Book Review: The Natural History of Us (The Fine Art of Pretending, #2) by Rachel Harris

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Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Book Depository

Format: Kindle

Publishers: Spencer Hill Press

Published: 5th April 2016

Pages: 297

Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance

Main Characters: Peyton, Justin
Date Read: 24th May - 31st May 2016

Rating Given:

Synopsis: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.

I received a review copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I like the cute feeling for the cover as it matches the story but that's all it is as there's nothing that stands out and a bit plain. I love the font of the title as that's the only part of the cover that does stand out.

I was so excited about reading this book as I had read and adored the first book however this one fell flat as it didn't really capture my attention from the get go. It did take a long while to get going and really the only thing that kept me going was the hope in which something would actually happen. This book went back and forth in time so that we could understand what happened to the two main characters but it did take pretty much most of the book until everything was out in the open. The romance was cute in the past but a bit annoying at times as it all came across as a bit too secretive. Once everything was out in the open I liked this book a lot more than I had done in the beginning although not to the high standards of the previous book. I was a little bit disappointed with the ending as I felt yes it was cute but there wasn't much closure for my liking.

I liked the characters to a point but they all had they're annoying moments. Peyton was a nice enough character but I don't feel as though she was the best character I've ever read about I think that maybe she wasn't developed as much as what she could've been. I wasn't too sure about Justin in the previous book but for the most part he was a likeable character but then there was some moments when I felt like he needed slapping.

Overall, I was disappointed in this book but it wasn't all bad it was just okay.

Book of the Month - May

I've read quite a few books in May but I haven't fallen head over heels for any of them plus I had a couple of DNF books which hardly ever happens to me.

Here's what I read in May:

• Blurred Lines (Love Unexpectedly, #1) by Lauren Layne - 3.5/5
• Wild Crush (Wild Cards, #2) by Simone Elkeles - 2.5/5
• Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan With Love, #1) by Sarah Morgan - 4/5
• Across the Line (In the Zone, #2) by Kate Willoughby - 3.5/5
• Chasing Crazy by Kelly Siskind - 3.5/5
• Mortal Obligation (Dark Betrayal, #1) by Nichole Chase - 3.5/5
• The Natural History of Us (The Fine Art of Pretending, #2) by Rachel Harris - 3/5
• Talon (Talon, #1) by Julie Kagawa - 3/5

Also I DNFed Third Base by Heidi McLaughlin as well as Stacked Up by Sidney Halston.

The book of the month goes to...

Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan with Love, #1) 

by Sarah Morgan

So no five star books this month so I had to go to my only four star book which was a good book and I am looking forward to continuing with the series.

What's your book of the month?

Showcase Sunday #123

Showcase Sunday is a weekly Meme that I am taking part of. This weekly meme is hosted by Vicky over at Book, Biscuits and Tea.

Click images to take you to Goodreads.

Here's what I got in February and March...

Paperback Books Received

I received this for review in February and I have already read it and I must admit it is one of my favourite ever books and I can't wait to read the second book.

Kindle Books Bought

  

All of these are the second books in their series and I loved all of their first books so I'm hoping that these sequals are just as good.

Free Kindle Books

  

  

Kindle Review Books

  

  

  

Well looking at all this it looks like I went a bit crazy but in my defence this lot was from over the past two months as I forgot to do one in February.

What did you receive this week?

Top 10 of 2015 - Books I'm looking forward to in 2016

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Books I'm looking forward to in 2016 (This list should be comprised of books released ONLY in 2016).

10.

Other Lives by Jamie McGuire - ??

No image or synopsis on Goodreads as of yet but I love Jamie McGuires books so I'm looking forward to it.

9.

Riders (Riders, #1) by Veronica Rossi - 16th February

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.
Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.
They fail.
Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.
But will anyone believe him?

8.

The Natural History of Us (The Fine Art of Pretending, #2) by Rachel Harris - 5th April

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.

7.

Reign of Shadows (Reign of Shadows, #1) by Sophie Jordan - 9th February

Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.
But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.
With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.
With lush writing and a star–crossed romance, Reign of Shadows is Sophie Jordan at her best.

6.

The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire, #1) by C.J. Redwine - 16th February

Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.
In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman…and bring her Lorelai’s heart.
But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.

5.

Bedmates: An American Royalty Novel - April

From the bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.
Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.
Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.
When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

4.

The One Real Thing (Hart's Boardwalk, #1) by Samantha Young - 6th September

Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…
While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life. Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.
Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations. But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her. Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for….

3.

The Other Side of Gravity (Oxygen, #1) by Shelly Crane - 15th March

My name is Maxton and I’m a trader.
I live on a soulless planet where gravity, oxygen, and everything else are sold to the highest bidder on the black market. People are sold on the black market, too. You have to work really hard not to become one of those people. Pay your taxes, keep your friends and family close, and more than anything else—don’t get caught by the Militia. But all the rules changed for me the day I found her.
My name is Sophelia and I’m a stowaway.
I’ve been a slave for almost as long as I can remember. Waiting for the one day, one second, for my proprietor to turn his head so I could run and never look back. Now I'm on the run. And on a planet where no one is on your side and people would turn you in for a good meal or a piece of a silver, being on the run on Landu is the last place you want to be. Until he found me.
I won't survive without him.
I can't breathe without her.

2.

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1) by Cassandra Clare - 8th March

Los Angeles. It’s been five years since the events of the Mortal Instruments when Nephilim stood poised on the brink of oblivion and Shadowhunter Emma Carstairs lost her parents. After the blood and violence she witnessed as a child, Emma has dedicated her life to to discovering exactly what it was that killed her parents and getting her revenge.

Raised in the Los Angeles Institute with the Blackthorn family, Emma is paired as a parabatai with her best friend, Julian Blackthorn. A series of murders in the city catch her attention — they seem to have the same characteristics as the deaths of her parents. Could the murderer be the same person? And her attention isn’t the only one caught: someone has been murdering Downworlders as well. The Fair Folk make a deal with the Institute: if the Blackthorns and Emma will investigate the killings, they’ll return Mark Blackthorn to his home. The catch: they have only two weeks to find the killers. Otherwise it’s open war between faeries and Nephilim.The Shadowhunters of the Institute must race against time to catch the killers, even as they begin to suspect the involvement of those closest to them. At the same time, Emma is falling in love with the one person in the world she’s absolutely forbidden by Shadowhunter Law to love. Set against the glittering backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches from the warlock-run nightclubs of the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica.

1.

Dirty (Dirty Dive Bar, #1) by Kylie Scott - 19th April

The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

What are you looking forward to reading in 2016?

Top 10 of 2015 - Best Books Read in 2015

I've decided to join Two Chicks On Books again this year to count down my favourite books. Throughout the week there will be different list, so without further ado let's get started!

Best books that I have read in 2015, it doesn't have to have been released in 2015, just a book that I've read in 2015.

10.

The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending, #1) by Rachel Harris

I read this at the beginning of the year and had to read the synopsis again to remind myself of what it was about. Once I reminded myself I remembered what a cute read it was and I can't wait to read more from this series.

9.

The Final Move (Hometown Players, #3) by Victoria Denault

This was a brilliant debut series but this one was better than the other two put together. I am really looking forward to reading more from Victoria Denault.

8.

 

Alex and Zack (Cold Fury Hockey, #1 & 3) by Sawyer Bennett

Number 8 is a bit of a cheat as it's a tie but in my defence they are both from the series, I just couldn't pick a favourite out of these two they where both as amazing as each other.

7.

The Closer You Come (The Original Heartbreakers, #1) by Gena Showalter

I don't think there's been a Gena Showalter book that I haven't loved and this one is no different. This one felt different from other books that I read as the characters wasn't perfect and it was gritty.

6.

Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Another great end to another amazing series. This was one of those books that has everything in it that I always love in a book but it also had things in it that I never knew I was going to like. The ending was perfect for this story yet it has also left it open for maybe more if the author chooses to do so.

5.

Significance (Significance, #1) by Shelly Crane

I absolutely adored this book and found it so hard to decide over my top 5 and they would probably change if I was deciding on another day because they are all as amazing as each other.

4.

Hero by Samantha Young

I have to admit I had to remind myself about what this book was about but in my defence I did read this right at the beginning of the year, but because I've forgotten about it that was the reason why I couldn't put it any higher even after reading my rave review.

3.

The Substitute (The Wedding Pact, #1) by Denise Grover Swank

This is one of the most funniest read that I have ever read and I dare anyone not to fall in love with the Nan she is an amazing character. It's such a light hearted and feel good book that I just know I will be reading over and over again.

2.

Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee

I loved the writing style of this book as it was beautifully written and it had me enthralled into the world of Penryn. The way in which it was all descripted it had me feeling like I was watching a film rather than reading a book.

1.

 

 

Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott

Another bit of a cheat (but in my defence as the previous time I cheated I feel like it's not completely cheating when they are from the same series/author) but I really couldn't pick a favourite as they where all as outstanding as each other. I loved every moment spent with the Stage Dive men and I for one can't wait to read more from Kylie Scott I just hope it's as good as this series.

What was your favourite read of 2015?

Waiting on Wednesday - The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's this week's book I can't wait for...

The Natural History of Us (The Fine Art of Pretending, #2)

 by Rachel Harris

Expected Publication: 5th April 2016

Synopsis: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.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I'm excited to read another one in this series and especially seeing as it's Justin's story as I really felt sorry for him in the previous book so I hope he will get his happy ever after.


What are you waiting on? 

Book of the Month - February

I read quite a few books in February which I was surprised at as I didn't think I read as many as what I had done until I wrote them down.

Here's what I read in February:

• The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending, #1) by Rachel Harris - 5/5
• Forever Fae (Forever Fae, #1) by L.P. Dover - 4/5
• Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) by Veronica Rossi - 4.5/5
• Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky, #2) by Veronica Rossi - 4.5/5
• Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky, #3) by Veronica Rossi - 4.5/5
• Hero by Samantha Young - 5/5
• More Than Exes (Chasing the Dream, #0.5) by Elizabeth Briggs - 3/5
• Alex (Cold Fury Hockey, #1) by Sawyer Bennett - 5/5
• At Any Price (Gaming the System, #1) by Brenna Aubrey - 3.5/5
• Hot & Bothered by Liz Maverick - 3/5

And the book of the month is...

I had a really good month of amazing books so it was really hard for me to pick which I was close to having more than one book of the month but in the end this book just out shone everything I have read this year so far so in the end it wasn't any contest! My full review will be live next week so keep you eye open for that.

What book was your favourite in February?