Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry Interview/Review & Giveaway "AUS ONLY"

Here's my interview with the wonderful Katie McGarry...

What or who inspired you to become a writer?

Writing is something I have always enjoyed. I had several teachers in high school who encouraged me to write, but I honestly didn’t begin to write until a couple of years ago. A story idea nagged at me so after my kiddos went to bed at night, I began to write.

Who is your favourite Author & what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I absolutely love The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. It was the very first book I ever stayed up all night to read. I connected completely with her characters and how they looked upon their friends as their family.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

In order to capture certain emotions, I had to let myself hurt with my characters. I cried quite a few times while writing this book.

What was your favourite chapter to write and why?

Echo and Noah playing pool was definitely my favorite to write. I absolutely adore their banter, the sexual tension, and how Echo blows Noah out of the water with her pool playing capabilities. Of course, Noah edges unbelievably close to Echo, places his hands on her body, and…well…you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next. ☺

What was the most surprising things you’ve learned in writing your book?

I lost my best friend quite a few years ago, but I hadn’t realized how much grief I had held onto until I wrote this story. As Echo and Noah worked their grief, I also discovered I was working through mine.

Do you ever experience writers block?

Yes. I usually experience writers block when I’m trying to force a plot point onto my characters that they don’t particularly agree with. Eventually, I’ll backtrack and let my characters take the steering wheel.

What is the last book you read?

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter. It is absolutely amazing!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to read. I also adore hanging out with friends and family.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I experienced a memory loss in second grade when I was bitten by a dog. In college, I regained the memory. I based some of Echo’s experience off of my own.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Broadway actress, but then I discovered I can neither sing nor dance.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write. Read. Find a great critique group. Never give up.

I began writing because I have characters alive in my mind and stories they demand for me to tell. I love the rush of my fingers tapping against the keys as I delve into a scene that’s been begging to be released on the page. Try to never lose that joy. 

Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you so much for supporting me, Echo, and Noah! You guys are amazing!

Light or Dark chocolate? Dark

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset

Dogs or Cats? Cats

Tea or Coffee? Neither

Favorite Colour? Blue

Favourite Disney movie? Brother Bear

 I would like to thank Morey Media and Katie McGarry for this interview opportunity. *Thank you for answering my questions and being on our blog, it's been a pleasure.* :)

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Title: Pushing The Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Release Date: 31st July 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Edition: ARC supplied by Harlequin Teen Australia

Goodreads Sypnosis:

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

A little teaser from goodreads...

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

My Rating: 5 AMAZING SASSY STARS

My Review: I'd like to thank Harlequin Teen Australia for sending me this book in return for an honest review. 

You know those books you just love so much, that your at a loss for words? Well, for me, this is one those books. My goodness, where to start...

First, I'd like to congratulate the author on a riveting debut novel. It's been awhile since I've read a story that truly pulls at the heart-strings, it had me reaching for the tissues quite a few times. This is a story that'll stick with you long after you've finished the last page, it just gets under your skin. So much emotion flows through those pages. Each and every word that has been written brings this story to life, the characters just felt so real to me.

Our main girl Echo, she's been through so much in the past year. Something happened to her that her mind has surpressed, one really terrible thing (I'm not gonna tell ya what) and her world was turned upside down. And on top of that, her parents divorcing, high school life going from popular to living in the shadows, losing her beloved brother, a stepmum from hell. From it all she meets the gorgeous (pot head boy, lol) Noah, who seems to bring something out in her that no other person ever has (except maybe her brother). Noah, he hasn't had an easy life either. Being thrown around from foster home to foster home. Also, fighting to get his brothers back. Echo and Noah's first encounter isn't a pretty one, but from than on the chemistry between them starts to get spicy! They are the missing pieces in each other's lives that they needed to keep going.

I know, I know such a short review...but this book just rendered me speechless, it's just brilliant!!!

This book is one that is meant to be on everyone's bookshelf ready to be picked up and read over and over again. There's something in this for everyone. :)

Here's the awesome trailer..



So, what you waiting for? Go pre-order your copy now and find out for yourself how amazing this book really is!!

AMAZON , THE BOOK DEPOSITORY , BARNES & NOBLE

Now on with the giveaway.. unfortunately this one is for residents of Australia only! Sorry, international peeps (keep your eyes peeled though, we will have more INT giveaways coming up).

Rules:   

*Fill in the rafflecopter form below
*Must be a blog follower
*Must be 15+ to enter
*One entry per person
*Giveaway is for AUS only!!

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