Showing posts with label The Fine Art of Pretending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Fine Art of Pretending. Show all posts

Tuesday, 5 April 2016

Release Week Blitz: Excerpt + #Giveaway: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

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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!

    The Natural History of Us - cover
 
 
 
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.

Order THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US Today!

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    TNHoU - Signed Books

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


THoU - RWB teaser 1
 
 
 
EXCERPT
 
“What do you think are the components of a satisfying, successful marriage?” I ask instead, setting the paper down so he won’t see how badly my hands are shaking.
I avoided the blatantly obvious question, but this one is every bit as pointless. Based on our prior history, it’s almost a given he’ll say there’s no such thing as a successful marriage. Which makes it surprising when he replies:
“Honesty. Commit—”
“Really?” I interrupt with a laugh. “You’re gonna start with honesty? You?”
Justin leans forward, the paper tablecloth crinkling as he rests his elbows on the surface. With the way he stares into my eyes, it’s like he can see straight through to my soul. Maybe Gabi had the right idea hiding behind the menu.
“Yeah,” he answers. “I am. Look, Peyton, I know you don’t believe it, but people change a lot in three years. I’m not the complete asshole you think I am.” I scoff under my breath, and he holds my gaze for another long moment before the thick knot in his throat bobs and he glances away. “At least not anymore.”
A twinge of guilt hits my stomach. Which, when you think about it, is so stupid. He cheated on me! But, luckily, before I can do something even more foolish, like apologize for my well-founded doubts, he turns back and continues.
“Honesty,” he says it again, this time emphasizing the word. He holds up a hand and starts listing components on his long fingers. “Commitment. Telling your wife she’s the most beautiful girl in the room.” He pauses there, three fingers extended, and my hand clenches beneath the table. With a grin, he adds, “Remembering what a lucky bastard you are that she ever chose you in the first place.”
That’s four, according to the tally, and my pulse picks up speed with each uptick.
“Never going to sleep angry.” Five. “Getting all your shit out there before it can build.” Six. “And kissing her every damn chance you get.” Seven.
He leans back, leaving his hands extended in the air, and I just keep staring at his fingers. I chastise myself—stupid heart, he’s not saying these things about YOU!—but the longer the fingers remain up, the longer the moment stretches, the more the air around us shifts. The cool tickle of awareness races up my spine, and as I shiver, chill bumps prick my skin.
Justin’s eyes dip to my arms. The corner of his mouth twitches and as he curls his hands closed, he shrugs. “That’s my opinion, anyway. What about you?”
My opinion? I’m discombobulated.
Before dinner = fully combobulated.
Now = completely and totally without combobs.
“Uh.” My head is void of all thought but I clear my throat, grasping to pull something out of the air. Another trait to list or quality to check that he didn’t already cover.
Since when did the player of Fairfield Academy become a frigging marriage expert?
“Those are good,” I say, stalling as I think about my parents who have, hands down, the most incredible marriage ever. They support each other, they listen, and they make room for daily bouts of silliness. Remembering a few of their more gooberific moments I add, “Laughter.” Justin looks at me. “I think it’s important to laugh with the person you’re in love with.”
He nods as a small smile plays on his lips. “I like that one. You should write it down.”
Oh, right.
We’re not just sitting here, dredging up our pain-filled past for kicks. We’re actually supposed to turn these answers in and use them to begin our joint paper. Grateful for the excuse to break eye contact, I grab my oversized purse and dig for something to write on other than the tiny margin of the question sheet or the butcher-paper tablecloth. Usually I’m much more prepared.
And much more combobulated.
 

And don’t miss Rachel Harris’

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THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Rachel Harris - Author photoNew 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!    

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter Signup ** Goodreads

 





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Sunday, 5 October 2014

Blog Tour: Excerpt + #Giveaway: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris







The Fine Art of Pretending


According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretendboyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.



EXCERPT

The sweet scent of her hair fills my head, and I quickly lean back, masking my discomfort with a smile. “Outside?”
“God, yes.” She holds her palms over her ears and makes a pained face. “Quiet, please.” 
We walk across the lobby, under the overhead screen playing an endless loop of previews, and through the door, plopping down on the metal bench furthest from the ticket counter.
Aly looks at the bag between us and shimmies her shoulders. “What’d ya bring me?”
“Quarter Pounder with Cheese, hold the pickle, French fries, and a Coke, no ice. What else?” I’ve had her order down for years.
She squeals with delight and dives in. Around a mouthful of fries, she asks, “So what brought you to our humble establishment tonight? Severe boredom or just desperate for my company?” She smiles as she asks so I know she’s joking, but honestly, she’s not that far off.
I take a bite of my Big Mac and hold up a finger, chewing as I contemplate how to answer. I have a proposition, but I’ve been debating all day whether or not to suggest it. On one hand, it’ll be an excuse to hang out with my best friend again. On the other, it could complicate things even more. I swallow and ask, “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
“After my shift here, nothing,” she says, wiping her hands on a napkin. “Definitely no hot dates lined up or anything,” she adds with a teasing jab to my ribs.
I smile back, but it’s forced. The burger in my mouth tastes like cardboard. I tell myself it’s a gut reaction. That I’d feel the same way thinking about a guy asking out any girl I’m hooking up with—but that’s a lie. I wouldn’t give a shit with any other girl. But Aly’s not just any girl.   
Ignoring that train of thought, I say, “Good, you do now. You get off of work at seven, right?”
She tilts her head and squints. “We’re going out? Like, on a real official date?”
“A pretend official date,” I clarify.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  
Author Photo

Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, 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 romance, and LOVES talking with readers.   



Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | 






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The Fine Art of Pretending Blog Tour Schedule

October 1
Girls Love to Read-Review Only
Books to Get Lost In-Review Only
Bookish Wanderlove-Excerpt & Review
The Reading Realm-Review Only

October 2
A Thousand Lives Lived-Review Only
Confessions of a YA & NA Book Addict-Review Only
Dazzled by Books-Author Interview & Review
Avid Reader Musings-Review Only

October 3
Breaking Hearts-Review Only
FicWishes-Review Only
BookAngel Booktopia-Playlist & Review
The Cover Contessa-Review Only

October 4

October 5

October 6
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review Only
Mary Had a Little Book Blog-Review Only
Divergent Gryffindor-Fun & Different Idea & Review
Tangled Up in Books-Review Only

October 7
Between the Lines-Review Only
Book Beasties-Review Only
In Between the Pages-Author Interview
A Cup of Tea & a Big Book-Review Only

October 8

October 9
The Eater of Books-Review Only
Works of Fiction-Review Only
Library of a Book Witch-Dreamcast & Review
Stuck in YA Books-Review Only

October 10
Part of that World-Review Only
The Book Whisperer-Review Only
Little Whimsy Books-Excerpt & Review
Lulo Fangirl-Author Interview



Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Release Day Launch: Excerpt + #Giveaway: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch of Rachel Harris' THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING!

 

THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING is the first book in Rachel's The Fine Art of Pretending Series published by Spencer Hill Contemporary.

 
The Fine Art of Pretending

Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Amazon | Amazon UK | IndieBound

 
According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.



 
EXCERPT

An exhale of breath leaves Brandon’s lips, almost like a laugh, and he scoots closer to me on the blanket. I twist my legs under myself, sitting tall as I face him. He cups my chin and tilts it toward him, drowning me in the now dark-green depths of his eyes, the cologne I gave him for his birthday filling my head. It’s woodsy and yummy and I always loved how it smelled on the store testers, but on Brandon, it’s even sexier. My eyes flutter closed, and I inhale again, this time slowly. Goose bumps prickle my arms, and my head gets fuzzy.
Brandon slides his hand down the column of my neck and brings the other up, threading his fingers through the hair at my nape. His breath fans across my cheek, and everything south of my bellybutton squeezes tight. 
When his mouth first meets mine, it’s hesitant, questioning. But as I move my lips with his, he quickly grows bolder, coaxing them apart.
Desire, pure and raw, electrifies my veins as his tongue sweeps my mouth. A whimpering sound springs from my chest, and instinctively, I wrap my arms around his neck, tugging him closer. Needing more. My teeth graze his full bottom lip, and I pull it, sucking on it gently.
He moans and knots his fingers in my hair, and a thrill dances down my back.
Brandon is an amazing kisser, just as I knew he would be. I have no control over my body’s reactions. I lose myself in his lips, his tongue, and his strong arms, forgetting time and space and even my surroundings—until Gabi’s snicker brings reality crashing around us, reminding me we have an audience.
And that I’m kissing Brandon.
We break apart, out of breath, and stare into each other’s eyes.
That was unexpected. 



 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
Author Photo

Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, 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 romance, and LOVES talking with readers.  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING Goodreads

 
 
 
 
 






Monday, 27 January 2014

Cover Reveal: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris

 
 
THE FINE ART OF PRETENDING
Author: Rachel Harris 
 
 
Release Date: September 30, 2014 
 



According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want.
 
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
Author of fun & flirty escapes about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. I grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with my grandmother, and staying up late sneak-reading my mama's romance novels. Today, I still stay up late reading romances, only now I do so openly.

A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, I firmly believe life's problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

I homeschool my two beautiful girls and watch countless hours of Food Network and reality television with my amazing husband. I write YA, NA, and Adult romance and LOVE talking with readers!  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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