Hit Me With Your Best Shot

"There's a peace in this moment--a settling in my soul.
Like I've been searching for home and finally found it."

--Katie McGarry, Take Me On

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 455

Publication Date: May 27th, 2014

Source: Bought

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Previous Books in Series: Pushing the Limits & Dare You To & Crash Into You

Goodreads Description

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

The Heat 

Katie McGarry knows how to write a story. She knows how to write a romance. And she knows how to get you emotionally invested in her characters. Oh. Em. Gee. It is crazy to me how each of Katie's stories in the Pushing The Limits world are so unique and special and separate from each other. I love Noah (NOAH!!!!) and Echo as much but differently than I love Isaiah and Rachel and Ryan and Beth and West and Haley. I find this quality as a write incredibly unique and special, just like her stories. It is so difficulty to evoke that kind of emotion time and time again with different characters because they all are so different. These stories are too legit to quit and these characters will always keep me coming back for more.

The Divide 

I say this with every Katie McGarry book but her attention to class and social spheres is amazing. The themes of her books of bringing two people together from vastly different economic standings and realizing that they are not so different after will never cease to amaze me. It is such a beautiful thing to tear down all social hangups and deal solely with the soul inside.

The Swoon 

I mean...kickboxing training, sweating, heavy breathing, hitting shit, cages...perfect recipe for hot, hot, hot kisses. The relationship between West and Haley was complex and didn't come easily. Their issues with trust was completely realistic and understandable and watching Haley work through her trust issues was beautiful. West has a few secrets of his own and I totally loved it (no spoilers, sorry). I loved that he loved how strong Haley was.

The Issues 

Katie continues to tackle very difficult emotional issues in her books. Abuse in all forms is represented in this book and how she tactfully and truthfully deals with them is something I love to read. It is refreshing to read about real life issues in a realistic way. There was no rushing towards healing, it takes time and it isn't easy. I love this about her books. Everything is not perfect in the end but we're on our way to healing. Love love love.

The Absence 

I know this is West and Haley's story and we got glimpses of Rachel and Isaiah but I would have loved to see a little Noah and Ryan and Echo and Beth. West and Haley were definitely not in the sphere of the other characters so I understand but I'm a greedy as hell PTL reader. Gosh I can't wait for the next book with Noah and Echo!!!!!!

Reserved Seating

This was yet another amazing addition to the Pushing the Limits series. The swoon, the characters, the emotional development, and the issues all come together to make an amazingly complete novel. If you have not read Katie McGarry yet I have no idea what the hell you are waiting for. You're missing out...on everything.