REVIEW: Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson

A powerful story of a girl who is afraid to touch another person’s skin, until the boy auditioning for Hamlet opposite her Ophelia gives her a reason to overcome her fears.

Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Touch another person’s skin, and Dad’s gone for good. Caddie can’t stop thinking that if she keeps from touching another person’s skin, her parents might get back together... which is why she wears full-length gloves to school and covers every inch of her skin. It seems harmless at first, but Caddie’s obsession soon threatens her ambitions as an actress. She desperately wants to play Ophelia in her school’s production of Hamlet. But that would mean touching Peter, who’s auditioning for the title role—and kissing him. Part of Caddie would love nothing more than to kiss Peter—but the other part isn't sure she's brave enough to let herself fall. Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, this debut novel from Rachel M. Wilson is a moving story of a talented girl who's fighting an increasingly severe anxiety disorder, and the friends and family who stand by her. 

I received an advanced reader's edition of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

  3.5 of 5 stars. Please read my rating system further below. 

As someone with anxiety, I definitely was a little hesitant to request and to read a book that deals with a mental illness that I suffer. I am so glad that I did read Don't Touch. Not only has Rachel M. Wilson written about the reality of severe anxiety, but she has also written/created one of the most lively and entertaining cast of characters that I've ever read about. I love the protagonist Caddie, but I loved the supporting characters even more. They all made me giddy and hysterical, especially Oscar. I also really liked the relationship between Caddie and Peter that developed throughout the novel. I especially liked how careful Peter was about being near Caddie, and how he helped her overcome her anxiety. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Don't Touch. I loved how it could make me feel all emotions, and I would definitely recommend to readers who are looking for a less "fluffy" contemporary.

My rating system: (I do use half stars.) 

5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. 

4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.) 

3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less. 

2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it. 

1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer:

Grace

REVIEW: The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.  The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past. 

I received a free copy of this book from HarelequinTEEN in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thanks HarlequinTEEN! 

  2.5 of 5 stars. My prediction about this book before reading it was it would be something like the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” TV show… You know, 3 rich sisters that live in a rich environment that party, drink, and eat fancy dinners… But as I read more of the book, I realized that my prediction was kind of true (I didn’t think it was going to be). 3 sisters, who were thrown into Vegas-stardom because of their billionaire father. Sounds kind of like the Kardashians, right? My mom loves to watch “Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and she told me that the Kardashians weren’t always famous and rich, and that they we’re thrown into stardom later in life, partly because of one of the sisters, Kim. I compared the 3 sisters to the 3 Kardashian sisters and thought Savannah was like Kim, Kourtney somewhat like Peyton, and Courtney like Khloe. Just because I’m comparing the 3 sisters in this book (Savannah, Courtney, Peyton) to the Kardashian sisters doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the book. I liked how there were perspectives from all 3 sisters (I honestly don’t know how the book would be written if it weren’t), but I found that Courtney’s perspective would often drag and become more boring than Savannah and Peyton’s perspectives. I also really like how this book was printed on recycled paper; except that’s irrelevant and not related to my opinion on the actual book. (Good job, HarelequinTEEN! SAVE THE EARTH!) Overall I thought the book was rather entertaining, and I enjoyed how I got to experience the extravagant city of Las Vegas without flying there myself. 

 My rating system: (I do use half stars.)

 5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. 

4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.) 

3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less. 

2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it. 

1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer:

Grace

REVIEW: Nil by Lynne Matson

On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have one year. Exactly 365 days--to escape, or you die. Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she’s lying naked in an empty rock field. Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought . . . and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that to save their future, Charley must first save him. And on an island rife with dangers, their greatest threat is time.

synopsis

3 of 5 stars. Please read my rating system further below. 

Nil was an action-packed thrill ride that involved one of my favorite things in books; survival. My favorite aspect of the book was the overall concept of Nil island. The gates, the patterns, only having one year to catch a gate otherwise you die, etc. I did feel like the world development (more like island development) was a bit underdone. First of all, never in the book was the reason why Nil was named Nil ever explained (even though the people on Nil probably don't know). You have no idea how much I yearned to know why, especially because Nil is such a cool name. The romance between Charley and Thad was definitely "instalovey", and I part understand that because they have to act on their feelings since they have days left together, but I wish that Thad and Charley actually got to know each other better before they were an official item. Nil is told in dual perspective (Charley and Thad), and I enjoyed reading from both, especially Thad's. I loved how I got to experience Nil from his point of view, since he had experienced things before Charley had arrived. Charley wouldn't be considered one of my favorite female characters, but she wasn't exactly annoying, and I liked how she contributed to "Nil City". Natalie was my favorite character because she had other problems to deal with other than catching a gate and surviving on Nil. She had human problems, something the other characters lacked of since they all wanted to get back home. Natalie lost her love Kevin who was also on Nil, and reading about her coping with the lack of someone in her life was so real and invigorating. One thing that I was absolutely bothered with close to the end of the book was how much Charley cared about having sex with Thad. It was annoying to read how she went on and on about how they should do it before Thad's time ran out on the island. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Nil and I would recommend to anybody who would like to read something quick about survival, friendship, and love. 

My rating system: (I do use half stars.) 

5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. 

4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.) 

3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less. 

2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it. 

1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer:

Grace

GIVEAWAY: Get Happy by Mary Amato

In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with. A hip high school girl who loves music, writes songs, and is desperate for a ukelele, learns to her shock that her father did not abandon her years ago and has been trying to keep in touch. She begins to investigate him, only to discover that he has a new life with a new family, including the perfect stepdaughter, a girl who Minerva despises.

Mary Amato is an award-winning children's book author, songwriter, musician, puppeteer, and poet. She writes for children of all ages, and is beginning to focus on YA. Her first YA novel was Guitar Notes. Mary lives with her family outside Washington, DC, where she also performs regularly, singing and playing her own songs. Mary is a popular speaker and runs numerous workshops for teachers and students, including many on all aspects of creative writing, even songwriting. The author lives in Silver Spring, MD. You can visit her online at www.maryamato.com.

Giveaways terms and conditions:

This giveaway is US only. No purchase necessary. You must be at least 13 years of age or older to enter. Fandom Monthly Magazine is not responsible if the promotion sponsor (Egmont USA) does not fulfill their giveaway prize. Winner(s) will be contacted shortly after the giveaway ends. The winner(s) will then have 4 days most to respond and claim their prize. Any questions? Feel free to email us.

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REVIEW: Free to Fall by Lauren Miller

What if there was an app that told you what song to listen to, what coffee to order, who to date, even what to do with your life—an app that could ensure your complete and utter happiness? What if you never had to fail or make a wrong choice? What if you never had to fall?
Fast-forward to a time when Apple and Google have been replaced by Gnosis, a monolith corporation that has developed the most life-changing technology to ever hit the market: Lux, an app that flawlessly optimizes decision making for the best personal results.  Just like everyone else, sixteen-year-old Rory Vaughn knows the key to a happy, healthy life is following what Lux recommends. When she’s accepted to the elite boarding school Theden Academy, her future happiness seems all the more assured. But once on campus, something feels wrong beneath the polished surface of her prestigious dream school. Then she meets North, a handsome townie who doesn’t use Lux, and begins to fall for him and his outsider way of life. Soon, Rory is going against Lux’s recommendations, listening instead to the inner voice that everyone has been taught to ignore — a choice that leads her to uncover a truth neither she nor the world ever saw coming.

Review: I received this book from HarperCollins and Lauren Miller's agency for free in exchange for an honest review and read-along with BookBusters. All opinions are my own.    4 of 5 stars. One question still lingers in my head as I'm writing this review. "What if you never had to fall?" (From Free to Fall's synopsis.) Wouldn't I love to live in Free to Fall's world, where everything is somewhat easy, and you have an app to decide everything for you? I interpret "What if you never had to fall? as "What if you never had to think?". I'm asking myself "What if you never had to think?" over and over again because what if I never had to think? I would definitely not be sitting on a couch with my laptop trying to gather enough of my thoughts to write this review. The whole point of a review is about what you think. As I keep on thinking and thinking about Free to Fall's plot, characters, and overall writing, I suddenly realize, that the main focus of this review is definitely not the "basics". Free to Fall made me think about how much of my time is occupied with electronics, and that I need to take a break, and actually look up at the sky, smile at a stranger, admire the sunset, etc. All of these little things are what I'm missing as I'm indoors, on an electronic all the time. (No joke.) The worst part is, is that I know that I should change, but there's nothing that I'm doing about it. I currently am sitting in front pages and pages of notes that are filled with plot and character observations, but none are necessary. Free to Fall is a book that will make you think, pause and realize that you need to get up and take your eyes off of a screen, and it might make you change yourself a bit too (it changed me). I would definitely recommend. (I don't say that a lot.) 
Click here to watch me talk about Free to Fall on my booktube channel! 
  My rating system: (I do use half stars.)  5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.  4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)  3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.  2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.  1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer: Grace

REVIEW: Percy Jacson app

Review:

The Percy Jackson series is my favorite series. It brings a new, refreshing air to modern day Heroes. When I finished House of Hades I was sad, because I wanted to continue reading in this world. I was asked to review this app and given my honest opinion about it. I loved it. Honestly, with all my heart, I loved it! I found it thrilling go on a journey like Percy's and to see what it's truly like to be a demigod. To read your story and choose what path your character and Sam will take is not something that many readers are able to do. It warms my heart to know that Uncle Rick actually writes these stories, because it really shows he cares about us.  Also, being dyslexic I find it excellent that you can change the font size. It's easier to get the words to stay still. Yes, it does cost money for the stories, but it's not too much. It's affordable. I believe that this app is worth downloading and taking the time to explore. I'm eagerly waiting to find out who my parent is! Athena? Apollo?

Reviewer:
Amanda

GIVEAWAY: BZRK by Michael Grant

The Matrix meets Inner Space in this third book in the BZRK trilogy from New York Times best-selling author Michael Grant. The members of BZRK are preparing for their final stand. Noah and Sadie have seen death, and it holds no fear for them. Madness does, though. And losing each other. But they will not sit back, the only witnesses to an invisible apocalypse. The world is being destroyed from the inside out. It's time for them to fight to the last, in the streets and in the nano.This is a story with both thrills and heart, packed with the author's trademark jaw-dropping set pieces and pace. Join them.

★"A great choice for readers with a strong stomach, an interest in the future of biomedical technology and the essential ethical debate, or anyone willing to embark on an unnerving, frighteningly plausible thrill ride all around the globe."—VOYA, perfect 10 review

"Like reading an action movie."—Kirkus Reviews

"The good news is that this concluding volume in the trilogy is both ambitious and riveting. Familiar characters return, but the deft juxtaposition of Lear and Plath—as well as the men in their lives—makes a strong (if gruesome) story even stronger by focusing more on psychological rather than physical damage."—Booklist

Giveaways terms and conditions:

This giveaway is US only. No purchase necessary. You must be at least 13 years of age or older to enter. Fandom Monthly Magazine is not responsible if the promotion sponsor (Egmont USA) does not fulfill their giveaway prize. Winner(s) will be contacted shortly after the giveaway ends. The winner(s) will then have 4 days most to respond and claim their prize. Any questions? Feel free to email us.

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REVIEW AND SIGNED GIVEAWAY: Made For You by Melissa Marr

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva. For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

Rate:

3.5 of 5 stars
(please read my rating system)

★ ★ ★

I received an advanced reader's edition of this book from the author's publicity agency and a finished copy later before the release date from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own. 

  3.5 of 5 stars. Please see my rating system further below. 

Wow, Made For You was so different from anything I've ever read before! I finished reading in a 2 hour time period, and couldn't put it down from the start! I was definitely engaged, and the ending had such a plot twist! Made For You is a contemporary-murder/paranormal crime story, and I don't read a lot of books that deal with that kind of focus. 

Another thing that I found very interesting and different was that the book was told in multiple perspectives, and the most interesting one was the murderer himself. I found reading from a murderer's perspective refreshing because usually books similar to Made For You are told in one perspective (the protagonist's) so that way you can see the character progress throughout out the case. I was not exactly fond of the main character Eva, who was very single minded and only seemed to care about her relationship with Nate for a majority of the novel. Nate, Eva's love interest, was a different case, but I also wasn't that fond of him either. He was considered a "man whore" who didn't have feelings, and suddenly all he has is feelings (especially for Eva). 

Eva and Nate's relationship was very "instalovey". One moment Nate is ignoring Eva at each party they see each other at, and the next moment they're talking at the hospital and cuddling like Nate ignoring Eva never happened (even though they did discuss about it). I understand that they were childhood friends/sweethearts, but it's not exactly believable to pick up right where you left off and declare significant love for each other. The character that I did like was Grace (what a coincidence haha). She always had Eva's back, she made me hysterical at times while reading, and I just really liked her because she was one of those kick-butt best friend sidekicks. 

Another character that I surprisingly liked was the murderer or Judge (none of those are his real name so I'm not spoiling) because he had so much depth to him as a character, and the fact that he was so insane and creepy, made me like him even more. Overall, Made For You was a creepy southern-gothic tale that had me on the edge of my seat and captivated me until the very end!


Watch my video review:

My rating system: (I do use half stars.) 

5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. 

4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.) 

3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.

2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it. 

1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer:

Grace

Giveaways terms and conditions:

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No purchase necessary.

You must be at least 13 years of age or older to enter.
Fandom Monthly Magazine is not responsible if the promotion sponsor does not fulfill their giveaway prize.

Winner(s) will be contacted shortly after the giveaway ends. 
The winner(s) will then have 4 days most to respond and claim their prize.

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PAYPAL CASH GIVEWAY: Life on Hold by Beverly Stowe McClure

A paper found. A secret revealed. A girl’s life changed forever. Myra Gibson’s life is a lie. For sixteen years her parents have kept their secret, but the adoption paper she discovers while cleaning the guesthouse tells the truth. As the past and present collide, Myra finally stands up for herself and begins a journey she may regret.

Most of the time, you’ll find Beverly in front of her computer, writing the stories little voices whisper in her ear. When she’s not writing, she takes long walks and snaps pictures of clouds, wild flowers, birds and deer. She also enjoys visiting with her family and teaching a women’s Sunday school class at her church. To relax she plays the piano. Thank you, Mom, for making encouraging me to practice. Her cats do not appreciate good music and run when she tickles the ivories. She is affectionately known as the “Bug Lady” because she rescues butterflies, moths, walking sticks, and praying mantis from her cats. Beverly has several articles published in leading children’s magazines. Two of her stories have appeared in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL Anthologies. She also has nine books for children and teens published, with four more under contract.

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Giveaways terms and conditions:

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/13/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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BOOKS TO MOVIES GIVEAWAY HOP

Welcome to the Books to Movies Giveaway Hop! The winners of this hop (10) will receive eBooks copies of:

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human. When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone. Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade. Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive. Everything is going to change. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. Remember. Survive. Run.

Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel. I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen. Stay, he says. Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind? Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters. If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

Follow the rest of the hop:
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Giveaways terms and conditions:

No purchase necessary.

You must be at least 13 years of age or older to enter.
Fandom Monthly Magazine is not responsible if the promotion sponsor does not fulfill their giveaway prize.

Winner(s) will be contacted shortly after the giveaway ends. The winner(s) will then have 4 days most to respond and claim their prize.

Any questions? Feel free to email us.

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Beyond the Gloaming by Brendan Murphy + PAYPAL CASH GIVEAWAY

It is Easter, 1973 and twelve year old Sebastian Duffy has some serious self-esteem issues. He is beaten by his parents, bullied at school, steals from his friends and still mourning the death of his brother. To cap it all, strange things have begun happening around him and he is finding it hard to distinguish dreams from reality. After a nightmarish assault, he wakes in the Gloaming, a shadow world inhabited by ghosts. There to greet him is Porrig, a creature from Hibercadia, a magical realm crafted from Celtic dreams. Inhabited by Fir Bolg, Tuath and Milesians, it has been overthrown by brother gods from another dreamworld. One brother, Phobitor, is a tyrant and even the Tuath, who took to their underground sidhe millennia ago, are concerned. Sebastian discovers that he alone can save Hibercadia by finding an enchanted spear. Teaming up with the Hibernauts—a mercurial sorceress, an orphaned druidess, a taciturn warrior, a snuff-sniffing leprechaun and a lovelorn poet—he embarks on a fantastical quest, but can he succeed when he is yet to find his magical potential or even his courage, and half the realm is bent on his destruction?

Brendan Murphy was raised in Sheffield, England, with dreams of becoming a writer, and has written every day since he was nine years old. After reading medicine in London and psychiatry in Manchester, he moved to Australia in 1999. He is an Associate Professor at Monash University and has written widely on youth mental health. His nonfiction work on the development of football in Victorian society, From Sheffield with Love, was published in 2007. He lives with his wife, Katrina, and their children, Sebastian and Violette, in a sprawling property built for the composer, Dorian Le Gallienne. They share their garden with a mob of kangaroos, a wombat, two possums, any number of creepy crawlies, and some very feisty kookaburras. In 2013, he was signed to Assent Publishing for a six-book deal. Beyond the Gloaming, the first Sebastian and the Hibernauts adventure, will be published by Assent imprint, Phantasm Books in 2014.

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Where She Went by Gayle Forman (spoiler free book review)

Picking up several years after the dramatic conclusion of If I Stay, Where She Went continues the story of Adam and Mia, from Adam's point of view. Ever since Mia's decision to stay - but not with him - Adam's career has been on a wonderful trajectory. His album, borne from the anguish and pain of their breakup, has made him a bona fide star. And Mia herself has become a top-rate cellist, playing in some of the finest venues in the world. When their respective paths put them both in New York City at the same time, the result is a single night in which the two reunite - with wholly satisfying results.

Rate:

5 of 5 stars

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rewind to You by Laura Johnston + GIVEAWAY

  One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away. But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street. When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

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Laura Johnston lives in Utah with her husband and two children. Growing up with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. REWIND TO YOU is her debut novel.

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 I’m increasingly aware of Austin—his shower-fresh scent, every curve of muscle and the rise and fall of his chest with every breath—as he stands behind me and wraps his arms around mine. “I’ll teach you,” he says, his hot breath against my ear seeping in. Whispering a thrill. His hand cups the back of mine. I watch as he positions my pinkie and ring fingers over the threads and slides my thumb down. “Hold the football with your fingertips.” I glance at his face above my shoulder, his blue eyes, strong jaw and his lips. And suddenly, football is the last thing on my mind.