Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from 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. To enforce the rules. 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... 
{taken from goodreads.com}


This book had my name written all over it.  Misguided teenage girl crosses paths with straight-laced, wholesome teenage boy.  Boy attempts to save girl, but really ends up saving himself in the process.  I know this story has been told time & time again, but I always enjoy reliving it.  


This girl in particular, Meg, has blue hair, smokes pot, gets drunks, screws guys, and refuses to make any plans what so ever that may force her to stay tied down.  She is wild and uncontrollable, but as the story unfolds little cracks start to show in her facade.  John is the straight A, goal driven, right path kind of guy.  He is also on the police force and happens to arrest Meg one night on this fateful bridge that holds such a strong significance through out the story that it could almost be considered a character of it's own.  Meg's punishment is to spend her spring break riding shotgun next to John and see things from another set of eye's.  Perhaps eyes that would teach her not to push the limit because you never know, it might just push you all the way over the edge.


As they spend more time together, it becomes obvious that Meg forms a crush on John and vice-versa.  However, since their backgrounds are so different, neither one wants to admit their feelings for the other.  Meg plans to leave town after graduation and never come back.  John plans to stay in this town and never move up in the police force.  Both are hiding deep secrets that are just too painful to ever surface.  They don't realize just how alike they really are.


Going Too Far is a beautifully written story about realizing your fears, dealing with the pain, and moving forward.  Love can be found in the least likely situations.  Will Meg overcome her fear of being handcuffed & locked down, even if it is John's handcuffs who hold her tight?  I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone.  I'm planning to read more from this author as well.