Review: Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry

Crossing the Line

(Pushing the Limits # 1.5)

By: Katie McGarry

Pub. Date: April 1, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 67

Source: Bought

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.

When Lila and Lincoln meet at Echo's brother funeral they promised to write to each other and that is exactly what they did for the past 2 years. They know everything about each other, and they shared secrets that they would never dare tell anyone else. Everything changes when Lila finds out Lincoln lied to her. Lincoln will do anything to get her to forgive him, including driving 10 hours to see her.

Katie McGarry writes amazing, realistic characters with amazing connections to each other. Echo and Noah, Beth and Ryan, and now Lila and Lincoln! I loved these two together. I loved the trust they had for each other, their sweetness and their friendship. You wouldn't think that in 70 pages, McGarry will be able to write such realistic and fleshed out characters, but that is exactly what she did. I really felt like I knew Lila and Lincoln just from this novella.

In the beginning of each chapter, we get a snippet of the letters they sent to each other. You could tell that they weren't just pen pals. They were so much more, and I love that we got a glimpse of their journey together through these letters.  

Even if you aren't a fan of novellas, I think this one is worth it. It will definitely get you excited for what McGarry comes up with next!