Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits, #1)

by Katie McGarry

They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me.

I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. They said therapy was supposed to help. They didn't expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know every kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.

The Pushing the Limits Series

1. Pushing the Limits

2. Dare You To

3. Crash Into You

4. Take Me On

5. Breaking the Rules

Reviewed by Angie on

4 of 5 stars

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Pushing the Limits is one of those books that was receiving a lot of hype, and that made me a little reluctant to read it. However, I love "issue" books and I've really been enjoying the more mature YA books coming out, so I gave it a try. I'm really glad that I did! It's an extremely heavy read, but it pulled me in and I couldn't put it down.

Echo is an amazingly multi-dimensional character. Even though I can't relate to her struggles, I did find myself completely invested in her story. She's utterly broken, but she is trying to put herself back together and return to "normal." She's gone through something outrageously horrific, but can't remember a moment of it. The events of that day are slowly revealed as Echo meets with a therapist, but if only she can get her hands on her file to speed up the process.

Noah is fiercely loyal, but to a fault. Yes, it's possible to love someone too much, if it blinds you to everything else around one. He just wants his little brothers back after the foster care system separated them. He's seeing the same therapist as Echo, and wants to see his file to find out more about his brothers' foster parents. Of course, this forces them to work together, and their relationship develops into something so much more.

Even though their stories are tough, I really enjoyed getting to know Echo and Noah. Their pasts are heartbreaking, and I really wanted them to find some peace and happiness. Thankfully, they find each other. Their relationship isn't easy, since they both have their own personal issues to work through, and high school is an unforgiving place. I was expecting more romance though. The focus is mainly on their emotional baggage with their families, but that's okay. I just would have liked more steaminess!

This was a very emotional and enjoyable read. I'm definitely glad that I have it a chance, and didn't like the hype scare me off. It was a little on the long side and some scenes seemed to drag the pacing down a bit, but it still kept me engaged from page one.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 January, 2013: Finished reading
  • 20 January, 2013: Reviewed