I won't be able to leave a review for this book; I requested it in a past lifetime of my NetGalley use and it no longer fits with my reading interests. If I ever do end up reading it I'll come back and update this!

Opposites attracts, sadly the characters did not appeal to me. The novel was sold as a story for fans of Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry. Sadly this story was more a cliché in a negative way, sometimes cliches works, this time it didn't. I liked the way Kate McGarry portraited a dawning crush and she has a knack of telling a story of people in difficult situations. A messages that shines throughout the novel is to remember that people who experiences difficulties still needs love from friends and family. Sometimes people shy away from a person who has experienced loss or other hardships, thinking the person wants to be alone when all they need is someone to be there for them. All in all an ok read.

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend! The writing was great and fast-paced, which I love. The plot was very unique. The world of the story really grabs you from the beginning, making it easy to identify with the characters. I loved getting to see both perspectives in the book. While Noah was frustrating to read from sometimes, ultimately seeing his point of view helped my understanding of the story. Though there were definitely some cliche tropes here, they didn't feel cliche! Bad boy, step mom, distant father, etc. They all worked and felt fresh and real.

When I saw this book and some good reviews of it on Goodreads, I became excited to read it. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be releasing until July 31st. When I found it on Netgalley, I requested it and was happy to be accepted. This book is an amazing blend of characterization, plot, and romance. I loved it!

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

This book is narrated in dual POV by both Echo and Noah. Sometimes, in multiple POV books, I end up liking one POV more than the other. Luckily, this was not the case in Pushing the Limits. I loved the entire book, no matter who was narrating. The first narrator is Echo. She has scars from an incident with her mother, but she has repressed the memories of it. She is working with her therapist to gain her memory back. Noah is an amazing guy who had lost his parents in a fire. He has been sent to several foster homes, and his brothers are in another foster home. Though on the outside he appears to be a drug user who usesgirls, on the inside he is a great guy and a wonderful older brother. He may be one of my favorite guy characters ever.

The secondary characters are also interesting and well-developed. Echo's dad and stepmom, Ashley, have made some mistakes, but they really do care about Echo. They have to work on helping her understand that. I didn't really like Echo's ex-boyfriend, Luke, or friend, Grace, but I did like her friend Lila. Isaiah and Beth are both interesting characters. They are like a family to Noah. I look forward to finding out Beth's story in the next book. Noah's brothers, Jacob and Tyler, seem like nice kids. I am glad that Joe and Carrie are actually good foster parents, contrary to Noah's belief. Luckily, Noah is able to find a solution to seeing his brothers without taking them away from their new family.

The romance in this book is wonderful. Noah and Echo do not really see each other at the beginning of the book. They have to actually meet when their therapist, Mrs. Collins, asks Echo to tutor Noah. Though at first, they didn't like this idea, they both ended up being what the other needed. Each one helps the other work through his or her problems. They naturally progress into a couple who seem perfect for each other. I was glad they were able to work through all of their problems to be together.

If you like YA contemporary romance with some issues covered, read this book.

PUSHING THE LIMITS struck a few chords, it's relatable and tugged at all the right emotions. It brings together unique, quirky characters with a storyline that keeps you on edge.

Noah and Echo are both complicated characters with background and depth that allows the characters to tell and unravel their history with the reader. They both share strong feelings that are raw and painful. The author does an amazing job of communicating these emotions to the reader. Both characters are original in their own way and hold a strong voice and narrative of their own so you didn't have to worry about the alternating points of view because they're clearly made out.

PUSHING THE LIMITS explores problems and issues faced by teenagers and gives you a sense of hope in undertaking a challenge and coming out on top. The message is clear and really emotionally touched me because each issue holds a great importance in its own way.

I loved Noah and Echo's relationship, it had its ups and its downs, those really sweet moments together and moments where they had to face hardship together, each moment and event seemed to make each of them stronger as an individual but also the bond betweem them.

PUSHING THE LIMITS is definitely worth reading, it has its fair share of twists and turns with a distinct message to readers.

Pushing the Limits is one of the very first books that dealt with the new adult genre. The characters are very relatable and the story idea itself is just fabulous. It's the perfect start if you're new into the whole genre and want something more mature than young adult. The problems are bigger, but so is the romance, too. I enjoyed reading this book very much and am looking forward to read the other books in the series.

I love this book so much! She has a way of pulling you into the story and had me rooting for the characters. I enjoyed reading every single word of this story.

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the characters and the romance and I cannot wait to see what else Katie McGarry has in store!

Katie McGarry is one of my favorite YA authors, especially when it comes to contemporaries. She has this way of making them a bit edgy, sexy and sultry, instead of pink fluff and rainbows. This was a bit of a cliche story at times, but it was such a fantastic story, and a very quick read.

*I never got around to reading and reviewing this book. I may do so in the future*

Learning Limits
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

* ARC provided by the publisher for review and read via NetGalley


5 out of 5 gnomes

This is one of those books that just keeps drawing you in. I found myself utterly absorbed while reading it, I stayed up until three in the morning on multiple days until I finished.

There is indeed a lot of pushing the limits throughout the book, just like the title implies. You see the limits of families and really the limits of sanity too.

Echo and Noah definitely have some serious issues but their chemistry is pretty darn electric. I love getting to read both of their perspectives throughout the book. They both aren’t exactly sure how to be in a good relationship but you get to see them discover more about themselves and each other. They really do grow up as the book progresses.

Echo’s mom is more than a little crazy. There are hints of how crazy but when Echo finally remembers what happened on the day she can’t forget it leads to an intense fallout. This is not something you easily heal from and it’s understandable why Echo had forgotten the whole day.

Mrs. Collins has to be one of the most well written adults that I’ve seen in YA books lately. She’s a great therapist that just seems to see right into these kid’s psyches. I like how subtle she was and how she stood up for both Echo and Noah. Especially a certain scene with Noah towards the end because you could see that she too was broken hearted/emotional over the choice that he had to make.

These characters feel very real and you’ll find yourself worrying about how they’re going to end up. This is an engrossing read and I know I for one can’t wait to read what McGarry writes next.

Oh, WOW. This book is absolutely fabulous. The story was so compelling that I couldn't stop reading it! I hated that I needed to go to work, because I would have rather read this awfully amazing book than work :P

Echo. Echo is a broken girl, to who her mother did some really awful things. Her Dad remarried with her nanny Ashley and Echo hated it. Her brother went to the Marines and he died. She felt so alone. On one hand she was broken inside, on the other she was so so strong. I really liked her and it was easy for me to connect with her. Don't we all have parents issues and insecurities about being accepted from others at school? I really felt her.

Noah. Oh God, this boy was somehow broken too, but in a different way. In the beginning he was kind of a jerk, but then the reader could see that underneath that strong composure there was a boy who has lost everything and was trying to save what was left to save. I loved him too.

And what's even more cool is that all the story revolves around a psychologist!! :P Mrs. Collins was just amazing! If I will decide to do therapy.. I hope someday I will be exactly like her. As an almost psychologist it was a delight to read how the therapy worked.

The book is written is such a beautiful way. The story is told in two points of view, from Echo's and Noah's and that was so great, because it gives the reader the possibility to see in both their heads. It was actually quite intriguing ;)

If you love reading about romance, parents issues, issues of growing up and all these mixed with some great deal of mystery, Pushing the limits it's the perfect book for you! ;) You won't be disappointed, because really, this book is made of awesome!

I enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel. Granted the formula of bad boy meets girl they fall in love and have impending obstacles is a little annoying, but I still devoured this book (and the sequels).