Novella Review: Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry

Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing the Limits, #1.5

Published: April 1st, 2013

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

67 pages (ebook)

Genre: Contemporary young adult

Acquired this book: Bought

Warning: May contain spoilers

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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.

 

I have mixed feelings about ‘in-between’ novellas. Sometimes they seem gratuitous, and other times it’s like a welcomed treat, something to tide you over until the next installment in a series. For me, Crossing the Line was the latter. Lila and Lincoln’s story, while short, is full of emotion and heart. They’re both flawed and they both have issues, but they’re good for each other. Even from a distance, each was exactly what the other needed during difficult times.

McGarry has a real knack for getting to the heart of her characters and pulling out all their vulnerabilities, which makes it easy to connect with them. Lila’s insecurities and fears, Lincoln’s anger and frustration, they all come across immediately and you feel like you know these characters, even though we don’t have that long with them. Also, as a huge fan of Pushing the Limits, I was really excited to get a glimpse at the continuation of Echo and Noah’s story.

Crossing the Line is a story about when a chance encounter leads to something more - something amazing. During a time of difficult changes, Lila and Lincoln are there for each other. They’re flawed characters with a relationship that turns out to be perfectly imperfect. Pushing the Limits was intense and raw, and Crossing the Line is still emotional, but it’s sweeter and lighter. Novellas often leave you wanting more, and while I think this could have been a great full-length novel, I was left feeling completely satisfied with Lila and Lincoln’s story, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fans of contemporary YA. 

Favourite Quote:

“My home is a volcano, a constant gurgle of hot lava on the verge of explosion.” ~ Lincoln, page 8

{Read my review of Pushing the Limits}

 

Have you read Crossing the Line? How about Pushing the Limits? How do you feel about in-between novellas?

 

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