Breaking the Rules by Katie McGarry
Dear Reader,
Echo and Noah aren’t in high school anymore, and the rules have changed.
Immediately after they graduated at the end of my very first novel, Pushing the Limits, Echo and Noah took off across the United States in their quest for freedom, for self-discovery and to figure each other out as a couple.
Breaking the Rules takes place during one week near the end of their road trip, and follows Echo and Noah’s first steps toward adulthood during that exciting and frightening time right after high school. Because of that, this story does deal with more mature themes, and I confess I swooned, blushed and cried several times while writing it.
Those of you who have read Pushing the Limits will understand my tears. Echo and Noah have been through a lot in their eighteen years and, at the end of Pushing the Limits, they saw their first rays of hope for a better life, but, truth be told, they still have a lot of emotional baggage to deal with before they can truly find happiness. This is the reason why I decided to continue their story. I wanted these two characters I had fallen in love with to find true happiness, and that meant there were several demons they had to face down first.
I’m honored that I was given the opportunity to write Echo and Noah’s continuing story, and I’m very proud of how Breaking the Rules turned out.
In case you’re wondering, Breaking the Rules takes place in the time period between the end of Pushing the Limits and the beginning of Beth’s novel, Dare You To. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but readers who have followed the rest of the series might enjoy the subtle nods to my other books. For example, Dare You To fans might remember exactly why Beth has a love/hate relationship with the Yankees, while those of you who’ve read Crash Into You know where Isaiah’s hope for a happily-ever-after ultimately leads him.
I hope that while reading this book you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll fall in love all over again with Echo, Noah and the friends who become their family.
With lots of love,
Katie McGarry
Acknowledgments
To God: NIV Isaiah 43:18—Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
For Dave: Because real love means walking hand in hand even during the rough times and during the questions that feel impossible to answer. There is no other person on earth I’d rather have by my side in those difficult moments, as you forever bring me hope.
Thank you to…
Kevan Lyon—This journey would be close to impossible without you. Thank you just doesn’t feel like enough.
Margo Lipschultz—I have loved Echo and Noah from the moment they appeared on the page, and I wasn’t sure anyone else could love them as much as I do until I met you. Thank you for all your faith in me and in them.
For everyone at Harlequin and Harlequin TEEN who has helped me with this book and the others in this series. I am honored to have such an amazing team surrounding my books.
Angela Annalaro-Murphy—I am truly blessed to have you as a friend, a best friend…a sister.
To Kristen Simmons and Colette Ballard—One of the best parts of this journey has been meeting the two of you. Thank you for your fantastic friendship. I love you both!
Kelly Creagh, Bethany Griffin, Kurt Hampe, Bill Wolfe and the Louisville Romance Writers: Thank you for your continued love and support!
To my readers: Echo and Noah’s continuing story is possible because of your support. You have no idea how much I appreciate you all!
As always, to my parents, my sister, my Mount Washington family and my entire in-law family—I love you.
Noah
Echo shifts, and the cold rush of air against my skin causes my eyes to flash open. The Colorado State Park Ranger for the Great Sand Dunes wasn’t kidding when he said temperatures drop overnight. I stretch the muscles in my back then turn onto my side in order to touch Echo again. My palm melts into the curve of her waist.
She’s curled in with her back to me, and she’s tugged the blanket tight to her neck. Her tank top no longer provides protection against the elements. Last night was hot, in more ways than I can count, and the cover wasn’t required for any of our activities—neither for the sleeping nor the kissing. Without a doubt, this has been the best damned summer of my life.
Outside the tent, birds chirp, and off in the distance an engine sputters to life. Gravel cracks as a car leaves the campground. Echo releases a contented sigh. She’s gorgeous in her sleep. Her red curls flow over her shoulder, and a few strands cover her face.