I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Published by Harlequin on April 30, 2013
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Love & Romance, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Runaways, Young Adult Fiction / Art, Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age, Young Adult Fiction / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes, Young Adult Fiction / Loners & Outcasts, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Dating & Sex, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Poverty & Homelessness, Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Pages: 403
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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So wrong for each other…and yet so right.

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.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common.

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.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Pushing the Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing the Limits, #1

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: July 31, 2012

Pushing the Limits dives deep into the struggles of two teens scarred by trauma, grief, and broken trust. Katie McGarry explores themes of mental health, identity, and resilience with a serious tone that doesn’t flinch away from the harsh realities many young adults face. While the writing is strong and the story impactful, the emotional weight may feel overwhelming depending on the reader’s perspective.

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THE STORY

This wasn’t an easy book for me to get through—not because of the pacing or writing style, but because of the emotional heaviness baked into the storyline. Echo and Noah have endured more pain than most adults, let alone teenagers. As they each wrestle with their pasts, they’re also trying to navigate a present filled with secrets, mistrust, and institutional failure.

The themes are important, but at times, I found myself wondering: Where are the adults who were supposed to protect these kids? As a parent of a teenager, I couldn’t help but mourn the loss of their innocence. These are the kinds of topics that matter, but they also left me feeling emotionally drained rather than uplifted.

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THE CHARACTERS

Echo is a girl haunted by a traumatic event she can’t remember, and her vulnerability is often palpable.

Noah, branded as a troublemaker, is desperately trying to reunite with his younger brothers after being shuffled through the foster care system.

While their emotional connection felt genuine at times, I personally had a hard time fully connecting with their romance. The story often leaned heavily on their trauma as the main bond, which made their relationship feel more like survival than healing.

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STEAMOMETER

🔥 Low to Moderate

The romance is emotionally charged but not explicit. There are intimate moments, but nothing graphic. Teens 14+ should be fine reading this, though the subject matter may require parental awareness.

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OVERALL THOUGHTS

There’s no denying Pushing the Limits is well-written and emotionally intense, but for me, it leaned too far into the dark without offering enough hope or lightness. While I respect the author’s bravery in tackling tough issues, I personally found it hard to enjoy the reading experience because of how heavy and sad the story made me feel.

That said, this book could be a lifeline for a teen who feels unseen or unheard. Echo and Noah’s pain is real—and for someone who sees their own story in theirs, this book may feel like a mirror and a beacon. I’d recommend it with the caveat that it’s not light YA romance; it’s deeply emotional, and at times, overwhelmingly so.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie McGarry writes emotionally driven young adult romances featuring complex characters, broken systems, and second chances. Her debut, Pushing the Limits, launched a bestselling series known for tackling real-life issues with raw honesty and heart.

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Disclosure:

This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, ratings, and opinions are my own.