This book takes place right after Pushing the Limits, but it uses different characters from book one. We have messed up “bad” girl Beth with super jock Ryan. The perfect formula for a Teen Romance novel.

Again we have alternating chapters (Beth and Ryan’s points of view) which give us details into how each one is feeing and dealing. This made me love the characters even more!

Characters from book one reappeared and new characters were brought it, leaving things perfectly open for book three.

Overall, another great YA romance that had me rooting and caring for the characters. It could be a standalone book, but goes better if you’ve read Pushing the Limits first so that all the characters mean more to you. I’d recommend this one to older teens looking for romance. The cover will definitely make many of them nerves about picking it up. I feel like it’s a bit misleading in the sexiness of this story.

 

Crash into You

(Pushing the Limits #3)

by Katie McGarry

Hardcover, 474 pages

Published November 26th 2013 by Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 9780373210992

Library

ABOUT:

The girl with straight A's and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy family…and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker—a guy she has no business even talking to. But after the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

The last thing Isaiah needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks. But when their shared love of street racing puts their lives in jeopardy, Isaiah and Rachel will have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Yay! Isaish finally gets a turn to find happiness!

Same as the last two books this one is also alternating chapters, which again gives us insight into both our characters worlds, which again makes things so much better. And yes many of the characters from the first two books make appearances again.

It’s the same type of “bad” boy, “good” girl formula story, but that’s ok. It works for teen drama romance books. Again the writing of this book makes you just want to root for the characters and hug them and tell them everything is going to be ok. Especially at the end of this one. I did not see that happening after reading the first two books in this series. This one could also be read as a stand-alone, but reading the first two books would make this one so much better.

Overall, again this is a great read that I would give to older teens looking for romance. Again the cover of this book makes it so teens are more hesitant to pick it up because they don’t know what their parents will think. (Yes I’ve had a few of them actually tell me that). And again the cover isn’t exactly what happens in the book. It could have been toned down some in the sexiness department and teens might pick it up more.

 

Take Me On

(Pushing the Limits #4)

by Katie McGarry

Hardcover, 544 pages

Published May 27th 2014 by Harlequin TEEN

ISBN: 9780373211180

Library

ABOUT:

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Last book of the series goes to Rachel’s trouble making brother West, and a kick butt kick boxing girl named Haley. This one was just as good as the others. Same writing style, same love for all the characters, same other characters from past stories showing up. This one is probably the worst as a stand alone though, since it has so much to do with Rachel’s family from book three.

There’s a lot of family drama in all four of these books, but I feel like this one goes a bit deeper. Maybe because for once both teens have both parents alive and have siblings to deal with. Maybe its all the abuse that the teens deal with in their crazy messed up families. Maybe it’s the rich kid learning what it’s like to lose everything and the poor girl learning to fight for herself storyline. I’m not sure. I do know that all of that leads to one compelling and interesting romance.

Overall, I enjoyed this book just as much as the others. Again it’s an older teen read. And also again, that cover could have been toned down a little, although it is a bit better than some of the others.

 

PUSHING THE LIMITS SERIES AS A WHOLE?

Rating:  Pretty even across the board. Bad boy/girl romance stories that make you want to hug the characters and say it’s all going to be ok are usually fairly decent. This series gets a 4 star rating for consistency and leaving me wanting more.

Review:

A great older teen romance series. The books are fast moving quick reads. I love how characters overlap from book to book, and yet they all have their own stories. I do wish that there were more books in the series though. I really want to know what else happens to everyone.

A Whole Series Reviewed!

 

Storm

(Elemental #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Paperback, 407 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by Kensington

ISBN: 9780758272812

Library

ABOUT:

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all. (GoodReads)

RATING: 5 Stars

REVIEW:

Right from the start this book grabbed my attention. Our female lead comes in and rescues the misunderstood “bad” boy from a duo of thugs. Love it when the girl does the rescuing! The action, romance and powers just continue from there.

Though the book is older and the cover is not that great judging by 2018 standards the story it’s self was still entertaining. Yes it’s your typical bad boy/good girl romance story with all the proper YA elements thrown in, but Kemmerer gives you a bit more by adding in elemental powers and bad guy “hunters”.  The 4 Merrick brothers become people you wish you knew, and that’s not just because they have cool powers. It definitely leaves you wanting to know more about all of them and their backgrounds. There’s a sense of mystery to the story while you try to figure out who the guides (hunters) are and why others like them hate the Merricks.  Overall this book is a great start to the series and I recommend it to Teens looking for an older little known series.  

 

Spark

(Elemental #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Paperback, 345 pages

Published August 28th 2012 by Kensington (first published August 22nd 2012)

ISBN: 9780758272829

Library

ABOUT:

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own... (GoodReads)

RATING: 5 Stars

REVIEW:

Book number 2…. Just as good as the first. It continues the story right after the first one ends, only now the main character is hot head Gabriel instead of Chris. All of the characters from the first book are still in book two, so don’t worry about wondering what happened to…. Insert name of favorite brother here.

This book focuses on Gabriel finding himself and proving that he’s more than just a bully. Sure we yet again have a romance going, but there’s action and mystery and bad guys galore too! The big question throughout is who is starting all of the fires? Are they a message from the Guides, or is Gabriel really responsible? Will this be the end of our favorite brothers? Probably not, since there are a few more books after this one, but one could still get hurt or even killed!

After reading this book I think I’m team Gabriel! The other boys are amazing to but his story just seems to hit me more. If you liked the first book in the series definitely read this one too! You won’t be disappointed.

Spirit

(Elemental #3)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Paperback, 301 pages

Published May 28th 2013 by K Teen

ISBN: 9780758272836

Library

ABOUT:

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… (GoodReads)

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Book three….. I feel like this is where the series started to lose a bit of steam. This book again picks up right where book two left off, only instead of being from one of the brothers’ points of view, we get Hunter’s. Don’t get me wrong. I love Hunter. He might as well be one of the brothers….almost. His whole bouncing back and forth to being on their side, to being on the guides side, to being on his own side, gets to be a bit much though. His motive is sketchy most of the time, though I do also feel bad for him. He’s one of those characters who needs to pick a side but spends too much time deciding on what’s best.

I do still love Kemmerer’s writing style though. And throughout this book, I did start to like Hunter more and more. I enjoyed learning about his background and powers and seeing how he grows as a character and ally. The Merricks and all the other characters you loved from the last books are still in this one too, so fear not my friend.

Overall, not my favorite of the three so far, but definitely still worth a read!

 

Secret

(Elemental #4)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Paperback, 328 pages

Published January 28th 2014 by Kensington Teen

ISBN13: 9780758294371

Library

ABOUT:

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides. (GoodReads)

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Book four goes back to being from a Merrick point of view, this time Nick’s. It yet again picks up right after the last book. In this book we learn that Nick has a secret. It just so happens that he’s gay and has a boyfriend. He doesn’t know how his family will react to this news so he hides it from them. While dealing with the threat of the Guides (these guys just don’t quit) Nick’s secret is discovered. It’s interesting how all the different family members and friends react to the news. It’s not necessary what you’d expect. There is all other sorts of family drama in this one as well. School, grades, scholarships, keeping the business going, and more.

This book definitely switches things up. It’s not a bad boy/good girl romance anymore, but a kind of sweet LGBT story. There’s still your elemental power family vs. the bad guy story mixed in, but I feel like the emotional family story takes front stage in this one.

I liked this one better than the last book, but I still feel like it was missing something that the first two had. Does the story feel a bit rushed? Or unfinished? I’m not really sure. There’s just something not as grabbing. Still, this is a great read, and if you enjoyed the first three books you know you’re invested and have to read this one too!

 

Sacrifice

(Elemental #5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Paperback, 324 pages

Published September 30th 2014 by Kensington Teen (first published September 24th 2014)

ISBN: 9780758294395

Library

ABOUT:

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.

They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

RATING: 4 Stars

REVIEW:

Ah, the last book in the series. One brother’s story left to tell.

As before, this takes place right after the last book, and if you didn’t guess already, it’s from Michael’s point of view. Up until this book, I don’t think our favorite oldest brother was represented well. He was more of a Dad character than a brother for a good part of the time. In this book he finally gets to shine a bit and explain his side of things. You find out more about his background and how he’s been keeping his family together the best that he can.

Of course it’s not an Elemental book without a showdown against the Guides… and this time not all will make it out alive.

This is still a decent read… though the end is not what I wanted. As the last book I wanted to have a happily ever after all tied up in a neat little bow. After all the family has been through is that too much to ask? But no….. we can’t have nice things like that. That’s all I’m going to say so that I don’t spoil anything!

Overall, I feel like this book was rushed and not complete. I want to know more about the Merricks. I wanted Michel to finally have something really good happen. The guy needs a break for crying out loud! This book is still a must read for anyone who has gotten this far into the series. Just be warned you may be disappointed and want to throw your book against a wall.

P.S. 

I feel like the guy in the photo on this cover has been used on other books...... Crap.... Search on Goodreads shows that there are way to many covers with the same picture used!!!!

 

This is just three of the tons that come up! 

ELEMENTAL SERIES AS A WHOLE?

Rating:  Starts strong but piddles out a bit at the end. Still I really want more about the Merrick boys! 5 Stars for leaving me wanting more!

Review:

I love Brigid Kemmerer and her writing. I’ve probably stated that in a few other reviews already, but it’s true. When it comes to misunderstood bad boys that you just want to hug, she’s a genius. This series has six or more of those characters. All of them I loved for different reasons. The females in this series are great too. The author does a great job with strong girls who can protect themselves even though they’re usually the “good” girls. I’m not really big on romance novels, but this series worked for me and I ate it right up. The brothers and their personalities mixed with the elemental powers put this above most other YA romance books for me. If you can get past the old school covers and a few of the outdated things in the story (there’s very few of them) I’d say pick up this series and give it a try!