I don't usually read contemporary romance, but for some reason I was drawn to this book. Was it the summary, cover, or the raving reviews that drew me in? I don't know, but I do know that it is one of my favourite reads of 2012!GoodReads Summary: 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.
- Add to GoodReads
Pushing the Limits is a beautifully written novel that made me feel a whirl wind of emotions. It's about a 'lost girl' and a 'bad boy' who find comfort in each other as their lives fall apart. The romance between these two was about more than just a physical attraction - Noah and Echo are layered characters who have realistic problems - Echo with her controlling father and annoying stepmother and Noah with his struggle to piece his family back together. It was a wonderful yet heart breaking journey watching them find themselves and come to some realisations.
Noah can be classed as a 'bad boy', but there's so much more to him than that. His love and devotion towards his younger brothers was admirable. Under the rough and tough exterior is a determined young man who is willing to do anything for the happiness of his siblings. His flirting and banter with Echo brought a humorous tone to the story, and the split narration also helped build the chemistry.
Katie McGarry has done a brilliant job with dealing with curse words and sex. When reading PtL I never once felt like the curse words were gimmicky or put in there for sake of it - they felt natural and flowed well with the dialogue.
Something that usually puts me of reading books set in high school is the over-the-top drama and irritating characters, but McGarry has crafted together a refreshingly realistic set of characters who aren't overly cliched or dramatic.
Her eyes met mine again. “So what does this mean for us?”
I lowered my forehead to hers. “It means you’re mine.”
Rating:
Awesome!!!! I so glad Katie was able to put curse words without making it awkward. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to read this book, I ordered it a few days ago. I like that there is an alternative POV and that you describe the characters as being realistic.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you loved this too! Such a brilliant book! Anyway great review! I can't wait to read the companion novel next year!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this as well! PUSHING THE LIMITS definitely is full of emotion, and Noah and Echo are so sweet together. The characters were great, too. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Renu!
P.S. Love your blog! New follower. :)
EEP, I'm glad you loved it! EFHSFHG. Ehem, ignore the freak out. I really liked this too! And I totally agree, the banter between Echo and Noah was one of the best parts of the novel. For me, anyway :D
ReplyDeleteLoved that quote you chose, the review, and of course the book itself. So well written and emotional.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I felt the same way about this. I'm not sure why I was so drawn to this book, but I was, and I loved it! I'm glad you enjoyed it too, Renu. Lovely review! :)
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, Renu, I love that quote! I'm so happy to see you loved this as much as I did. I was fanning myself with some of those scenes, too. My heart broke for both Noah and Echo and all the things they had to go through. But they were so lovely together, helping each other heal. Wonderful review. :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with everything you said on your review, Renu! Pushing the Limits is definitely one of the best contemporary novels I've read this year! Noah and Echo's relationship was so intense yet...beautiful. They broke my heart quite a few times but I'm glad all is well in the end! Katie's writing was really beautiful as well. I completely connected with all the characters and I really can't wait for Beth's story ;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Renu! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!
I was drawn to this by all the gushing reviews, they were impossible to ignore!! I'm glad I listened, because I ended up liking the book and it's made me eager to explore Beth's story in the companion novel. I like the depth Katie gave to her characters and I couldn't help but keep turning those pages to see how it would all pan out for them. So glad you loved it! Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteLovely review Renu, I'm glad you enjoyed this one, I had a couple of issues with this book, but only seem to be in the minority, so I'm happy it worked out for you! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to learn that PTL has become one of your favorite books of the year! I like that you find the characters realistic and aw-inspiring. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, what a cute quote <3 Layered characters with real problems.. This book starts to sound better and better. I didn't want to read it first, because it doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy. Now, after seeing all those raving reviews, I might try it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteEven though I wasn't a huge fan of this book myself, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it, Renu. :) I know many readers who have, so I'm probably in the minority then, ha. Lovely review, and the quote is nice. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked this one! I'm almost finished reading it too and I'm the same way: don't usually read this genre but loving it! :D Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSo... I think im the last person to read this book!! I still havent yet! :(
ReplyDeleteBUT- I LOVE that quote. I literally said, "awww."
:)