Katie McGarry captivated readers with her “riveting, emotional”* Young Adult debut, Pushing the Limits. In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.
Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves. ~ Goodreads
Review:
I absolutely love McGarry's Pushing the Limits series so I snapped this novella up right away.
The events take place after Pushing the Limits and before the upcoming Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2). Unfortunately I had forgotten quite a bit about PtL so I didn't remember Lila or the funeral (for Echo's brother) that led up to meeting Lincoln. Also, I read an ARC of DYT first so there were a few things that were out of order to me. Nothing horrible but enough to make me confused for the first few chapters.
Anyway……Even though this is novella length, the fact that Lila and Lincoln have been writing to each other for just over two years sets up a nice relationship between them so that things don't feel so rushed. They have become best friends and confidants through their letters until they realize that it might might be worth the risk to go for more.
Both Lincoln and Lila have issues they need to overcome. No surprise there. lol What I like is that they force each other to be better and say what needs to be said instead of using love/sex to make everything right. In fact they take things nice and slow…while still being sexy.
The one thing that didn't work for me was Lila's issue. She's afraid to be alone at home, afraid to go away to college alone. I could really relate to her, as a scaredy cat myself, but she was well beyond that. Barely able to go out her front door alone. While her parents were away on vacation, they left post it notes reminding her how to stay safe all around the house. O_O That seems like a pretty big thing to me but it was never explained and was resolved a little too easily.
Lincoln and Lila's story definitely could have filled a full length novel to really delve into things. But it was a sweet love story and quite enjoyable.
Final thoughts: I wish I had remembered more from PtL and read this before Dare You To because I was quite confused at first. Things are resolved a little too easily for Lila IMO but hey it's a novella and I just went with it because I liked Lila and Lincoln and I love Katie McGarry's writing - so I'll take what I can get ;-) I don’t think you need to have read Pushing the Limits to understand this novella – you just might not recognize the other characters or get as much out of is as those who did.
Author: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Buy the book! Crossing the Line
I thought this could have been a full length novel as well. There were parts that were a bit rushed but as its a novella I wasn't really bothered by it. Lila's inability to go anywhere by herself bothered me a lot.
ReplyDeleteI remember Lila from PtL but I don't remember a funeral either.
Lila's problem seemed so extreme that I wanted to know how it happened and what her family was like.
DeleteI mean, they left a post-it note not he door to check the peep hole first. That just seemed odd to me. As if there was a traumatic event that led to her behavior.
It was pretty good for a novella though and there is an epilogue to their story on her website.
I've heard nothing but great things about McGarry's writing, so I'm not surprised you enjoyed CtL. I wish it had been more satisfying for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Karen!
There was enough story there for a full length novel but it was still good and satisfying overall.
DeleteGood that their relationship didn't feel too rushed but it sounds like it would be nice if it was a whole novel.
ReplyDeleteThe letter writing helped me believe in them even though they only met once but I wish the story could have been fleshed out more. Some things felt rushed.
DeleteHmm! If I read this, I don't think I would remember much from Pushing the Limits either, ha. That's strange about Lila but I'm glad it was an enjoyable story. :D
ReplyDeleteI have the second book on my review list, but I think I'll skip the novella. Sounds like a good premise, but just lacks the pages to really pull it off. Doesn't sound bad though but I think I can skip it. Of course after saying this I'll probably get it and read it. LOL
ReplyDeleteI really should consider reading this series!
ReplyDeleteYea, I expected something more from Lila about why she doesn't want to be alone, but I liked them as a couple
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a cute read! I'll need to read this (and Pushing the Limits). I love the fact that they had been writing to each other. However, I might be annoyed at how scared Lila is. Great review!
ReplyDeleteLoving the sound of Lincoln and Lila , they sound like such a sweet couple.
ReplyDeleteI just never know about these..
ReplyDeleteI read the synopsis and this book doesn't sound like it's for me, but I keep hearing raves about it. I'm behind and gotta read it soon. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMaycee Greene (LinkHelpers)