NEW ADULT MONDAYS: All Played Out (Rusk University #3)

The New Adult genre - their bad boys and big problems and epic loves make them engrossing tales that are so easy to lose yourself in. What's not to love about that? And, now, thanks to the cool chicks at Bewitched Bookworms, we can show these books the love they deserve in a weekly feature - New Adult Mondays.

All Played Out (Rusk University #3), by Cora Carmack
Publish Date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: William Morrow
Format: e-ARC, obtained from Edelweiss
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble
 
Rating: 5 STARS

(From Goodreads) 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.

Nell is my kind of girl. She's the quintessential nerd - the girl who gets along better with her books than with real people. I can totally relate. Who better to show her how to live than the least serious boy on campus. It's like ying and yang.Oil and water. Except, Nell and Mateo Torres just... work. And their unlikely pairing made this book one of my favorites in the Rusk University series.

Nell is nearing the end of her college career and will soon be on to bigger and better things - like working with real people on real projects that are important and meaningful. Nell has woken up and looked around and realized that her very few friends have gone and fallen in love when she wasn't paying attention. They're going on dates and filling photo albums and collecting stories to share years down the road - all things Nell doesn't have. So, being the organized girl she is, she makes a list of all the things she'd like to do before graduation, just a few short months away. She reluctantly enlists the assistance of football player and life of the party Mateo Torres, who for some inexplicable reason finds Nell and her list fascinating. In the end, it turns out they both help each other live their lives to the fullest.

Nell is your typical introvert. She's shy and doesn't think much about herself. She doesn't think she's pretty or has much to offer anyone, least of all a man. It never really bothered her before her roommate, Dylan, started dating football star Silas Moore. And, then all of a sudden, the things Nell is lacking in her life become glaringly obvious. 

I love how Nell is so incredibly organized - so much so that she has to make an actual list of things she wants to accomplish before graduation. And the best part is that she ends up teaming up with possibly the LEAST organized guy in this awesome world to check the items off the list. It's absolutely the last person you would expect to help her and the last person you would think she would accept help from. 

Nell doesn't seem to be someone who asks for help very easily. She usually doesn't need it. She doesn't like to admit when there is something she can't do. So, it takes a lot for her to let Mateo in. Especially since she's a little tongue tied around hot guys. 

Mateo has always been adorable, and he is even moreso with Nell. You really get a glimpse of the real Mateo Torres in All Played Out. Yes, he's fun and goofy and the guy everyone likes to be around. But, he's also the guy that everyone warns to stay away from shy Nell, and that really bothers Mateo. We get to see parts of Mateo we never knew were there - the vulnerable side of him that he doesn't allow anyone to see until he can't help but show it to Nell. He sees something in her that he can trust, and vice versa. 

Nell's conquering of her list becomes the focal point of the book. It includes things like getting drunk, going to a party and sticking around for awhile, and making out with a football player. These are all "typical" things a college student would do and things that Nell felt were lacking in her life. While, I might take issue with the fact that she felt she needed to experience some of these things in order to feel like she got the true college experience, more than that, I respect the hell out of her for going way out of her comfort zone to accomplish a goal. 

I'm many years out from my college graduation, and when I look back on those four years, there are a lot of things I wish I had done. And, now there is nothing I can do about it. That time in my life is gone. Nell is trying to make sure she doesn't get to where I am now and look back with regrets, and I think that's awesome. If those things on her list are the things she feels she needs to do, then you go girl. And, at least she enlisted a partner in crime - and a perfect one, at that. 

It turns out that Nell was what Mateo needed to ground him. And Mateo was what Nell needed to loosen up. They complemented each other perfectly. Once they got to know and trust one another, the friendship they shared was so sweet. I loved how their relationship started as friends before it morphed into something else. You wouldn't think a couple like this would have this burning passion, but they really did. They had great chemistry and I loved hearing about it from both of their POVs. 

We got a little more information on Stella and what happened to her at the end of All Broke Down. This is in preparation for Stella's Book, ALL CLOSED OFF, coming soon. I can't wait for that one either. 

So, what is on your bucket list?

BEA Prepared Part 4: What to Pack (and What NOT to Pack)

So, you’ve got your hands on a ticket to BEA/BookCon. You have made transportation arrangements and know where you’re staying once you get to the Big Apple. NOW WHAT?

This is my third year attending BEA, and will likely be my last. So, through a series of blog posts, I hope to impart upon you, my little grasshoppers, some insight I’ve gained over the past two years as you continue to make your plans. I’m calling this series BEA Prepared. In case you missed them, check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Today, it's time for Part 4...

So, we're now less than two weeks away from the start of BEA (WHAT????). If you're anything like me, you've already been packing in your head for about a month. But, it's now time to actually drag your suitcase out of the attic and start to think about how to pack.

Now, of course, how you pack will differ greatly depending on whether you're flying or driving to New York. But, there are a few essentials that should find their way into everyone's bags, no matter how you're getting here.

1. DO Pack: Clothes

Last year's outfits

I mean, duh. Of course you're not going to be at BEA naked. Although, that would make this the most memorable BEA EVER. So, okay - it's established. We will wear clothes. But, what kinds of clothes? For the show days, I always choose comfortable, "nice" clothing - meaning, I didn't go in denim shorts and a concert t-shirt. Keep this in mind - BEA is a madhouse. You will be getting close to a lot of people. You will be squeezing through tight spaces. You will be sitting on the floor. So, you might want to save the cute sundress with the short skirt for the after-hours parties or everyone will be getting a peek at your Wonder Woman underwear. And, trust me - tight skinny jeans aren't the best choice either.

Now, I'm betting Saturday and Sunday for BookCon, the shorts and concert t-shirt wouldn't be quite as out of place. But, for BEA, comfy khakis, twills and cottons are the way to go.

2. DO Pack: Shoes
It doesn't matter what shoes you pack - you will want to cut off your feet by the time it's all over because they hurt so bad. With that in mind, why make matters worse, right? Anything with a big heel is just asking for trouble. I love my ballet flats. I have, maybe a dozen different pair? So, that's my go-to shoe choice for BEA. 

3. DO Pack: Tote Bag With Show Day Essentials
But, for the love of Mike, only pack ONE tote bag. Because, if there's one thing you can get at any booth at BEA, it's a tote bag. But, you will need one that is your main tote - the one you arrive with, and the one you stuff with all your essentials.

In my tote, I carry:

• My schedule - I've had nightmares about leaving this at home!
• A plastic pouch for my swag - nothing worse than bent or torn swag
• Tissues - in case the Ellora's Cave Men need sweat dabbed off their glistening pecs. Or, you get a runny nose. Either or. 
• Advil - for the aforementioned aching feet or the stress headache from missing your favorite author
• Cell phone charger and cord - so I can keep playing Candy Crush in line
• Business cards - for sharing with new friends
• Snacks - because, lunch? Who has time for lunch?
• Water bottle - friends don't let friends pay $5 for a bottle of water
• Wallet - for tipping the bag-watching ladies and for buying some fro-yo 
• Lanyard - last year, BEA didn't provide lanyards for your badge. The year before they did. I'm bringing on just in case. 

4. DON'T Pack: Books or E-reader
You would think this would be self-explanatory. But, no. I thought about bringing my Kindle the first year. I was so glad I chose not to. I would've worried about leaving it lay or having it stolen. It would've prevented me from talking to people around me, and that's just fun. And, you're getting all these awesome new books! If you want to read while in line, pick one of them. You will already have so much to bring home with you - don't add to your problem.

5. DON'T Pack: A Laptop
I had loft goals of doing blog posts in my hotel room at the end of each day. PPPFFTTHHT. After the craziness that is BEA, and then the after-BEA shenanigans, the absolute LAST thing I wanted to do when I finally got back to the hotel room was screw around on my computer. I wanted to fondle my new books, get into PJs, and go to sleep.

So, what do you think? Is your packing problem any clearer? Anything you think should be added to this list? I'd love to hear from you!

SERIES TOUR, REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: The Hacker Series

When I was invited to be a part of the Hacker series blog tour, I immediately accepted. I'd had HARDWIRED on my TBR for a few months, so this was the perfect opportunity to read it. Two weeks later, I had binge read all four books in the series that are out now. Once I read one, I had to read them all. The review I've written is for all four books in the series. Also check out the excerpt from Hardwired. And then there's not one but TWO giveaways! I can't wait for you all to read this series!

HARDWIRED (Hacker Series #1) by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback)
Determined to overcome a difficult past, Erica Hathaway learns early on how to make it on her own. Days after her college graduation she finds herself face to face with a panel of investors who will make or break her fledgling startup. The only thing she didn't prepare for was going weak in the knees over an arrogant and gorgeous investor who's seemingly determined to derail her presentation.

Billionaire and rumored hacker Blake Landon has already made his fortune in software, and he's used to getting what he wants with very little resistance. Captivated by Erica's drive and unassuming beauty, he's wanted nothing more since she stepped into his boardroom. Determined to win her over, he breaks down her defenses and fights for her trust, even if that means sacrificing a level of control he's grown accustomed to. But when Blake uncovers a dark secret from Erica's past, he threatens not just her trust, but the life she's fought so hard to create.

Buy Links: Amazon * B&N * iBooks * Kobo * BAM

 

HARDPRESSED (Hacker Series #2) by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback)
Despite Blake Landon's controlling ways, the young and wealthy hacker finally won the trust of the woman he loves. Internet entrepreneur Erica Hathaway broke down the walls that kept her from opening her heart and her business to Blake. Ready to start this new chapter in her life, Erica is determined not to let anything come between them, even if that means giving Blake back some of the control he craves in and out of the bedroom. But when demons from her past threaten their future, Erica makes a decision that could change their lives forever.

Buy Links: Amazon * B&N * iBooks * Kobo * BAM

HARDLINE (Hacker Series #3) by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback)
Software mogul Blake Landon has met his match in headstrong Erica Hathaway. While his controlling nature and her independent spirit continue to battle, Blake has no intention of letting her out of his life again. Erica has given Blake her trust and her love, determined that they will conquer any challenges together. But when he demands more and tests the boundaries of her commitment, she is forced to face the dark desires he's kept hidden. As their bonds grow tighter, their enemies close in. With Erica's start-up in danger, Blake's frustration grows as he tries to protect her from those who would ruin her only to get to him. Can their relationship survive when Blake's enemies cross the line and threaten more than her livelihood?

Buy Links: Amazon  * B&N  * iBooks  * Kobo  * BAM

 

HARD LIMIT (Hacker Series #4) by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback)
Blake Landon is a man who has everything-wealth, good looks, and the love of Erica Hathaway. The power couple has been through hell and back, and when life has torn them apart, somehow they have always found their way back to each other, more in love and stronger than ever. On the verge of making the ultimate commitment, Erica uncovers an unsettling chapter of Blake's history. As she makes peace with her own past and the family who left her behind, she presses Blake to tear down the last walls between them. Determined to know the man he once was, she opens a door to a world beyond her wildest imagination-a world that has her questioning the limits of her own desires. As danger lurks and dark secrets come to light, will the past destroy their promise of forever?

Buy Links: Amazon  * B&N  * iBooks  * Kobo  * BAM

Series Rating:  4.5 STARS

So, I initially set out to read only Hardwired. And it turned out that I binge read the entire Hacker Series. I was so gone for Blake. And his and Erica's story had these awesome peaks and valleys that made me always want to see what was coming next for them.

Erica was a character that I found I either loved or hated depending on how things were going. I loved that she was smart and driven. I thought it was cool that she was determined to be self-sufficient and that she wanted to be a success based on her own merits. That is definitely something to respect. Because, let's face it - it's still tough sometimes for women to get ahead in business, especially in a technology-driven field. And, I appreciate that Erica wanted to make her start-up a success because it was a good model and a good idea, and not because she was a pretty face.

Blake and his funding were the key to Erica's success. But, after their initial meeting (which was pretty amusing), Blake wants to give her a lot more than money. I loved Blake's fascination with Erica and his unwillingness to back down, even when she tried to exert her independence.

This became a theme throughout the four books in the series. In most things, Erica tries to maintain control, and in all things Blake wrests it from her. Sometimes by extreme means. It takes them awhile to get on the same page. Erica is really independent and Blake wants to own her. It's not something she's willing to do anywhere but in the bedroom. And, there are times when her efforts to go around Blake and go her own way have disastrous consequences. Because, the one thing I learned about Blake is that, when he tells Erica to do something, it's always for a very good reason. Erica has a real problem with trust. She claims her actions are born out of a need to control her own destiny, but really, they are born from an inability to wholly trust the man she loves.

The bedroom is where Erica and Blake have no problems. Man, the chemistry between these two is absolutely explosive. As in many instances where we see this, there are lots of times when things get hard for these two, and they use sex as a way to cope. Sometimes that's okay. Sometimes it's not. There were times when I wanted for them to just TALK. Simple communication would've solved so many of their problems. But instead, they both keep secrets, and then when things blow up in their faces, they use sex to smooth things over until the next time.

And oh yes - there are secrets aplenty. Erica is blindsided in Hardwired by the identity of her father, who had previously been unknown to her. She reaches out to him, which starts a chain of events that has far reaching and horrible side effects that aren't fully realized until the end of the fourth book. Blake has a secret past that he doesn't let Erica fully in on until the end of the fourth book. He dances around it up until then, but doesn't fully come clean until an old flame and Erica's headstrong nature forces him to.

In addition to the main attraction that is Blake's and Erica's relationship, there are a lot of other things going on around them. Blake's brother and Erica's BFF get together after a rocky start to their relationship. Erica's start-up company is a main focus of the series as she gets set up, hires employees, fires employees and enters into new partnerships. The one constant in the series, outside of Blake's and Erica's feelings for one another, is Erica's passion for her company. It's her baby .And, the attacks it comes under from many different places broke my heart, because they broke her heart, and that was evident to me.

But, really, Blake's and Erica's complete devotion to one another seems to take center stage in all situations they face. It's an incredible love, and I can't wait to see how their story ends.

There's one final book left in the Hacker series. HARD LOVE comes out in September, and is the final book in the series. While I can't wait to see how it all ends, at the same time, I don't want it to end!

We descended into the smoky darkness of the top floor of the club. I embraced the noise, hoping to drown out the thoughts reeling through my mind.

I led us out to the dance floor, bringing us deep into the crowd through throngs of people gyrating to an especially popular Rihanna remix. I stopped and moved to face him, but he stilled me. His strong hand gripped my hip and pulled me back slightly until our bodies were flush with each other. The motion was so fluid and effortless, as if he was simply reuniting us to where we should have been all night. Together.

In an instant, my body melted into his. Everything felt right in his arms. The pounding base guided my movements as I began to sway to the beat of the music reverberating through my body. My muscles relaxed, and I got lost in the moment, in Blake.

The crowd was tight, but I didn’t care. All I could feel was Blake’s hands on me. In sync with the song, I pressed back into him, feeling a wild frenzy to be close to him, to feel that physical contact I’d been craving for days now. The song came to a close and merged into the next, slightly changing our rhythm and bringing us even closer. His erection became more pronounced, pressing against my ass, silently demanding what we both wanted. Arousal prickled my skin and my head fell back. His arm circled my waist and he kissed my neck. A hot, open-mouthed kiss that had my head spinning. Alcohol maybe, but more likely that drug that was Blake was taking over.

He spun me around to face him. Before he could speak, I grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him to me. Crushing my mouth onto his, I kissed him with a wild hunger. He met me full force. Our tongues tangled and I pulled him closer. He slipped his hand under the tight elastic of my dress, cupping my ass and grazing the edge of my panties. I moaned into his mouth, forgetting myself and our surroundings. I wanted to climb him right there among the hundreds of other hot, sweaty, and sexually charged people.

He growled a little as he pulled away. The lack of connection was abrupt, leaving me bereft, but the discomfort of not being connected was soon derailed by the knowledge that I was being led from the dance floor and down a hallway away from the chaos that once surrounded us.

We traveled farther until the hallway split. On the left, a tall thickly-built man stood guard near a door. Blake approached the bouncer and pressed some bills into his hand, who nodded toward the door. We entered what appeared to be another private VIP area. An ambient light filled the room, which was quite large and entirely unoccupied. Dark red leather couches lined the walls along two sides, and along another, a private bar lit up with everything a good party might need.

“What is this?”

Blake closed the door behind us and wasted no time pinning me to it.

“This is where I’m going to fuck you without interruptions.”

Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. When she isn't living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at www.facebook.com/meredithwild. You can learn more about her upcoming projects at www.meredithwild.com.

Social Media Links: Website  * Facebook  * Twitter  * Goodreads

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