Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher(s): Mira Ink and Harlequin
Released: August 03 and July 31, 2012
Buy: The Book Depository
I’m not entirely sure what it was about this book, whether it be the cover, the description or the reviews, but as soon as I first heard of its existence on Goodreads, I knew I would have to read it. I hardly ever (never) get compulsions like that for contemporary novels, so I’m still utterly baffled as to why I was so drawn to it. I guess this is a sixth sense that will come in handy as Katie McGarry’s debut was just as stunning as my instincts told me it would be.
Pushing the Limits is an emotionally charged book about a broken girl and a troubled boy who find comfort in each other as their worlds continue to shatter around them. It is the most heart-wrenching of romances, wrapped in a poignant tale of family and acceptance while coated with bittersweet humour. In other words, it made me cry. Non-stop, in fact. Either I’m turning into a big softie or Katie McGarry really knows how to craft a beautiful and accessible story that is bound to leave an impression. I have a feeling it must be the latter.
It’s so hard to pin-point the exact reasons this book worked, but Noah and Echo sure did play a significant part. They are by no means simple characters, or even particularly easy to like at first, but you can’t help but root for them as the story progresses. Their problems are so raw, but never unrealistic, and much more the main focus for me than the romance. From Echo’s troubles at home with her controlling father and irritating stepmother, to Noah’s struggles in piecing his family back together, there were many different issues in need of solving and the journey to the finish line was a powerful one.
How can I describe Noah? A bad-boy sounds almost like an insult in this case, but I suppose on the surface that is what he is. Dig deeper and we find a strong-willed young man with nothing but determination to ensure his younger brothers, Tyler and Jacob, are safe and happy. He is a dangerous flirt, and an incredibly entertaining one at that, but he is also so much more. I wish Echo’s character had shown as many layers as Noah’s, but in the end, I liked her too.
Echo and Noah share a split narration, something that I don’t always warm to, but it worked remarkably well in this book. Katie McGarry did a superb job handling both points of view. This, of course, helped craft the scorching chemistry between the two characters. Although I did think it developed a little rapidly, the romance was beautifully handled and interwoven into the plot with ease. Some of these scenes are so perfect, they are well worth reading twice.
This is one of those books I feel comfortable recommending to anybody. It’s too touching not to appreciate, regardless of the genre. Katie McGarry has left her mark on me and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Rating: 4 stars
Yeah ! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book, Sam. :) :)
ReplyDeleteNoah and Echo were definitely not simple characters. It was wonderful how complex they were. I have to agree with you on the part where you say calling Noah a bad boy is an insult. He was so much more than a bad boy. I loved getting to know the sweet guy behind that tough exterior too.
I agree with all the points you mentioned in your review. :)
Lovely review, Sam !
Ok I might just have to break down and request this. I love split narration becuase I love seeing things thrgouh both sides. Echo is definitely a different name. I like that you said that some scenes were so good you read them twice. I will definitely have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful review!!! I loved Pushing The Limits so insanely - it grabbed me exactly right. The mix of love, broken characters and vulnerability was intense and perfect! I loved what you said about Noah " A bad-boy sounds almost like an insult in this case, but I suppose on the surface that is what he is". Who will not fall for this boy?
ReplyDeleteI usually don't gravitate towards books with a strong romantic plot either, but you're right, there is something about 'Pushing the Limits' that I find strangely alluring too. And wow, no romantic cliches, but in fact, intricate, realistic characters! ;) Yup, I'm reading this. :)
ReplyDeleteI never even considered reading this, not really, not even after reading so many wonderful reviews. But considering that you and I are both reluctant contemporary readers and that it takes a lot to pull us in, I trust you on this one. I've added it to my tbr. Noah sunds like a character I'd love to explore, and even though Echo didn't have his layers, I'm sure she'll keep me interested too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful review, Sam!
Fantastic review, Sam! <3 I'm torn on whether I want to read this one or not. Everyone seems to LOVE it though so I should probably give it a chance. Glad you loved it so much!
ReplyDeleteEverything I've heard about this book seems I N T E N S E. I've requested it on Netgalley and I'm crossing my fingers. Scorching chemistry sounds about right for this book! Magnificent review, S!
ReplyDeleteOne more thing we have in common: We both take recommendations to heart x) LOL like you, I never would've been so drawn to reading this book if it hadn't been for the gallons of gushing reviews! But each time I hear more about it now, I wish I could read it too -- it. Sounds. AMAZING! There are always so many things I love about your reviews that make them really easy to connect to, but my favourite thing is what you said about Noah being a bad boy on the surface yet so much more underneath. Those are my favourite types! :')
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing review, Sam! <3
Awesome review, Sam. I'm glad you liked it, and I cannot wait to read this book; thanks for making me even more anxious ^-^ I got denied at Netgalley, so I'll just have to wait till it comes out... which is almost a MONTH D: Pure torture. The story sounds so good... a troubled romance sounds just about perfect.
ReplyDeleteBeatriz
I love this review Sam!! This was an amazing story in so many ways. I found myself in tears a couple of times too. Poor Noah and Echo! :)
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhh I'm reading this right now Sam and am LOVING it! I'm only 100 pages in and I was a little worried about the split narration at first as well but now it's really working for me. So glad to know you enjoyed it, and I love how you described Noah.
ReplyDeleteThe reviews for this lately are insanely positive and I'm super excited to get to it (sidenote: this cover is really awesome!!). The characters are what attracts me to it they seem super real and complex and define the story. Plus I love dual narratives! Great review, Sam!
ReplyDeleteSAM! You really DID love this <3 From your description of Noah, he reminds me a little of Alex Fuentes from Perfect Chemistry- a bad-boy on the surface but a truly strong-willed young man when you dig deeper. Awwwwwwww....I'm scared I'll cry when I start reading this! Me + Crying DO NOT go well right now :/ But I'M SO DESPERATE TO READ THIS NOW!!! Brilliant review, Sam! I can't wait to start this :)
ReplyDeleteI really am so glad you enjoyed a contemp novel, Sam! And a non-Aussie one at that! I wish I'd liked this half as much as you, but it felt like SO many other contemps to me :(
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Noah had more to hi character than Echo did, good point!
i love how this a dual narration.have been waiting a while for this one . i even posted it as a wow post a couple of months ago
ReplyDeleteso exited
great review sam
I love contemporary novels but for some reason just wasn't interested in this one until I saw some of the positive reviews. Hopefully, this one will live up to the expectations you've created. I'm fully expecting to cry now ;) I love having multiple POVs as long as they're well done because you get a chance to know a whole bunch of characters more deeply so it's nice that you get to see both Noah and Echo in that way.
ReplyDeleteI only just skimmed your review because I hope to read this soon and don't want to find out anything. But like you, I was drawn to this one and I very rarely read contemporaries. Glad to see you enjoyed it though. I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteAw, a stunning debut that has left it's mark on you and I am dying to get my paws on it! I am so glad you enjoyed this one, fab review :) I hope to get this one soon!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this one. Thanks for the review, Sam. I might give this one a go when I'm finished with review books.
ReplyDeleteI love love love your reviews, Sam <3 I got this book based on a recommendation, so I'm so happy you liked it so much! This has just convinced me further that I need to get it as soon as possible. I'm in need of a good book with well-developed characters, contemporary setting and a good love story. I hope I like it as well :D
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many awesome things about this book, Sam, so I'm glad you liked it! It's odd when you find yourself drawn to a book for an inexplicable reason, but aren't you glad you trusted your feelings? :D I'm not much of a fan of split narration, but I'm happy to hear that it worked in this book. Echo and Noah sound like flawed, but likable characters. Thanks for the amazing review, Sam! *adds this book to my never-ending tbr*
ReplyDeleteSeriously, any time I'm debating over a book, I'm just going to come to your blog or serach your Goodreads and see what you thought of it. You have a way of deciding for me :) I got an email last night from the AUS publisher about reviewing this and while I love the premise, I only want to accept books that I'm REALLY excited for because my TBR is... ugh. Well, I'm pondering no longer. I AM CONVINCED OF THIS, SAM. Hell, if it were released already, I'd run out and grab a copy right now.
ReplyDeleteI love that it made you cry!! Any book that makes me cry is generally a hit. I'm especially eager to explore Noah, he sounds like a fascinating character and even though the romance had a fast beginning, the way it was explore sounds like it digs deep into your heart. Amazing review!
Just read you review again and am glad that this touched you so much. I'm so excited for the next book, Dare You To and see Beth's story! I hope it's as good as this one or even better. Great review, Sam.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful review. As bad as this may sound (I swear I'm not a sadist!), I would've wanted this if all you'd said was "it made me cry." Because the stories that get you so invested, so involved, caring so deeply for the characters that their troubles can elicit such a strong emotion . . . those are the stories I want to read.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Today I keep reading about titles I hadn't heard of before, and this one is no exception. It's the first time it's been brought to my attention, so thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful review Sam, after reading it I just wanted to pick this one up straight away! And yay for loving a contemporary! :)
ReplyDeleteNOW I'M RUSHING TO READ THIS. <3
ReplyDeleteGorgeous review, Sam! <3 You make this book sounds SO amazing! Pushing the Limits sounds so lovely and real. Me and my love for realistic fiction. <3 I just know that I have to read this after reading your review, Sam! I need to know what makes you want to root for the characters so much. :)
Ahh! I love your review Sam :D:D:D So excited to read this book now. <3 Have an ARC of it. :) With the pretty US cover (A) Hih ;p So glad it doesn't seem to be any sort of love triangle. And sigh. So glad you loved both characters :D And the romance. Oh. I need to read this soon. :) Thank you for sharing your thoughts. <3
ReplyDeleteAaw Sam you write the best reviews ever. Seriously!! <333 the way you describe this book is so magical and beautiful and amazing and touching. I LOVE what you said about Noah, and how he's a bad boy but there's more to him, beneath the surface. Because its true. No one should be stereotyped as 'the bad boy', or 'the nice guy' and stuff. Awesome sauce review Sam!! ILY and I love your amazing reviews. If anyone has doubts about reading this fabulous sounding book (WHY???), they should read this review. <333
ReplyDeleteI love this cover. Awesome review
ReplyDeleteLoved this one Sam! One of my favourite reads this year and I've been dying to discuss it with people since I read it way back in March. I adored everything about the book, especially Noah! Donna xoxox
ReplyDeleteAnother gorgeous review, Sam <3 Reading the second paragraph made me want to cry :') It sounds like a beautiful book and I have a thing for books that make you cry so I will definitely check this out when my summer break comes around, especially since you seem to have loved it! I've partly fallen for Noah already due to your lovely, poignant description of him :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a lovely review and I'm glad you enjoyed another contemp :)
Love the cover and awesome review. I really want to read this book :)
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