Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry

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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.


Review:

So you all know how much I loved Pushing the Limits and Dare You To.  I was excited when it was announced that Katie McGarry would be releasing a short story about Echo’s BFF, Lila.

When Lincoln’s brother died, he and his family attended the funeral of another soldier that died in the same attack.  That soldier was Aries Emerson.  The brother of Echo Emerson, our heroine from Pushing the limits.   The funeral does not provide the closure that Lincoln’s dad thinks it will but it does provide one thing that Lincoln never expected.  And that is someone with a shoulder for him to cry on.   That shoulder belongs to Echo’s best friend, Lila McCormick.  Lincoln and Lila connect right away at the service and continue to keep in touch over the next two years via written letters.

As their senior year comes to an end, Lincoln has to face the mistakes he has made that may cost him the friendship with the girl he loves and the future of a college education.  Lila has to face her fear and anxiety over the big changes she will experiencing – going to a college in a new state with out any of her friends that she was hoping would be there.  Together they might be able help each other correct mistakes and face the future.

I definitely recommend Crossing the Line.  This a short sweet story about two people trying to find a way to admit that they love each other as more than just the friends they claim to be.  Add in a little mystery with a hilarious and satisfying ending and you have great short story to hold you over until you get your on hands on Dare You To.

Nat