Pushing the Limits

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Received ARC from NetGalley

From GoodReads:
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.

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I have to put some lighter reading at the top of my TBR pile y’all! Pushing the Limits wrung me out emotionally. But in a good way. :)

Echo and Noah are two prickly characters. Yet, I ended up loving them both. They’ve both endured unspeakable tragedy. Making their circumstances even more tragic, Echo can’t remember the details of the night her life really changed and Noah’s life keeps punching him in the gut again and again. Neither wants anyone to get close because that can only lead to hurt. So Echo tries to be invisible and Noah lives up to his pothead/love ‘em, leave ‘em reputation. However, as they get to know one another they find allies and confidants, plus an undeniable attraction.

Ms. McGarry covers a lot of topics in this novel. There is bipolarism, the war in Afghanistan, death, and issues within child protective services. She does so beautifully. I was drawn into these characters’ lives and felt emotionally invested in them. I cheered for Echo and Noah. In each other they’ve found a person they can trust which enables them to move on with their lives. I was happy that Echo found her truths and survived them. They were some extremely difficult truths and memories. I was also pleased with the resolution between Noah and his brothers. I think what resonates with me most is Echo’s and Noah’s willingness to endure so much, even the unknown, to feel normal and to know love.

And, of course, I can’t go without mentioning the supporting cast of characters. Even though they weren’t all likeable, they were all well developed and added a lot of depth to the story. I will definitely read more of Katie McGarry’s work.