Thursday, March 31, 2016

Review and Excerpt Tour: The Natural History of Us (The Fine Art of Pretending #2) by Rachel Harris @InkSlingerPR @RachelHarrisBks

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Rachel Harris's THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US is already getting swoons from readers everywhere! We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. Known for her sweet romances, Rachel's THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US, is no different! Check out everything we have for you on this amazing title and then go grab your copy today. Justin and Peyton’s story is sure to put a smile on your face and keep you turning pages long into the night!

About THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US:

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who's forever owned his heart.

Justin Carter has a secret. He's not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy...and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she'd ever forgive him.

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she's done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she'll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first.

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate's given him a shot at redemption, he's determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton...well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

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Brooke's Review:

I want to thank Spencer Hill Press for providing me with a copy of this book t read and review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

I didn't think Rachel Harris could outdo herself after The Fine Art of Pretending. I mean, that book was one of my favorite reads of 2014. And I wasn't a huge fan of Justin in that book. But it's always the guys that I really don't like that have the turn around and kick me right in the gutt! Yep, he stole my heart in this story and I will say it took me by surprise. Can you read this book without having read the first one? Sure you can. But you don't want to! I mean, you get to meet the characters that hold essential positions and then you get to see them even more in this book. Plus I don't think you can truly understand Justin until you know him from the first book!

Justin Carter, he's a cocky one. Knows what he wants and goes after it. No matter what. And he comes off as such a player in book 1. I really didn't want to like him in this book. But I knew Harris would change that for me. Justin is so much more complex than what he seems like on the outside. Truly he hides within himself so others can't see the pain he's suffered in the past. And he keeps secrets, because they are his to keep and doesn't want to break the trust of those who the secrets are about. He also shields his heart. He's had it ripped apart before and he's not willing to have someone trample all over it again: thus the player status. But there's one girl who can change that for him, even if she doesn't want to: Peyton Williams.

Peyton has a secret, and she has no intention of telling it. She's more worried about moving on from the past. She's put in place a wall to keep things where she wants them and Justin is not in that plan. He's hurt her in the past and she sees what he is now and doesn't want any involvement with him. So, of course, they get paired up for a school assignment and she has no choice but to interact. Funny how life throws right at her what she thinks she doesn't need. And yet, once they start spending time together, Peyton can't help but feel a pull towards Justin. The same pull she felt all those years ago when they were together.

What I loved most about this story was the love rekindled. I haven't read a story such as this in YA and Harris really hit the mark with it. Despite their past, Justin and Petyon still have chemistry that just hasn't died. Harris plays on that so well. It's this amazing push and pull that keeps you wanting to turn the page and find out just what is going to happen. And, while you root for them to be together, the wrench Harris throws in the mix has you reeling backwards and wondering if it's really the right choice.

Harris' writing flows well and her pacing is spot on. I've read her adult books, as well, and she doesn't stray from her ability to sink her claws into you with her plot lines and pull you through to the very last page. And I will say that she pulled tears from me with this story. It took a turn I just couldn't fathom. And the theme of the book, trust, runs throughout. In everything and anything the two do, you see it's all a matter of trust. I love this theme. It teaches so much about who they are and what they are willing to do.

Overall, I am going to come right out and say that I loved this book even more than the first. I didn't actually think that was possible. I love friends to lovers probably the most when it comes to romance. But it truly seems Harris has swayed me to loving a rekindling more than anything else!

If you enjoyed the first book in this series, I have no doubt you will love this one. Readers of Jennifer E Smith and Stephanie Perkins will eat this one right up. I wonder what Harris has in store for us next. Can she possibly top my love for my new book boyfriend, Justin? I guess time will tell.

You can order a signed and/or personalized copy of THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US now through April 8^th HERE!

Excerpt:

“Hold out your hand.” At the expression on his face, I rolled my eyes. “Just do it.” Cautiously, as if I was going to put out a cobra or something, he uncurled his fingers and lifted his palm. I dropped a small silver coin in the center. “For luck.”

Wonder warred with confusion in his gorgeous brown eyes and my heart melted.

“On this side there’s a horseshoe,” I said, my cheeks warming with a blush. “You know, the universal symbol for luck… and a small reminder of me.”

I bit my lip, hoping he didn’t think that was too corny—or that it revealed too much.

I flipped the coin over, exposing the other side, and my fingers slid across his rough skin. My breath caught. When I lifted my eyes, I found him watching me with so much intensity, so much heat, that an actual shiver rolled through me. Just like in my favorite books.

Huh. So that was what smoldering looked like. Good to know.

I swallowed hard and noticed him do the same, and nothing could hold back my smile. Justin glanced down and laughed. “Kick some ass!” he read, skimming his fingernail over my initials.

“I figured…” I cleared my throat. “I thought you could hide it in your sock or something,” I said, unable to tell if he liked the gift or not. He just kept staring at it. “If it’s dumb, you don’t have to—”

“No.”

He’d said it so quietly I almost wasn’t sure he’d spoken at all. But then he closed his hand around the coin and raised his head. Time ceased to exist as Justin’s eyes trailed across my face. I held my breath waiting and a sweet smile crossed his face.

“Damn.” He shook his head softly. “You’ve done it now.”

“What?” I asked, hoping whatever it was that it was a good thing. “What did I do?”

Justin merely shook his head again and smiled. “Wait for me after the game.” Shifting his gaze to the old concession stand, he took a step back and said, “Over there, okay?”

When I nodded, excitement lodging in my throat, making it impossible to speak, he winked and then took off to join his teammates. As I watched his cute butt in those uniform pants run across the field, a giddy grin found my lips.

And don’t miss Rachel Harris’s

THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING!

About Rachel Harris: New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!