Student teacher romance, you say? Hook, line and sinker. I can’t resist student teacher romances. Seriously, I can’t say no, but add in the talent of one Brooke Cumberland and I’m a goner. Cumberland can’t write a bad book, but she has far outdone herself with Pushing the Limits. All of the anticipation, beautiful teasers, and countdowns were worth it, as this book will no doubt be a new favorite.
There are a few different aspects that I adored about this book, but one thing stands out. The biggest element that I noticed smack off the bat was how emotional this book is. It could have been so predictable. Hot teacher meets hot student and bam, explosion, right? Not quite. This is so much bigger, so much deeper, and so much more of everything. The pain and grief, as well as healing and acceptance involved made this story for me. The relationship between Morgan and Aspen builds from their understanding of each other’s painful pasts, and I think the fact that they didn’t just jump into bed together solidified this story for me. It wasn’t same ole same ole. The intense emotions evoked will own you, heart and soul, but it meshes beautifully with the attraction, angst, and tension between the two. That’s not to say that this book isn’t sexy or filled with moments that will take your breath away. It will. It does. It still is, even days later.
There are a few different aspects that I adored about this book, but one thing stands out. The biggest element that I noticed smack off the bat was how emotional this book is. It could have been so predictable. Hot teacher meets hot student and bam, explosion, right? Not quite. This is so much bigger, so much deeper, and so much more of everything. The pain and grief, as well as healing and acceptance involved made this story for me. The relationship between Morgan and Aspen builds from their understanding of each other’s painful pasts, and I think the fact that they didn’t just jump into bed together solidified this story for me. It wasn’t same ole same ole. The intense emotions evoked will own you, heart and soul, but it meshes beautifully with the attraction, angst, and tension between the two. That’s not to say that this book isn’t sexy or filled with moments that will take your breath away. It will. It does. It still is, even days later.
I also loved the depth put into each character. You can tell that Cumberland truly cared about these characters and making sure that the reader understands them. You’ll get their troubles, their situations, and you’ll be rooting for them from the get go. Whereas in many student teacher romances, it revolves around the two characters not getting caught. Because of the connection between Morgan and Aspen and how deeply they want to help one another, you sort of forget that he’s her teacher at all. It’s more about healing wounds than anything, and you’ll feel just as gutted as they do while encompassed in their world.
Art is a major player in this book. The characters grow individually, as well as together, because of their love of art and what it means to them. I’m not an artsy person, but Cumberland made me want to be. The descriptions, the way a scene was brought together because of art, the connections made from it. She made it all intriguing to me, and I think that shows the talent of an author. They take something that you might not have any interest in at all, and make you crave it. Props to Cumberland for doing just this within Pushing the Limits.
Overall, I just can’t say it, scream it, or rave about it enough. Pushing the Limits was phenomenal. It was everything I hoped it would be, but she took it to new dimensions and it soared beyond my expectations. I have the feeling I’m going to be comparing any upcoming reads to this one for a while to come. Brooke, you’re a pro, and it’s glaringly obvious within the pages of this novel. 5+ stars from me.
<3 Erin
Art is a major player in this book. The characters grow individually, as well as together, because of their love of art and what it means to them. I’m not an artsy person, but Cumberland made me want to be. The descriptions, the way a scene was brought together because of art, the connections made from it. She made it all intriguing to me, and I think that shows the talent of an author. They take something that you might not have any interest in at all, and make you crave it. Props to Cumberland for doing just this within Pushing the Limits.
Overall, I just can’t say it, scream it, or rave about it enough. Pushing the Limits was phenomenal. It was everything I hoped it would be, but she took it to new dimensions and it soared beyond my expectations. I have the feeling I’m going to be comparing any upcoming reads to this one for a while to come. Brooke, you’re a pro, and it’s glaringly obvious within the pages of this novel. 5+ stars from me.
<3 Erin