Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews: Blog Tour: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

Monday, April 4, 2016

Blog Tour: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

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!

Title: The Natural History of Us
Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release: April 5, 2016
Series: The Fine Art of Pretending
Pages: 255
Review: 4 Stars

Review:

First Impressions

I was excited to read this, having enjoyed The Fine Art of Pretending, but my expectations were on the low side, simply because I didn't have an insane excitement for it. While the book wasn't perfect, it was a really fun, quick read.

Characters

I really enjoyed Peyton's character. She felt like a real person. Her responses to things were natural, though I don't think I'd have been as nice to Justin as she is, given their history. I really loved meeting her family, and the important people in her life. Peyton, along with the rest of her family, has an open heart that can't wait to be filled. That said, I don't trust anyone who likes baseball that much. If you can't tell, I'm not a fan.

My feelings are conflicted about Justin. On the one hand, I really like him and how he tries to earn Peyton's forgiveness. But GAH! Freshman year Justin is a pain in the butt. He can be nice at times, but he doesn't feel like a real teenager. Most freshman are fourteen or fifteen years old. The amount of experience he has doesn't make sense for that age. And I can speak with authority, as I am in high school. From my experience, high school guys are neither suave nor experienced. As I told my mother, all the guys I've met are pimple-covered doofuses. There's nothing wrong with that, but Justin as a freshman just doesn't feel realistic. By the time he reaches senior year, I like Justin a lot more though.

There were multiple characters within the book that I hope we get to see their stories, including Lauren and Cade.

World-Building

A lot of the world is already built, given that this is a companion novel to The Fine Art of Pretending. The characters all go to a very nice private school, which is fairly small. That said, we do get introduced to Peyton's ranch. It is so a cool property, and a place that I would love to visit. I think the high school setting could have felt a bit more realistic, but they do go to a special private school.

Overall, The Natural History of Us was a really fun read that I would recommend. I just had to nitpick a little bit. Most books portray high school kids as being cooler than we are, I just felt the need to point it out with this one.

Synopsis:

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.

You Can Find it At:
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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.

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

And don’t miss Rachel Harris’s THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING!

Author Bio:

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!

You Can Find Her At:
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