Latest Read: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Publication date: March 17, 2009
Publisher: MTV Books
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Purchased
Summary: All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school, her backwater town, her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far and almost doesn't make it back. John made a choice to stay, enforce the rules and to serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over.  (Adapted goodreads.com)

The good

Going Too Far took me by surprise. I had a day of errands ahead of me and knew I’d be waiting so I threw this book into my bag. I figured it would be a quick read (and it was!) but I didn’t expect to get so pulled into the story and its characters. It all starts off when Meg, the guy she’s seeing and their friends decide to mess around on the railroad tracks while drunk. Already you know this isn’t going to end well. The police come and arrest them before anything tragic can happen but one of the policemen, John, is determined to teach them a lesson. And for Meg, that lesson means riding around in a cop car with John himself.

Meg and John fit one of my favorite couple types - you know, the one that starts off all antagonistic but deep down you know they’re attracted to each other and challenge the other in a good way. Meg is ready to leave her town and everyone in it. She’s all blue hair and attitude, getting involved with the wrong guys. But underneath all that is an intelligent woman, with deep-seeded fears and most of all, strength. I had a feeling there was more to her behavior than what we, the readers, were being told. But I have to say the author completely took me by surprise! It explained a lot about Meg and helped to push her closer to John. John comes across older than he actually is and like Meg, he has his reasons (which I semi-guessed). I liked both the cop side of him and the teenage boy side when he let Meg get a glimpse.

In general, I just really liked the progression of their relationship and how Meg and John evolved from the beginning of the book. They both have boundaries and each pushed the other just a little bit until the walls eventually came down. It was an intense push-and-pull between them that kept me glued to the pages and totally along for the ride. But the end result wasn’t just about them getting together (although, c’mon - of course that was pretty hot). It was also about them facing their individual pasts and making the choice to look ahead to the future. Whether or not you relate to the characters or their situations, I think that message is a relatable one.

(No) reservations

None! I mean, there is conflict between Meg and her parents. We get the backstory on it and closure is hinted at. I wouldn’t have minded delving into that a little more but at the end of the day, I also think the book was just fine without it.

Do I recommend?

Yes! This was my third Jennifer Echols book and this is my second favorite (after Such A Rush). Her writing is engaging and I always enjoy the romances. So if that’s what you’re in the mood for, check this one out.

Happy reading!