The Reading Realm

Showing posts with label Cora Cormack. Show all posts

{Tour Review + GIVEAWAY} ALL PLAYED OUT by Cora Carmack

33
COM

Title: All Played Out

Series: Rusk University #3

Author: Cora Carmack

Published: 12th May 2015

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by publisher for fair & honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.

Straight A’s? CHECK.

On track to graduate early? CHECK.

Social life? …..yeah, about that….

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience).

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities.

Item #1? Hook up with a jock.

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it.

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game.

Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.

REVIEW:

Opposites attract in ALL PLAYED OUT, with plenty of humour, romance and of cause her trademark awkward heroine moments!

The story:

Nell has always been very studious, working hard to complete her college degree earlier than most. But as her graduation looms, she starts to realise that maybe she's missed out on some of those college experience that everyone has. So what does a smart girl do? She makes a list of course! Nell's list of college things, including skinny dipping, college parties & hooking up with a jock. And it just so happens that Mateo Torres is on board for helping her tick some items off that list.

Teo is all about having wild crazy fun, and he wants to show Nell how much fun he can be. At first their adventures are all innocent fun, but it's not long before they both start to realise that there may be something more between them, than just a hookup. As their relationship intensifies, Teo's past comes back to haunt him. The question is, can their new found romance over it?

The characters:

Wow, I felt such a kinship to Nell, always making lists and choosing the 'safe' option. She's very innocent to the wild side of college life, but you can she that she's desperate to experience it all. It was so refreshing to see her challenge herself to do different things, rather than other characters pushing her out of her comfort zone. The list was her choose, her decision - it was Nell who wanted to make the change in her life, and I just love how empowering that was for her! She's a really kindhearted character and it was great to see that her personality need changed, she's still the same sweet Nell, but isn't afraid to live her life more now.

Mateo, Mateo, Mateo, what do say about you. I always thought he was a little to obnoxious for my liking, partying and not able to take anything seriously. But oh how wrong was I. Yes he's loud and shameless, but there are so many other layers to him. He's had his heart broken before and is just trying to forget by having carefree fun. But Nell changes all that and makes him face the feelings he's tried to ignore. Teo does a lot of growing up in this book, but he's still the shameless confident guy we all love.

The romance:

Loud/quite, outgoing/studious, sporty/academic - Nell & Teo really are the Yin & yang of romance. They are complete opposites in so many ways, and they challenged each other to see things from different perspectives. While things start out as just a bit of fun, soon they begin to develop deeper feeling for each other, and thing start to heat up! There was a lovely balance of genuine chemistry & steamy scenes, which is exactly what I look for in any contemporary romance!

The writing:

Every time I read one of Cora's books, I worry that this might be the one that disappoints me and makes me realise she's not a superhuman robot author unable to write anything but pure awesome…but no, I loved this book just like all her others!!! Her writing is as vibrant and humorous as ever, and of course her trademark awkward heroine moments. I've come to the conclusion that Cora is actually a superhuman robot author and I will love her books forever.

FINAL WORD:

I am absolutely loving this series!! Opposites attract in ALL PLAYED OUT, with plenty of humour, romance and of course her trademark awkward heroine moments!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / some sex scenes

Violence: mild / sports related injuries

Language: medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: medium / main characters get drunk

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

{Review + GIVEAWAY} All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

3
COM

Title: All Lined Up

Series: Rusk University #1

Author: Cora Carmack

Published: May 13th 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by publisher for fair & honest review

Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack follows up her trio of hits—Losing It, Faking It, and Finding It—with this thrilling first novel in an explosive series bursting with the Texas flavor, edge, and steamy romance of Friday Night Lights.

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

Cora's Trademark Humour & Endearingly Awkward Heroine!

REVIEW:

The story:

Dallas is trying so hard to find her own place in the world - most importantly separate from her father and football, that dominated her high school life. After having her heart broken by her ex boyfriend and star QB, she's sworn off footballers for life. After meeting and hitting it off with new guy, Carson, at a party Dallas thinks collage life in finally looking up, that is until she discovers Carson is on the football team.

Meanwhile, Carson can't believe that the quirky girl from the Rusk college party, is none other than the very off limits daughter of his new coach. With money being tight in his family, Carson is desperate to make the field in the coveted QB position to score a scholarship. And a girl, especially the coaches daughter, is a distraction he doesn't need.

Both have good reasons to avoid a relationship with each other, but the attraction between them is undeniable. Soon their reasons to stay away don't seem so important anymore.

The characters:

Dallas is such a relatable heroine. Some of her thoughts are things that we all think at times, but would never admit out loud - it was both hilarious and somewhat reassuring! At first Dallas was a little weak at standing up her father. She lets him make a lot of decisions about her life and it was great to see learn to take charge of her own future.

Carson, the deliciously sexy 2nd string QB was just perfect. He's tough, dedicated, with a kind heart and did I mention sexy as hell! He's extremely driven and has worked so hard to keep his spot on the team. And while he's not so strong in the academic side of things, I love that he still tries, it just highlighted his dedication.

The romance:

The chemistry between Carson & Dallas was fantastic! From the first scene where they meet it's clear there are sparks - hot fiery sparks!! But they both have reasons to keep away from each other, and watching them try to deny their feelings just added to the sexual tension! Their romance was slow to build as the got to know and trust one another, which made it all the more sweet and sexy!

The writing:

I love Cora's writing style, with her quirky sense of humour running through all of her books. Her heroines are always down to earth and extremely relatable. And with the perfect mix and sexy angst and hilarious'y embarrassing scenes, her books are always so much fun!

FINAL WORD:

With Cora's trademark humour and endearingly awkward heroine, All Lined Up is sure to be another winner!!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / sex scene

Violence: mild

Language: medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / some underage drinking, some reference to performance enhancing drugs and dealing

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Swoon Thursday #26

16
COM

Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.

This week, I’m SWOONING over:

Title: Finding It

Series: Losing It #3

Author: Cora Cormack

Published: 15th Oct 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon | Review

I'd thought maybe he's left, but then I heard his gruff voice behind me say, "F--k it," and his hands seized my waist and pulled me back against his chest. His wet clothing met my bare skin, and I shivered from the cold. His mouth found my neck, and those shivers became tremors. He nipped the juncture of my neck and shoulder, and I stumbled forward into the spray of the shower. I gasped when the water hit me, and he squeezed my waist, pulling my hips back against his.

He spun me around, and my back hit the tile wall just bellow the shower head. Water spewed down onto both of us, but he didn't seem to notice as he dragged my mouth to his. God, we needed to argue more often.

He kissed me hard, his tongue prying my lips open. He cupped my jaw, and angled my head to kiss me deeper. I grew dizzy with desire as his mouth plundered mine. I grasped his forearms, my fingernails biting into his skin."

Yes I know I'm evil for cutting the scene there, but you'll just have to read it!!

This book was filled with swoony moments, but after fighting his attraction for so long and then both of them getting caught in the rain, this scene was HOT!!!

ARC Review: Finding It by Cora Cormack

0
COM

Title: Finding It

Series: Losing It #3

Author: Cora Cormack

Published: 15th Oct 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find where you truly belong...

Most girls would kill to spend months traveling around Europe after college graduation with no responsibility, no parents, and no-limit credit cards. Kelsey Summers is no exception. She's having the time of her life . . . or that's what she keeps telling herself.

It's a lonely business trying to find out who you are, especially when you're afraid you won't like what you discover. No amount of drinking or dancing can chase away Kelsey's loneliness, but maybe Jackson Hunt can. After a few chance meetings, he convinces her to take a journey of adventure instead of alcohol. With each new city and experience, Kelsey's mind becomes a little clearer and her heart a little less hers. Jackson helps her unravel her own dreams and desires. But the more she learns about herself, the more Kelsey realizes how little she knows about Jackson.

REVIEW:

The story:

We first meet a carefree Kelsey as she's partying the night away with some new travel buddies. She can't remember the name on this one guy and he can't really speak English, but doesn't stop Kelsey from hooking up with him. The only problem is, he's possibly the worst kisser of all time. And to her horror, Unknown-Hot-Soldier-Boy aka Jackson is watching on and having a good laugh at her expense. Soon Jackson is starts appearing in all the same places she is, and an unlikely friendship is born. However both are keeping secrets from the other that is preventing their relationship from progressing further.

They travel all over Europe on a massive adventure of self discovery. Both of them dealing with their own issues and trying to become better people. As they grow closer the connection between the becomes stronger and yet Jackson continues to hold back from a romantic relationship - the question is why?

Now I have to admit, I guessed what the big twist was from very early on - I'm not sure if it was because it's very obvious or if I just read waaay to much chick lit! But seeing it coming certainly didn't detract from the story - I enjoyed watching everything leading up to it, and when it was revealed I was still caught up in all the drama! And oh was there drama!

The characters:

At first I didn't think I was going to like Kelsey. In the opening scene in the bar/nightclub, she came across as and selfish and quite shallow. However over the next couple of scenes, I started to see a different side to her and really started to like her. She may put up a very confident carefree image, but she's so lost and insecure about her entire life that it was hard to to feel for her. She also grows a great deal over the course of the book, as she travels around Europe she discovers the person that she wants to be and I really admired her for the changes she makes in her life.

Jackson Hunt, the hunky US Marine had me from the very beginning. He seemed very genuine from the start and although it's obvious he's hiding some big secret I felt that he was always being himself (personality wise). He's struggled with his own issues in the past and see's Kelsey going down the same destructive path - he wants to help her and protect her. He may be a tough Marine, but he certainly had a sweet romantic side too!

The romance:

Phew the sexual tension between these two was off the freakin charts! There were so many times I was screaming 'JUST KISS HER ALREADY YOU FOOL!!!!" From their first meeting the chemistry was obvious, but Jackson just wants to be friends and travel buddies. Kelsey sees things differently and proceeds to seduce Jackson. There were so many hot scenes between these two, but also some really sweet and tender ones. I loved how much Jackson cared about Kelsey, even when she didn't care about herself. Some of the things he does are so sweet - and what he does for Kelsey towards the end was totally swoon-worthy!

The Writing:

One of the best things about this book was the incredible scenery. Every place they went to was described so beautifully that it felt like I was actually there.

"It was a panoramic vista of Prague, and it was unbelievable. The city was a sea of orange roofs outlined by a winding river and dotted with cathedral spires"

"The castle was gorgeous with grand architecture and even grander ruins. Vines and moss few over the steps and up the stone wall and it was like a fairy tale."

"The air smelled fresh and salty, and the wind curled up from the ocean, tossing my hair. At the edge of the train platform was a wall, and beyond that the turquoise blue sea"

FINAL WORD:

Don't let the first few pages fool you into thinking this is a shallow read, because it's anything but. The locations and travel scenes where amazing and really set this book apart from others. This passionate romance spanning across Europe and makes for one epic adventure!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium/strong / sex scene

Violence: mild / mild flashbacks of assault

Language: medium / several f words

Drugs & alcohol: strong / heavy drinking, drink spiking

{Release Day + GIVEAWAY} Finding It by Cora Cormack

0
COM

Title: Finding It

Series: Losing It #3

Author: Cora Cormack

Published: 15th Oct 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for honest review

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find where you truly belong...

AUTHOR BIO:

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Author

***GIVEAWAY***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Staking The Shelves #7

18
COM

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.

These are all the beautiful books I got over the past fortnight! Yay for signed books!

Gifted:

Off Course by Sawyer Bennett
A huge thank you to Sawyer for sending me a signed copy of her awesome book!! ❤ I truly appreciate when authors & bloggers send things all the way to Australia (postage can be astronomical!)