Crash into You by Katie McGarry

November 19th, 2013 Kimberly Review 70 Comments

19th Nov
Crash into You by Katie McGarry
Crash into You
by Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

Crash into You by Katie McGarry shares with us Isaiah Walker’s story and one I was anxious to read. I have loved Isaiah since the beginning of the Pushing the Limits series and like many was slightly disappointed that he didn’t get his happily ever after with Beth. McGarry had Rachel Young waiting in the wings and the tale that unfolded was enjoyable and kept me turning the pages. Mini-review: sweet, well paced and engaging.

Isaiah needs money to help pay the rent for the dive he shares with Noah and ends up in a street race. He is looking to work with Eric the local street king and thug. Rachel Young is a child of privilege, a misfit and the pressure to be perfect sometimes becomes too much. Her love of fast cars keeps her from going over the edge. A chance encounter at a gas station has her racing that night. When cops arrive Isaiah steps in and help her escape. The tale that unfolds is romantic, sweet, suspenseful, and has heart-stopping moments.

Isaiah is such a walking contradiction. If you saw him walking down the street, you would see tattoos, piercings and an overall bad-ass. Which is exactly what he wants you to see, but on the inside, he is filled with determination, sweetness, heartbreak and such loyalty it’s heartbreaking. He may be a child of the system with a chip on his shoulder, but he is also smart, motivated and resourceful. You would expect to open up his juvey file and see arrests but you will find nothing because Isaiah has a plan. Rachel Young is also seventeen and has a household full of brothers who have kept her from getting to know the opposite sex. She comes from an upper-class nuclear family, and she too is a walking contradiction.  The interaction, banter and romantic moments between them are sweet, tender, and hopeful.  I felt their connection and understood their pain. Both of them are flawed and have secrets, fears, desires, and it was wonderful that they found someone they could open up to. Eric the local king thud and villain created tension. I just wanted to meet him in a dark alley and go all ninja on his ass. Let me know if you want to join me. Noah, Echo, Ryan, and Beth all make appearances. Abby, Isaiah’s friend, proved to be a very enjoyable character, and I am hoping McGarry shares her story because the girl has spunk.

Crash into You was low on the romantic angst and eased into the romance. McGarry shared this tale from Isaiah’s point of view, and I loved getting inside his head. Car racing legal and illegal are a part of this tale, as well as the inner workings of street gangs. It also touches on stress, family pressure, dysfunctional families and preconceived prejudice. McGarry only skimmed the surface of these issues keeping the focus on the romance. She did, however, add in concerned adults; family members and all of them recommended professional help…Hallelujah. The plot was well paced, and while the romance had moments of “insta-love” it slowly developed and I appreciated that. The tale itself didn’t have the emotionally draining relationship drama we saw with Ryan and Beth and for that I was grateful. The conflicts and twists throughout the tale kept me searching for my HEA.

Fans of the series, flawed characters, and swoon-worthy romances will enjoy Crash into You. While I totally recommend, you start with book one of the Pushing the Limits series but each is designed to work as a standalone. Take Me On the fourth book will feature West Young.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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70 Responses to “Crash into You by Katie McGarry”

  1. Lexxie

    Wonderful review! I loved getting to know Isaiah better, too, and he probably is better of with Rachel than with Beth. I loved how he could soften up and care for her under his tough and hard exterior.

    Happy reading 🙂

  2. tonyaleeh

    I was actually pretty hesitant because I was SO MAD at Isaiah in Dare You To. But it is my favorite in the series!

    I really loved the plot here and I thought she did a great job with the setting and descriptions (Trust me.. HAHA)

    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes we all were a little sad about book two and Isaiah but she came through and Rachel was a better choice 🙂

  3. aurian

    This is the third review I read today of this book, and everyone tells me something else. I am glad you enjoyed it Kimba.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      haha, well if the reviews are written well, you should be able to discern from them whether or not this one is for you.

  4. Melissa

    I loved the first book, but haven’t continued the series for some reason, but your review made me really want to go get them now. I’m glad there wasn’t insta love. And I didn’t realize it had to do with car racing, but the cover makes sense now haha. Great review!

  6. Trish

    I wasn’t gone on the racing car setting but I loved the characters. Really, really enjoyed it and so happy to finally see Iasaiah get a break!

  7. Kristin

    I thought it was kind of angsty – I’m completely sure I have the wrong definition of angst! I must look that word up again 😀

    Awesome review!! I really loved this one (my review is going up this week) b/c I totally fell for Isaiah in this one – I was never a fan of his before – weird, I know!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      compared to Beth’s tale I felt it was low on angst. LOL def of angst: a strong feeling of being worried or nervous : a feeling of anxiety about your life or situation.
      I loved Isaiah from the get go, but ended up loving him even more in this one 🙂

  8. Pamela D

    I am so excited to hear that there were adults and professional help in this book! I started growing tired of YA, because there never seemed to be any adults in the books; teens were just running around doing whatever they wanted.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed, although they still manage to get away with a lot..LOL

  9. Candace

    Of all the zillions of reviews I’ve read this for, I think your review has me the most anxious to pick this up. I love when the characters are so different on the outside then they are on the inside. Like Isaiah, all tough on the outside but gooey goodness on the inside.

  10. Christy

    I was glad McGarry squashed his and Beth’s relationship, it was beyond unhealthy. Romantically, anyway. I sooo badly want Logan and Abby to get together. I’ve loved Logan since the 2nd book, and know there is so much more to Abby. I’m excited for more West, though.

  11. Braine Talk Supe

    I can’t wait to read this! I’m on a contemporary streak this week and this might be the perfect time to squeeze this in! OMG KMcGarry is just on fire with this series and Isaiah’s IMO is the best one yet (I hope!)

    P.S. Thanks for still visiting my blog when I was away, I really appreciate the support 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe anytime Braine..I know you would do the same 🙂 I comment cause I <3 ya, not because I expect a comment back 🙂

  12. Gina

    Egads! I still have to read book 2! *-* Definitely adding this one to my wish list though…LOVED the first and from what I’ve heard, they only get better. Thanks for the share!

  13. Heidi

    I still need to read book two! I am so happy to hear that this eases into a nice romance without a lot of drama and angst. So tired of drama! I have my copy, need to crack it open!

  14. Ginny

    This is one of those series that I have seen everywhere but haven’t had a chance to read yet. I love that your connection to the series and the characters comes across in your review. Once again, I am going to make myself a note to read this series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I waited almost a year to start this series and I’m glad I did, its been a fun ride 🙂

  15. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I’m so with you on this review! I really enjoyed this one and I was so happy she did an Isaiah book. I know that West’s book is next, but I’m with you and I want an Abby book too! I really enjoyed her in this story and with as much as she was present in it, I do think we are being set up for her story down the road. 🙂 Maybe with Rachel’s twin? Hm…. the possibilties… LOL

  16. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    It’s exactly the walking contradiction part that didn’t work for me at all. McGarry is prone to creating these hard on the outside, soft on the inside, easily misjudged characters and it bothers me to a certain extent. In addition, Rachel not standing up for herself got really old really fast. I was promised a street racer!
    Unfortunately, I didn’t have much luck with this book so this is where McGarry and I part ways. I’m glad you enjoyed it more.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, I like walking contradictions. I would have liked more racing and a tougher Rachel, but enjoyed it 🙂

  17. Dragana

    I am still waiting for my request on NetGalley to be approved for ‘Crash into You’ (hey at least it’s not rejected). If not in 7 days I’m buying a copy of this book. I can’t wait to read what will happen next. 🙂 I’m glad to hear it’s good as the rest of the series. And Isaiah definitely deserves his HEA.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hope the request comes through, if not enjoy this was delightful 🙂

  18. Michele

    I love this fabulous review! We are definitely on the same page with this one. I am SO joining you in kicking Eric’s ass! And then you and I are going for coffee after, hehe. Thank you for this beautiful review — you make me want to read Crash into You all over again! *hugs*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Coffee sounds good, it shouldn’t take us too long to make that little snot run home to his mommy 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Don’t feel bad, I wasn’t going to read these at all since YA contemporaries always fall short for me, but I won Pushing the Limits and was sent a copy of book two for review and the next thing ya knew I was gushing like the rest of them..LOL

  20. Sam

    I think this is probably my least favourite of Katie McGarry’s books (I’m reading it at the moment and should be done soon), but I agree that it’s engaging overall. The romance also had shades of insta-ness for me in places, though it hasn’t been too bad. I’m definitely looking forward to West’s book! Great review, Kimba. 🙂

  22. Kim { Book Swoon }

    I’m so glad you like Crash Into You as much as Pushing the Limits, which I still need to read! I love when the characters are walking contradictions- and this series seriously and romance sounds pretty amazing. i need to get to it 🙂 Thanks for sharing the Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh my..yes you need to read Pushing..I waited about a year after its release and it was amazing 🙂

  25. Jenny

    “I just wanted to meet him in a dark alley and go all ninja on his ass.”

    I’m there Kim! *assumes intimidating ninja stance* While we’re at it, can we go all ninja on Rachel’s parents as well? They could use a bit of a shake for sure:) I’m so glad you loved this one, I absolutely adored it. It was so nice to finally be in Isaiah’s head for a bit! I can’t wait for West’s story, like you said, we’ve just scraped the surface with that family.

  26. Jenea

    I skimmed your review, I have this one to read soon. I am so happy that there are parents that are involved. Yay! Great review. I’m glad that it was so good. Can’t wait to read it. Isaiah… *sighs*

  27. kindlemom1

    I need to start this series! Why have I been waiting so long? I know I will love it. I feel overwhelmed now though, I am so behind!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      it took me well over a year to read book one and then I was kicking myself….start, and start soon!!

  29. Nick

    Yes, I’m with you. I was glad that this one didn’t have the emotional angst level that Beth and Ryan had in their relationship. That one drove me crazy with the obstacles they both had to overcome.
    I really liked Isaiah and Rachel’s characters as well and I agree that this did have shades of insta-love to it.
    Lovely review, Kim.

  30. Mary

    You’re so right — they’re both walking contradictions. Maybe that’s why they fit together so well. I didn’t mind the moments of insta-love because it wasn’t full blown and it was realistic in the sense of teen love. Such a cute story!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree and she then allowed it to develop from trust, and respect 🙂

  32. Tanja

    This insta-love here was one of the rare that didn’t bother me that much. I can say a lot good things about Katie’s writing but her love interests are always so predictable. Still her romance building is amazing. So happy you enjoyed this one, Kim. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree she backed it off a little and allowed the fire to burn 🙂

  33. Jeann

    Love the flawed characters in this one and the minimal angst. Yes please, I’ve been looking for a series like this. Great review!

  34. Lauren

    Wonderful review! I agree totally with you. It was low on the romantic angst, but I’m actually relieved. We had more than our fair share in the last book. I love that most of the issues were realistic and that these books aren’t just all about romance, but more serious issues. Lovely review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Lauren, agreed and while she mentions these issues, I am glad wrong or right that adults, and help are mentioned.

  35. Jennifer Bielman

    Pretty much agree with everything you said. The plot made me so nervous though. I am stressed just thinking about the whole situation, but the romance was so sweet. My review is in Dec!.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Looking forward to your thoughts, and of course waiting on the next book..LOL