Lovin' los libros

A book blog dedicated to young adult and new adult novels

Blog Tour: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris {Review, Excerpt,+Giveaway}

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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!
 
 

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!
 
 
Rachel Harris is one of my go-to authors when I am in need of a sweet, cute romance that has all the feels. She always delivers and I always finish reading with a huge grin on my face and a happiness in my heart, knowing that my characters are happy and together. The Natural History of Us is no exception, even though it hurt my heart at times. The story is told in dual POV and dual time lines, so we get to see the Peyton and Justin that exist now and the ones from three years before. Their characters have changed so much in between and we do not see the same kids freshmen year as we do senior year.
 
Freshmen year Peyton is exuberant and full of life. Her motto is to do what scares her and I love how she embraced that. After being diagnosed with GBS and known crippling fear and a total loss of control, she is determined to not let that stand in her way of being who she wants. You can't help but admire the girl's strength and gumption. Justin is cocky and flirtatious and a bit of a show-off, as he has a lot to prove. He wants to earn his place on the baseball team and he craves the acceptance of his coach, his father, and his peers. Fast forward to senior year and Peyton is a girl who lets fear control her life and keep her from getting back in the saddle. Freshmen year has clearly changed her and we know that part of that has to do with Justin, but we don't know what exactly. Justin's cockiness has turned into confidence and while he still strives for acceptance, it's not like it was before. He has a second chance to make things right with Peyton and he is not going to give up this opportunity to win her back.
 
I liked Peyton and Justin together a lot. They are good for one another, no matter how much Justin protests they are not freshmen year. However, things have changed since their time together and now Peyton is seeing someone new. Her heart isn't quite as into it as she thought, and it was a bit unfair of her to string Cade along, but she is still dealing with her feelings and I get how overwhelming that can be. She can't just open her heart back up to Justin, especially after he destroyed it. Justin challenges her though and that is exactly what she needs at this point in her life. Her fear is keeping her from pursuing something she loves and he isn't the type to just ignore that and let her go on as she is.
 
I enjoyed seeing Gabi, Carlos, Aly, and Brandon again though. I love strong friendships in books and I wish we had seen a bit more of the gang all together because they are so much fun to hang with! I never thought I'd say this, but I wouldn't mind getting a Lauren book. The girl has been the cause of some serious heartache, and yet I felt sorry for her. I think there's a story there that could definitely be worth exploring.
 
Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot. Peyton and Justin certainly had their ups and downs but I think they came out even stronger now that they had those experiences and heartaches in the past. They know what it's like to find love, lose it, and then rediscover it all over again with one another and that definitely made their victory that much sweeter.
 
 

 
Planting my feet on the floor, I grab the assignment packet. I thumb through the long list of group dates, taking note of all the partner-time required (a lot), and a rush of endorphins floods my bloodstream. My heart pounds just like it did when I tagged out Jefferson to win last night’s game, and when a relieved exhale parts my lips, I hear Carlos say, “Uh oh.”

“What?” I ask distractedly.

“You’ve got that psycho look in your eyes.” I raise my eyes and he waves a finger back and forth in front of my face. “The same one you had before we egged Crestmont High last week. You’re planning something.”

Adrenaline bounces my knee. “Maybe I am.”

My hand beats out a rhythm on my thigh as I realize that this is exactly what I’d been waiting for. The answer to the itch under my skin. My extreme restlessness. It’s not a new feeling—if I were honest, it’s been on a low simmer for years. Being with Aly just brought it to a boil. I’ve been numb ever since I lost Peyton, and this… this insane marriage project is my chance to finally make things right.

“Tell Abuelita I’ll be there,” I say, returning my gaze to the back of Peyton’s head. “And that I’ll be bringing a girl even she can’t complain about.” From the corner of my eye, I see him stare at me in confusion. “I’m bringing my wife.”

Carlos’s mouth opens in a mix of shock and doubt and I don’t blame him. I saw Peyton’s reaction, too. But I have three whole weeks between now and then, and a plan taking shape in my mind.  

Peyton may think she hates me, but that’s only because she doesn’t know the total truth. Soon, that’ll change—but I can’t rush it. I have to start small. Ease into it. Use these dates and outings to show her how much I’ve changed since I was fifteen and screwed everything up.

But I will do it.

“Mark my words, Carlos,” I say, feeling excited about a girl for the first time in a very long time. But then, that’s because it’s not just any girl; it’s my girl. She just doesn’t know it yet. “I’m gonna be the best damn husband in this entire class.”

He looks at me uncertainly, but that doesn’t faze me. I won’t let it. I know I don’t deserve it. Hell, I never deserved her. But I’m not letting anything stop meNot this time. Thanks to Coach Stasi, I’m going to remind Peyton of all the reasons she fell for me in the first place.

And then I’m going to make her do it again.


 

 
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.
 
An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!
  

 
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4 comments

  1. I need to read something from this author! I have a couple of her books too and just haven't gotten to them. This one sounds so good and sweet! Great review!

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  2. You know, I can't remember these characters from the previous book at all, but I'll still be picking this up when it releases because I do love her books. :)
    I'm glad to hear this was just as exceptional. It sounds super adorable.
    Lovely review, Jess!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much! ~Jessica, InkSlinger PR

    ReplyDelete
  4. I literally just saw that this was coming out and added it to my TBR! This sounds so cute and I love it when a book just makes your heart smile while reading it!!

    ReplyDelete

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