{Review} Defending Taylor (Hundred Oak #7) by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 5th, 2016
Finished Date: April 3rd, 2018

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 304
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

There are no mistakes in love.

Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor's always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that's what is expected of a senator's daughter. But one impulsive decision-one lie to cover for her boyfriend-and Taylor's kicked out of private school. Everything she's worked so hard for is gone, and now she's starting over at Hundred Oaks High.

Soccer has always been Taylor's escape from the pressures of school and family, but it's hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she's going through is her older brother's best friend, Ezra. Taylor's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it's hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?

The Review: I’ve been reading the Hundred Oak series since the first book Catching Jordan released and it’s great that this series is still going strong. Defending Taylor is book seven in the series and like all the other books this is another great addition to the series. 

Defending Taylor is about a teenage girl who comes from a wealthy family. Her father is a senator and has the help of from mother, while her brother and sister both attend Ivy League colleagues. Taylor herself wants to attend Yale and then go on to work at her family’s company, however one mistake lands Taylor being expelled from private school and having no choice but to enrol at Hundred Oaks High. While Taylor tries to deal with the pressure from her family to be perfect, not get into trouble and stay away from boys, Ezra Carmichael walks back into her life – the boy who she has been in love with for years but is determined to not let hurt her again. 

I really enjoyed Taylor’s story that I actually managed to read it within a 48 hour period. I honestly can’t remember the last time I did that because it normally takes me at least a week to read a book nowadays. As soon as I started reading her story though, I instantly liked her and was invested in her from the start. I really liked her brother and sister but her parents were really hard to like. They grated on my nerves and I hated how they didn’t support her but constantly applied pressure to her. I love how Taylor stayed strong through the whole story and didn’t crack under pressure. 

Taylor and Ezra are of course the highlight for me. You all know I love a good romance book and Miranda Kenneally never fails to deliver and this is definitely a good one. I absolutely adore Ezra. He was just what Taylor needed. Their story is a little insta-love but they have a connection already so I didn’t mind.

Defending Taylor is a good, light hearted read that I’m sure anyone will enjoy. I can’t wait to read the next book Coming up for Air. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Blog Tour} Jesse's Girl (Hundred Oak #6) by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 7th, 2015
Finished Date: April 29th, 2015

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 304
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?

The Review: Maya Henry has always wanted to be a rock star. So when career mentoring day rolls around she gets the chance to shadow Jesse Scott – one of Nashville’s biggest teen idols. But when Maya finally meets Jesse Scott he isn’t what she expected especially when he announces that he’s planning on retiring the music business and Maya can’t fathom why because she wants what he has and thinks he’s crazy for giving it all up.  But Jesse pushes Maya to want more from her music, even with no band, he believes she has the talent to make it big if only Maya will consider going solo…. Can Maya really make her dreams come true? 

I love Miranda Kenneally’s books and I’m so pleased that the Hundred Oak series is still going strong. Jesse’s Girl is book 6 in the series and while I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the last few, it was still a fabulous read. 

As I mentioned I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as the previous books but that’s down the own personal preference because I’m not a huge fan of the music star stories where the main character tries out for a music show or the main character falls in love with a music star. I knew that going into this story but it’s Miranda Kenneally so I couldn’t miss out on her book. And even though I didn’t enjoy the music background as much as I did previous books where it’s featured baseball or running etc, I still thought Miranda wrote a good story and I still enjoyed it. 

Jesse and Maya were likable characters – yes even Jesse once we get to know him. There each had their own style – Jesse liked country and Maya is a little punk rocker. But Jesse really opens Maya’s eyes up to trying new and different styles and I liked that. They had a good connection once they got over the introduction parts and the humour between them made for some entertaining reading. I did enjoy the moments they had together. They were touching and sweet. Their romance was cute.  It’s more a hate-love relationship rather than insta-love which is always good. I loved the support system that Maya had around her and how much she started to support Jesse whom didn’t really have much of a support system. For me though, I didn’t like Jesse as much as I thought I should. He was an okay character but he was pretty predictable at times. I wish I’d liked him more.

In all, Jesse’s Girl is still a well written story that is quite fun and entertaining. It may not have been a favourite of mine but I still can’t wait for more from this author. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

AUTHOR BIO: 

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oak #5) by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 7th, 2015
Finished Date: September 10th, 2014

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.

But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet." — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You 

The Review: I adore this series and I’ve said before but with each book I believe Miranda Kenneally’s work gets better and better and Breathe, Annie, Breathe has to be my favourite to date! 

This story follows Annie, a girl that is trying to escape her boyfriend’s death by running a marathon that Kyle was planning on racing in. In doing this race Annie hopes to leave the all the guilt behind and somehow find some peace, but when Annie hires a running coach to help her get into shape, she becomes even more guilty for her sudden feelings for Jeremiah who is slowly becoming her rock during training. Can Annie find the peace she needs but also find the strength to move on?

Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an adorable and cute read but it’s also one packed with emotions. Annie’s story is about loss, grief and finding the will to move on after a death, but it’s also a hopeful one in the sense that good things can come even at a difficult time. 
There were plenty of times during this story that I was nearly in tears for Annie and the hard times she had to overcome, but she also made me respect her because of her strong willed mind and her determination to do the impossible and push her body to the maximum limits. I really connected with her as a character, like I end up doing with all of Miranda’s characters and that’s because she writes such relate able leads. 

I really liked Jeremiah as well and how well he’s grown since Things I Can’t Forget. I bet you’re thinking what? Yep, he’s Matt’s little brother. And yes we do get to see how Kate and Matt are doing too. 

In all, there are only a few go-to authors for me and Miranda Kenneally is definitely one of them. Bring on Jesse’s Girl. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Blog Tour for Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4) by Miranda Kenneally; Review + Guest Post

Posted by Donna
Release Date: December 3rd, 2013
Finished Date: October 18th, 2013

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA Contemporary, Romance 
Source: For Review

Format: eARC
Pages: 304

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

The Review: "You are really pretty..." He drags a hand through his blond hair. "Bur you're kind of like a great book...you know, you pock up a book at a bookstore because it has a beautiful cover...but it's what's inside that pulls you in."

I always look forward to a new release from Miranda Kenneally because she is one of my favourite contemporary authors right now, and I believe with each book her work becomes stronger and stronger – and Racing Savannah is proof of that. 

Savannah is a girl that, unfortunately, doesn’t come from a wealthy family – her family are pretty poor because all their money had to go towards her mother’s health bills. When Savannah’s father decides to relocate and take a new job, it’s there that she meets rich boy Jack – the son of her father’s new boss. Jack is trying to prove to his father that he can take over the family business one day, and has been given the title of acting boss for the year. Jack gives Savannah the chance to prove that she can become a capable horse jockey, but the catch – she has to help him train one of the wild horses that somehow, she seems to have a connection with. It’s while working with Star (the horse) and Jack, that Savannah suddenly develops feelings for Jack, but how does Savannah stay away from a boy that seems interested in her too – even if she’s been warned to stay away? 

Here's another book that I absolutely loved wrote by Miranda Kenneally. This women doesn’t know how to disappoint – she’s a remarkable writer and as I said, I truly believe she’s becoming a better writer - I’m not saying she was bad to start with, I’ve loved all her books so far, but these last two I’ve just seemed to enjoy more and more. What I love about her books is how she weaves in the characters love of a hobby, and makes us readers aware of things that most of the time wouldn’t really interest us. Football baseball and horse racing aren’t my favourite things, and I find it really weird that I wouldn’t pay attention to these sports in real life, but while I’m reading Miranda’s books, I find myself completely compelled by these sports. That in itself proves how talented Miranda is, don’t you think?

Savannah (I adore this name by the way) and Jack were fantastic characters. I love a good story that involves two different characters from different worlds, it always makes it’s so interesting – and their story was. Savannah is a brave girl; she’s had to face so much in her life so far. It’s not until Jack enters her life that she finally decides she wants more with her life and he’s the one to give her the hope. I loved that Jack pushed her to want more, rather than being okay with what she had. Even Jack had struggles with his family but again, Savannah pushed Jack. The connection between the two was clear from the moment they met, sparks fly and it was touching and lovely to see their stories come together. 

What I always enjoy about Miranda’s book is her need to put appearances from her past characters, I love that, I love being able to see what Jordan, Sam, Kate etc.. are getting up too. And I also loved the new secondary characters that she introduced – Rory, Vanessa and Kelsey. 


Overall, Miranda Kenneally once again charms her readers with another heart-warming and lovable story from the Hundred Oaks series and I can’t help but want more. 

Guest Post with Miranda Kenneally.

Before I started writing Racing Savannah, I knew NOTHING about horse racing. Here's how I got the idea for the book. I was out to dinner with a big group of Washington DC-based writers. I wasn't sure which sport I wanted to feature in my next book, so everybody was throwing out ideas. Of course there were silly ideas like Synchronized Swimming and ping pong, but then Diana Peterfreund pointed out a horse painting on the wall. And then Jessica Spotswood and Andrea Lynn Colt said I should write a book about dressage. I said, "What in the world is dressage?" I guess it involves jumping horses over poles and pools of water. Anyhow, that didn't interest me so much. But what did interest me is horse racing. I've always enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby every year, even if I never understood the ins and outs of the sport.

Writing Racing Savannah gave me the opportunity to learn about horses and horse racing, as well as write about a girl in a male-dominated sport again. I loved writing CATCHING JORDAN and I knew I wanted to write a strong, fun, snarky girl once more. 

If you are interested, this is how I researched horse racing, which was a lot more complicated that I thought. I knew I had about 8 months to write the book, so I dug in and got to learning. To research this book I:
                                                           
1.    -- Read “Horseracing for Dummies.” Yes, I really read it, cover to cover.

2.     --Watched the movies “Secretariat” and “Seabiscuit.”

3.     --Read the books SECRETARIAT and TRUE BLUE.

4.     --Talked to all my friends to see who knew what about horseracing and what their impressions were.

5.     --Watched a ton of past horseraces on YouTube.

6.     After I did all of the above, I took a trip to Hollywood Casinos in West Virginia to watch a real-live horse race! My husband hated the casinos and called it the “Fourth Circle of Hell.”

-       --I spent a lot of time walking around the track, reading the race program, talking to the people who work at the betting machines.

-       --I got to see the horses up close in the paddock and I watched them work with their trainers and jockeys.

-       --We watched 4 races and even bet some money. I came away with a profit of $2.40!

7.     --After West Virginia, I knew I hadn’t seen the best horses in the world. So I decided to take a trip to Kentucky, where I discovered the Queen of England keeps her racehorses. First I visited the Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, where I got a great tour.

-       --Over 1,000 racehorses live at the Thoroughbred Center, so I got to see lots of horses.

-       --I spent about 2 hours there, asking tons of questions. I made sure I had the lingo down and was using the right terms in my book. They seemed impressed I knew what I was talking about!

-       --I watched the racehorses exercising on the track and I even got to meet an Appaloosa Pony named Barley! Barley’s job was to chase down racehorses that escape and pin them to a fence, and when I was there, a racehorse did escape and Barley chased after him. Barley let me pet him.

-       --I wasn’t allowed to pet the racehorses because they would bite me.

-       --I met a racehorse named “Tell a Little Secret.” She was a beautiful mare who had won all sorts of races and was a descendant of the real Secretariat on both sides. She let me pet her and didn’t bite me. She did try to bite her owner, though.

8.     --While in Kentucky, I also visited two racetracks: Kentucky Downs and Keeneland, which are featured in my book. The owner of Kentucky Downs drove us around on a golf cart and answered questions for a couple hours.

-       --Kentucky Downs is one of the only racetracks in America where they race on grass instead of dirt. It’s European-style.

-       --I found out that Kentucky Downs is haunted!

-       --Kentucky Downs used to be the site of dueling grounds, so lots of people died where the horses now race.         

       Thanks so much for having me on your blog!

AUTHOR BIO

Miranda Kenneally is the author of CATCHING JORDAN, STEALING PARKER, THINGS I CAN'T FORGET, and RACING SAVANNAH. Her fifth book, most likely to be titled BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE, is coming out in July 2014. She enjoys reading and writing young adult literature, and loves Star Trek, music, sports, Mexican food, Twitter, coffee, and her husband.

Racing Savannah Pre-Order Gift Campaign - US/CAN only

From Sourcebook Fire.....

They’re from two different worlds, but Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules. . . get the next contemporary novel from blockbuster YA novelist Miranda Kenneally: RACING SAVANNAH!

Right before her senior year, Savannah’s father whisks the family off to Tennessee to work as head groom at fancy Cedar Hill Farms. Savannah finally sees it as the perfect opportunity to earn extra money as an exercise rider—no matter how many others don’t want a girl around the barn.  

But she’s also caught the eye of Jack Goodwin, the owner’s son. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries. 

With her dream of becoming a jockey, Savannah is not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack.

We’ve put together a fun campaign to thank readers for pre-ordering: send us your proof of pre-order and we’ll send you this fabulous horseshoe key chain!

A Gift for You, for Pre-Ordering RACING SAVANNAH by Miranda Kenneally

We have a special offer for U.S. and Canada YA fans for the release of RACING SAVANNAH by Miranda Kenneally in stores in a little over three weeks! If you pre-order the book, we will send you an exclusive horseshoe key chain—perfect for any busy teen on the go! You have until December 2 or until quantities run out. 

Here’s how to get your charm:

1. Pre-order the book (print or eBook) through any retailer (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, your local independent bookseller/Indiebound, Books-A-Million, Hastings, etc.)

2. Email your proof of purchase (receipt or picture of the receipt) to teenfire@sourcebooks.com Put “Racing Savannah Pre-Order” in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your home address (US & Canada only please) so we can send you the horseshoe key chain! If you’ve already pre-ordered this book—not a problem! Send us your receipt!

3. You will get an email back confirming when the items have been sent out. 

4. Enjoy Racing Savannah when it comes out in December!

Optional: take a pic of you and your horseshoe key chain and share it with Miranda Kenneally or Sourcebooks Fire on Twitter! You can find Miranda @mirandakennealy and Sourcebooks Fire @sourcebooksfire.

Blog Tour for Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally; Review, Author Interview + Int Giveaway

Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 1st, 2013

Finished Date: December 29th, 2012

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Loaned 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 304
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker. 

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Note: Mature themes, sexual situations, religious discussions.

The Review: "He grins, and looks around. "Are you King Crab Kate?" I cover my mouth with a hand. " Oh my gosh - you're Miniature Poodle Matt!"

I adore Miranda's work! Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker were fantastic reads, which I rated 4 stars each, however, Things I Can't Forget gets a massive 5 star rating from me. Third time's the charm right?

Kate is a good girl who always tries to do the right thing. She believes in God and while that's a good thing, it's drummed into her that every decisions she makes she has to remain true to God. But when her best friends has an abortion with Kate's help, she believes she's left herself and God down and now she's trying to make up for her mistakes. However by trying to make up for her mistakes she's missing out on the most important times of her life - being a teenager.  So when Matt comes long she realises she has to work out who she really is and how she can live her life to the fullest without jeopardising her beliefs. 

 "I don't know what makes me feel more guilty: that I love how he touched me when I should hate it, when I should have pushed him away, or how I couldn't heard God's warning because of the way Matt made me feel."

Things I Can't Forget is A-MAZ-ING! I managed to read it within space of a few hours (which if you know me, is not easily done) but once I started reading, I simply couldn't put it down. Everything from the get go was so intense and I have to say, I was worried about the religion in the story. I don't believe in God and sometimes religion can come across quite strong for a non-believer but Miranda Kenneally didn't over do it. She told a story about a girl who has strong beliefs in God and not once was it overwhelming - it was completely enjoyable. 
  
What made it so enjoyable for me was how much chemistry the story has. In Miranda's previous stories, the romance is toned down and it slowly creeps up on you but, with Things I Can't Forget, it's there within the first few chapters. Kate and Matt have so many laugh out loud moments that it was just so easy to love them. And Matt is easily my favourite guy that Miranda has wrote about so far - he's just so much fun and so very dreamy. 

"My favourite is when an eight-year-old girl named Lizzie sings "Jesus Loves Me" in the purest voice, and when she gets scared and I think she might run off the stage, Matt sings sings along with her as he strums his guitar. Leaning against a tree, as bugs chirp around me, as warm wind rustles the branches, that's when I know it for real. I want him." 

All in all, Miranda Kenneally's Things I Can't Forget is definitely a story you won't forget.  It's a story that will speak to many people. I just love how her stories always send the right message to her readers and I can not wait for Racing Savannah to see what Miranda comes up with next! 

A big thank you to Jasprit from The Reader Den for loaning me her copy! You rock girl! 

Author Interview with Miranda Kenneally 

When did you first start writing?

I was 8 years old when I started writing really crappy stories about poodles that joined the circus and did the high-wire. Then I started writing stories about families with 5 sets of twins and 5 sets of triplets and like 30 Golden Retrievers. At the time my naïve self thought it would be cool to have that many brothers and sisters and dogs. 

Do you have a favourite place to write?

Yes! In my green chair. I like having candles, books, pillows, pictures and a blanket around. Not pictured is a Diet Coke. I usually drink a Diet Coke while I write.  

Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on now?

I’m about to start writing a book I’m calling “Marathon Girl Ouija Board Book.” (The title will most likely change. Ha!) It’s about a girl who’s running a marathon in honor of her boyfriend who died. It was his dream to run a marathon. 

Questions relating to Things I Can't Forget

What was your inspiration for writing Things I Can't Forget?

I had a friend in high school who got pregnant twice. The first time she decided to have the baby, and I helped her figure out a way to put the baby up for adoption. Mean kids at school made fun of me for helping my friend and it was hard for me to handle. The second time she got pregnant, she wanted an abortion, and asked me to help her. I decided not to help her because I thought my parents would find out and get angry with me, or that people at school would make fun of me even more. To this day, I am ashamed that I let what other people think affect my decision. I am not sure if I would’ve helped my friend, but I should have at least made my own decision. THINGS I CAN’T FORGET is all about learning to have your own beliefs, but learn to respect the beliefs of others as well.

What’s your favourite quote? 

The set-up is that the guy character, Matt, loves this restaurant called “Just Tacos.”

Kate says: “So what does Just Tacos have to do with kissing?”

And Matt replies, “Besides the fact I absolutely love both?” 

Can you tell us how you chose the characters names?

Honestly, Matt and Kate’s names just came to me. I didn’t think about it too hard. There are two nasty girls in the book: Megan and Andrea. I had originally named Megan “Missy” but then I remembered that was the name of a friend’s wife! So I changed it to Megan. And one of my critique partners is named Andrea (Andrea Lynn Colt), but she didn’t mind being named after a villain!

Who is your favourite character?

Matt, obviously.  If I had to pick a non-Matt character, I would say Ian. He is snarky and fun and real. I found it funny that he hooks up in inappropriate places at camp!

Author Bio;

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

And now for the giveaway! 

Because I LOVED Things I Can't Forget so much, I'm offering two winners a copy of the book. 

- Open Internationally providing The Book Depo ships to you.

- Ends March 28th

- Extra entries are available but of course, are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Home Run Blog Tour: A Review for Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 1st, 2012

Finished Date: July 18th, 2012

Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire

Source: ARC, Borrowed 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 245
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.

After her family's scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. 

The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. 

But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

The Review: “Hey,” he says, giving me a bright grin, showing off the dimple in his right cheek. Yeah, yeah, I know you’re hot, Corndog. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Thanks to the years he’s spent baling hay on his dad’s farm, Corndog has gone from not to hot, from scrawny to sinewy, from geek to god, and now has to beat girls off with a stick."

Miranda Kenneally really is on fire with books! First we see Catching Jordan – which was fantastic, and now she’s back with Stealing Parker and oh wow, this one is just as good. 

I've never really been a fan of sports - except watching the odd football match on the TV but nothing major. Reading Miranda's books really makes me wish I was a sports fan. I'd love to go to a baseball game, eat a hot dog and support a team because it really sounds like so much fun, and that's just what this book is - fun! 

Stealing Parker is jam packed with laugh-out-loud moments but not only that, it's full of emotion. The emotion that poured out of me in the book was really heart-breaking. I was so connected to Parker that I felt everything that she was going through. She's had it tough because the town judge her - so she thinks, so she feels like she has to prove it to them. Even though she's kicking different guys, she's still a girl at heart and she's really looking for the love of her life. I loved Corn Dog - and no, that's not his real name, LOL, it's his nickname but I gotta say, it's not the relationship I was expecting. From the start I was rooting for the Coach Hoffman but soon enough, Corn Dog slowly made his way into my heart and forever he stayed. He really grew on me because to start with he's just a friend and there's no hint of love between these two until they start spending more time together. Once they did, I loved it and I was rooting for them. Corn Dog is sweet, very good looking and also funny but he also has he's deep and meaning moments too. 

Now for you Jordan and Henry fans - Miranda Kenneally doesn't disappoint us and we do get glimpse into their relationship still, yay! Although it's not much, it's still great to see that the author doesn't forget about her first characters and I'm hoping we see much of Jordan, Henry, Parker and Corn Dog in her next book - which I can not wait to read. 

A big, big thank you Jasprit at The Readers Den for loaning me her ARC copy of this book. You rock girl! 

A Review for Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Posted by Donna
Published Date: Decemeber 1st, 2011
Finished Date: November 27th, 2011
Publishers: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: E-Galley
Pages: 288
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.
<

The Review: 

“I love you…” “I love you too,” I blurt 

He smiles, but it’s not a happy smile-it’s like a resigned smile. “I really do love you, Woods, but I like what we have now. And if we go off to different colleges, it’ll be horrible. We’d be apart all the time. I couldn’t handle that. I’m already dreading it.” 

***Possible Spoilers*** 

Catching Jordan is one of them books that I knew I had to get my hands on ever since I first heard about it! I definitely glad I did because this book is YA at its best. 

Jordan Woods is the captain of her school football team; the only thing is she’s the only female on the team. What girl wouldn’t love that? But she’s treated like one of the guys and she loves it. Her best friends are all males and she like to take the mick out of the cheerleaders. When new guy Ty moves to town, he makes the team and could possibly threaten Jordan’s position, however when Ty shows that he’s not interested into taking Jordan’s position but in Jordan herself…..Jordan starts going through things she never expected to feel. She’s starting to feel like an actual girl. 

I loved Jordan! She’s one of them kick ass girls that you always want to read about. She’s very focused, she’s determined and she doesn’t let anyone push her around. I have to say, there were times when I thought I was reading this book from a boys point of view rather than a girls because Jordan being a tom boy almost thinks like a boy. She acts like a boy; she talks like a boy….well…..that is until Ty comes into the picture. Ty brings out Jordan’s girly side and it was great getting to read about her getting nervous about what to wear at school, what underwear to wear and of course, how to kiss. Ty is one of them characters that you love straight away, he’s gorgeous and there’s definitely something about him. He had a hard life and is trying to provide for his family but I loved how he opened up with Jordan. Did I think their relationship was perfect? Ermmm…..probably not. I loved watching the attraction grow but I felt something was missing and I definitely didn’t like how Jordan jumped into bed with Ty within 5 minutes. 

Now, the love triangle! I have got to say I wasn’t even expecting it and I can’t believe I missed all the signs from the start. When Henry was being funny with Jordan and sleeping around with all the girls, I was half expecting to announce he was gay but boy was I shocked when it was revealed….he’s in love with Jordan! Henry was definitely a swoon worthy character and I probably don’t agree with how he treated Jordan while she was dating Ty but he sure does make up for it. Jordan + Henry = Perfect Match in my opinion. 

Overall, Catching Jordan was my first book my author Miranda Kenneally and it definitely won’t be my last. It’s was witty, romantic and funny and I guarantee your will love it….so try it! 

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Fire  for giving me the opportunity to review this book.