Monday, October 21, 2013

Review: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry


Published: July 31, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 392
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: 5 out of 5






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.


     Wow this book absolutely blew me away!!! I rarely read contemporary books because I am not that interested in them, but this has inexplicably changed my mind for life! The story is written in dual points of view between the main characters, Noah and Echo. Echo is trying to find herself again after suffering through a traumatic experience with her bi-polar mother. Noah is the typical bad boy, stoner dude who lives in the foster care system after his parents die in a horrible fire. They cross paths as they both have to attend counseling, and they do not get along one bit. They absolutely despise each other. Echo thinks Noah is a low life, where as Noah thinks Echo is a popular goody goody girl. To make matters worse, Echo takes on tutoring Noah to raise some money so that she may repair her dead brother's car. It is through their tutoring sessions and unexpected run-ins with each other that they develop an intense, raw and most beautiful relationship. I know Noah is the typical bad boy turned good when he meets a girl, but let me just tell you that it totally clicked for these characters. Through their horrible pasts they turn to each other, over coming the obstacles that have haunted them. I believe that they made a really special couple. They had their flaws of course such as not communicating well at points, but they balanced each other well. When one was down and lost, the other helped console them. And boy did they have their steamy moments! That is how Noah and Echo develop a new normal.
     Echo's character was the most delicate of the two. She blocked out the memory of how she got burned and why her mother got sent to a mental institution. On one hand she wants to remember her past so that she can move on and go back to a normal life. I felt so horrible for her when she found out what happened to her the night of the accident. I wanted to cry with her as she found out the truth. While on the other, she is too scared to move on and is petrified to show her scarred arms. Her relationship with Noah helps her see that she is not the same person she was two years ago when she was a popular girl. With that, she matures having come to the realization that it's okay to be different, and she finds new passions in her life.
     I loved Noah's character the most. Oh Noah he is one swoon worthy guy alright! He was cocky, arrogant, hot with a very devilish smile. He put on that tough exterior like nothing bothered him, but deep down he was scared to trust anyone. I thought it was horrifically sad that his parents died and was separated from his two brothers in foster care. (I just wanted to hug him lol). Then the chemistry between he and Echo was electrifying. He had a bad reputation with the girls, but for Echo he did not pressure her to sleep with him. Although they did not have sex, their passion was undeniably hot. I would say the only thing that irked me was when called Echo BABY. Ugh, I don't know why but when he called her that I wanted to gag lol. Noah also struggled to gain custody for his brothers as soon as he graduated from high school. I was so torn and conflicted with him as he weighed the pros and cons to let his brothers be adopted by other people. He loved his brothers with all his heart because they were his flesh and blood. But if he adopted them, Noah would not be able to give them the life they deserve. 
     The last hundred pages of the book really killed me. Literally, I was balling with joy and sadness because the story was just that good. I wish I could go into details what happened, but I don't want to ruin it for you. I will just tell you to get your box of tissues ready because of all the angsty feels!!! Those last pages of the book is what made this story a five stars. I loved Katie McGarry's descriptions. She really knows how to reel you in with such raw emotions. If you enjoy reading contemporary romances, then I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait to continue the series with Dare You To and Crash Into You!
Favorite Quote:
"If you're scared, tell me. If you need to cry and scream, then do it. And you sure as hell don't walk away from us because you think it would be better for me. Here's the reality, Echo: I want to be by your side. If you want to go to the mall stark naked so you can show the world your scars, then let me hold your hand. If you want to see your mom, then tell me that, too. I may not always understand, but damn, baby, I'll try."
Noah talking to Echo
        


2 comments:

  1. Completely agree :-)
    Great review!

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  2. YES!!! This book really was sooo good! It was one of those books that I thought I just wouldn't like, I'm just really picky about the contemporaries I read, but this book just blew me away! The relationship between Noah and Echo was so freaking SWEET!!!
    And, THE LAST 100 PAGES WERE FANTASTIC!!! I think that the end was really the reason why I enjoyed the book so much!!
    And THAT QUOTE IS PERFECT!! I feel like it really sums up the book, if you know what I mean! :-) So glad you enjoyed this one! Great review!!!!

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