ARC Review: Take Me On by Katie McGarry

TAKE ME ON

Pushing the Limits Series #4

by Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (May 27, 2014)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
Format: eARC (544 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher (NetGalley) for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Summary
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.

At A Glance
Loved everything about Take Me On.

The Good
I have to be honest. I was not looking forward to West's story. I didn't like him in Crash into You. But West totally redeemed himself in this book. There was so much more to him then I first thought. He has a lot of guilt because of his sister's accident, which in a roundabout way is a little his fault. He doesn't always make the best decisions, but he often has the best intentions. West also has a temper which gets him in trouble...a lot. But this is all part of West's charm. He is flawed but he has this huge heart that just makes you melt. His family is effing outrageous. Rich but dysfunctional to the max. I think he handled them the best he could, but near the end, he completely took control and I was so proud of him. West really grew, and I think Hayley had a lot to do with that.

Hayley's family life is even worse than West's. Her parents are useless and, because of her  secrets, her brother and cousin don't trust her. Hayley is pretty much taking care of her family as best she can in her horrible uncle's house. And with an abusive ex making her life even more terrifying, Hayley feels completely alone, just the way she planned it. She doesn't want to trouble anyone with her problems for fear of dragging them down with her. That was until West helped Hayley during a bad situation despite her reluctance. Hayley really was a strong person but she also didn't know when to ask for help. I love how West forced her to accept him and his help. Making her finally show some vulnerability and admit she needs someone on her side. I think that's why these two worked so well together, they both made the other stronger.

The plot was so stressful and intense. Hayley had to prepare West for the big fight for her honor. Even though West is a fighter, he is not a trained fighter. I loved reading about these two training. It was sexy and fun, but also emotional since Hayley hadn't stepped foot in the ring since a bad incident scared her off. I loved all the in-between and the end of this story. The concept was interesting and it all flowed well. The writing was spot on, as well as the dialogue.

The feels in this book are hardcore. I felt teary-eyed the whole time. The pain these characters go through was almost too much. It was depressing but oh so good at the same time. Be ready for a whole bunch of heartbreak with a side of fun and drama.

And can I say, Abby is badass! I can't wait for her story. She is becoming my fav character of the whole series.

The Bad
There was nothing that I didn't like. If I looked hard enough, I could probably find some issues, but for me it all worked while I was reading.

The Snuggly
It takes forever for Hayley and West to get together with all the drama going on around them, but I loved the slow romance and hot flirting. West and Hayley have very different lives but they are kind of in the same situation when they first meet. I loved how easily they clicked and how their chemistry sizzled off the pages.

Some sexual situations but all YA appropriate.

Final Thoughts
Take Me On was just as amazing as the first book of the series, which was my favorite. I had fun the whole time and the feels almost killed me but this book was worth the small death. I can't wait to see who's story we get next. Very highly recommended.

Quotes
"She and I are like two separate halves to a whole. Separate in that two of us could live life apart and be successful, but when we are together - when we are whole - that's when the magic begins."


"Because you're the girl I've been waiting for. If you want to break up, then you're going to have to do it because I won't. You're it for me and I'm not walking away."


"I'm here, Haley," he says. "You're not alone."
"Do you know what my favorite part of the day is?"
West settles his head into the pillow. His mouth continues to drift against the curve of my neck; then he lazily kisses the sweet spot near my hairline. "When?"
"Those brief few seconds when I wake up and I forgot and I think I'm at home."
"Until now, that's also been my favorite part of the day. Sleep Haley. Sleep knowing tonight, I'm not letting go."

Pushing the Limits Series:

Book #1: Pushing the Limits

Book #2: Dare You To

Book #3: Crash Into You