The Color of Us (College Bound #2) by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari

Hey Readers! Ethan here with the first of several reviews I'll be sharing today. Best part about sharing this one first is that it's also RELEASE DAY! Woohoo! I am so excited to be sharing my thoughts on a NA novel that blew me away. This time on the chopping block? The Color of Us, the second installment in the College Bound series by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari. Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our authors:

Title: The Color of Us (College Bound #2)
Authors: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari
Release Date: June 20, 2016

Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can’t find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she’s forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver’s Ed course, she’s surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.

Liam O’Connell is trouble. He isn’t proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.

The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.

That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.

Liam knows he can’t allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he’s determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.

Can he prove he’s worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?

     

About the Authors:

Laura Ward

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.  

Find Laura Ward

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 

***

My Thoughts:

Last summer, I discovered that two of my favorite NA authors were teaming up to co-write a new NA series that was sure to impress. I anxiously awaited The Pledge and absolutely devoured it. While I had a few issues with their collaborative debut, I knew I saw a spark in this series that would only grow brighter with each passing chapter. By the end of book one, I was confident they had found their stride and was pumped about book two. Knowing the readers would get an incredible novel made this long wait almost unbearable.

I am so excited to say that the wait was well worth it. In fact, The Color of Us may have just become one of my favorite novels of the year! 

I will admit that much like The Pledge, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story on this one. Thankfully, it didn't take too long though before I was absolutely immersed in the story Ward and Manzari had crafted. It's their best collaborative work yet! 

I'll talk about this more a little later, but people. Be prepared for feels. I'll tell you, the plot for The Color of Us is an emotional roller coaster if I've ever seen one. You'll go from mad to happy to excruciating emotional pain over the span of this novel. The plot is so intimate and the settings and situations are so real, you can almost reach out and comfort the characters yourself in their time of need. It's truly an eye-opening novel and while I won't spoil any of the plot for anyone, I really didn't see most of it coming. I was a little iffy about one particular aspect of this story, but in the end I think it really helped pull the story together in the best of ways. Ward and Manzari make use of time jumps. The story isn't chronologically set in one time period, but rather jumps months or years into the future. It was very easy to follow, but I will admit there were times I would have like to see more in one time frame before jumping to the next. For a variety of reasons, this literary device worked extremely well in TCoU compared to other stories in which I have seen it attempted. My biggest input I can give on the plot of this one is to not give up, and certainly expect the unexpected. I won't say there are huge plot twists left and right, but there were several points in the story where I was genuinely surprised (and overtaken with emotion) with what I had read. It's truly a work of collaborative literary genius, 

When it comes to the characters in this one, I don't even know where to start. Both Liam and Alexis are written to perfection, but I have to be perfectly honest and say that Liam really stole the show for me in this one. Alexis was extremely well-written and we see some great scenes and quotes from her, but Liam's story really hit hard for this reader. It may just be me relating to the male character by default, but I found Liam's struggles to be so real and fitting to the story that I ended TCoU with massive amounts of respect for his trials. While the NA genre is really known for it's college-age character and campus settings, I really appreciated the path the authors took with Liam's character choosing an alternate path in life. It's important for young readers to realize that college is not the only path in life. I was extremely pleased by the authors presentation of Liam. The relationship that Alexis and Liam build is truly an unconventional one, but Ward and Manzari definitely did an incredible job crafting a respectable relationship and not falling to the trends of insta-love. The secondary characters in the story are numerous, but each play an important role in the story and build up the emotional plot that I fell in love with. 

While this novel is the second in a series, it has very little to do with The Pledge and each novel can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend reading book one as well, but rest assured you won't be missing out on any part of the plot by starting with book two. 

In true Ward-Manzari fashion, you probably won't make it to the epilogue without drowning in feels. I know I sure couldn't. Right from the very first chapter we see the signs that TCoU is about to hit on some extremely hard hitting themes. Themes of maturity and forgiveness are huge in this story. Definitely themes that are very important to all New Adults. Other hard hitting themes include death, family, love, and overcoming uncertainty. It's truly a testament to the writing styles of Ward and Manzari that they can relate so fully to the trials of the NA generation. It's so refreshing to read an NA about true NAs. Honestly. Major kudos to them.   

As you guys can clearly see, I was a huge fan in the second installment of the College Bound series by Ward and Manzari. It impressed me beyond my wildest dreams and I am so glad to have gotten to read it. I can definitely say that I am more than excited about the future of this series. With the combined genius that is the Ward-Manzari team, I know this series will get better with each passing installment! That being said, it should come as no surprise that I am granting The Color of Us a near-perfect 5-star review. I highly recommend this read to all lovers of New Adult and romance series. Don't miss out on this read! 

**This can be read a a standalone**

***

Alright folks, there you have it. My thoughts on The Color of Us by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari. It's an absolutely incredible novel that I can't wait to devour again. Be sure to check this one out. Don't miss out on the release day sale 6/20 ONLY! Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

The Color of Us (College Bound #2) by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari Cover Reveal

Hey readers! Ethan here with an exciting post. I am SO PUMPED to be sharing the cover for the second installment in a NA Romance series co-written by two of my absolute favorite authors ever. I hope you will all add this awesome novel to your TBR! Here we go:

Title: The Color of Us (College Bound #2)
Authors: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari
Release Date: June 20, 2016

Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can’t find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she’s forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver’s Ed course, she’s surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.

Liam O’Connell is trouble. He isn’t proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.

The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.

That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.

Liam knows he can’t allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he’s determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.

Can he prove he’s worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?

About the Authors:

Laura Ward

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.  

Find Laura Ward

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you today on the topic of The Color of Us. Isn't that an incredible cover?! Be sure to add this one to your TBR and be on the lookout for my thoughts soon. My ARC hit my inbox yesterday and I'm already pumped to start it. Until next time, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

The Pledge (College Bound #1) by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari Review Tour (Review + Giveaway)

Hey readers, Happy Monday! Ethan here with a fun post for you guys today. My stop on the blog tour for one of my most anticipated reads of the summer. A collaboration between two of my favorite authors that really blew me away. What are we talking about? The Pledge by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari. Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our authors:

Title: The Pledge

Authors: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari

Age: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations, Sarah Hansen

Release date: July 27, 2015

Taren needs a do-over. She’s decided the best way to put the high school bullies behind her is to pledge a Taylor-Swift-lip-syncing, beer-guzzling, sorority. Sisterhood helps Taren find the acceptance she’s always craved, but not the love she needs.

Alec wants freedom. To escape his father’s iron fist and unrealistic expectations, he pledges a campus acrobatics club where he finds that drugs and alcohol aren't the only ways to get high. His addiction to danger helps him gain his independence, but it comes at a heavy price.

When the two cross paths, Alec fears his undeniable attraction to the party girl just might threaten everything he's worked so hard to earn. Taren hasn’t forgotten that Alec humiliated her back in high school, but she also can't deny the chemistry they share.

Alec and Taren have nothing in common, but fate is bound and determined to bring them together. They know falling in love is a risk, and yet it’s too hard to ignore. When their worlds clash and they both end up suffering, will they fight to stay together? Or are some pledges too hard to keep?

About the Authors:

Laura Ward

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.  

Find Laura Ward

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 

***

My Thoughts:

As anyone who follows this blog well knows, I am a huge fan of both Laura Ward and Christine Manzari. I have been closely following their careers for over a year now and have absolutely loved each novel they have released. Imagine my excitement when I discovered the two of them were collaborating on a new project, a new adult contemporary with a lot of potential! Well, did it live up to the hype?

In short? Yes. But, it didn't come without a few faults. Allow me to explain.

The most intriguing part, to me, about this collaboration was just how Laura and Christine were going to pull it off. Anyone who has read from these ladies will tell you that they write very different stories with very different content. Their writing styles are like night and day at times. I love their writing for multiple reasons, but each reason is different. I go to one author when I want one style and the other when I'm looking for another. Make sense? So... as you can imagine, I was a bit nervous about the collaboration between the two of them. 

I will go ahead and admit that The Pledge took me a while to really get into. I was enjoying it at a surface level, but the spark that makes both of these authors so special to me really wasn't there for a while. Each chapter in this story alternates POVs between Alec and Taren. Each character was written by a different author. And it's very distinctive. It's almost as though you are reading two entirely separate novels for a little while. I found myself anxious until I got to the part where the story finally 'clicked' and it was smooth sailing from there.

I'll also admit that prior to reading The Pledge, I have had very little experience with reading novels that are co-written (Beautiful Creatures being the only other that comes to mind). I've spoken with other readers who have confirmed to me that this is a normal feeling when reading a collaboration between two authors so I do feel better about it now than I did when I first devoured the story. 

Once I was able to see find the 'streamline' part of the story where the chapters blended together much easier, I was really able to plant myself into the story. In one sense, this was kind of a negative to me, but in another sense, after finishing the novel, I found the feeling to be very fitting. It really showcased just how different our MCs are from one another and is reflective of the plot as a whole. I don't imagine I will see any other collaborations between Manzari and Ward to have this issue, but seeing as this was their first collaboration, I can totally understand how this would happen. Writing is hard when you're doing it alone. I can't imagine how co-writing would be!

When it comes to the plot of The Pledge, I was overall satisfied. There were a few bumps in the road and a few things I didn't completely understand at the time of reading, but in the end all questions were more or less answered. One of the really unique aspects of this plot was the inclusion of Gymkana. I love college books with a twist or some kind of special activity/organization that makes their college experience unique. The Gymkana thing really was fun to read about. Each scene was fun and did a fantastic job of setting the tone. The novel had a few plot twists that I didn't really see coming which were fun as well. When it comes to college novels, I really get ridiculously aggravated when the characters done have 'real life' college experiences. Thankfully, I found The Pledge to be an accurate description of college life. That was a huge plus for me. 

The Pledge really pulled out the feels in terms of characters. While I absolutely loved our MCs, I despised the supporting characters. I don't know if it was because of their attitudes or what, but I found nearly all of the supporting characters to just be all around horrible people. Their were immature, really crappy friends, and... just not very important in the grand scheme of things. Particularly the supporting female cast, I was really shocked at just how much I despised those characters. I'm hoping that in future installments of this series they grow on me a bit, but for now I really didn't care for them. Back to Alec and Taren though, I really enjoyed them both. I will say I was a bigger fan of Alec, just because I was really able to relate to some of the hardships he faced. Alec really has a big 'growing up' moment in The Pledge that really shapes his future in the novel. It was emotional for me in particular, but I gained so much more respect for him as a character. It was so refreshing as a male reader to see such a turnaround and inspirational development from a male character. Huge kudos to both Ward and Manzari for that.

While I've never been to the University of Maryland, I loved the description that Ward and Manzari put into The Pledge. Having recently graduated from college myself, I was able to immerse myself into the setting and really get the most out of the story. Everything from the campus feel to the college dive-bar atmosphere, I really felt myself transported into the story in a way I haven't been in quite some time. 

In true Laura Ward fashion, The Pledge included themes dealing with mental illness. I really love how Laura finds a way to include these special characters into her stories. Each character gives the story heart and emotion in a way you don't see anywhere else in the genre. It's truly an art to see these characters and setting so beautifully crafted. Manzari's signature snark is present as well. One of my favorite things about Manzari's writing is how well she able to emulate the YA/NA mindset into her written words. It's not easy to plant readers within the mind of a character and to see things their way, but Manzari always blows me away with this and Alec and The Pledge were no exception.

As you guys can clearly see, I have a lot of thoughts on The Pledge, and thankfully most of them were huge pluses! I know I has a few negatives to point out in this one, but overall I still enjoyed the story immensely. I believe that this first collaboration between Ward and Manzari was an awesome journey that will only strengthen their bond as authors and with their readers. With a full series planned, I know each passing installment will get better and better. I am ridiculously excited to see what these ladies come up with next!

All-in-all, I am granting The Pledge a well-deserved 4-star review. While it isn't my favorite story from either author, I found it to be a fantastic addition to the New Adult genre and highly recommend it to any NA reader who is looking to add something a little different to their summer TBR lists! Thank being said, do yourself a favor and check out The Pledge and the other works from these amazing authors, I can assure you that you'll not be disappointed!

***

GIVEAWAY:

THE PLEDGE: 1 print 3 ebooks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of The Pledge by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari. I'm huge fans of each of these ladies works and consider them to be both friends and great inspirations of mine. They truly are amazing women. Reading this first ever collaboration from the two of them was a great honor. I cannot wait for more from them! 

Special thanks to our authors and the team at Mark My Words Publicity for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

The Pledge by Laura Ward & Christine Manzari Cover Reveal

We're excited to share the cover for THE PLEDGE by Laura Ward & Christine Manzari! Be sure to check out the excerpt below!

Title: The Pledge

Author: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari

Age: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations, Sarah Hansen

Release date: July 27, 2015

Goodreads

Blurb:

Taren needs a do-over. She’s decided the best way to put the high school bullies behind her is to pledge a Taylor-Swift-lip-syncing, beer-guzzling, sorority. Sisterhood helps Taren find the acceptance she’s always craved, but not the love she needs.

Alec wants freedom. To escape his father’s iron fist and unrealistic expectations, he pledges a campus acrobatics club where he finds that drugs and alcohol aren't the only ways to get high. His addiction to danger helps him gain his independence, but it comes at a heavy price.

When the two cross paths, Alec fears his undeniable attraction to the party girl just might threaten everything he's worked so hard to earn. Taren hasn’t forgotten that Alec humiliated her back in high school, but she also can't deny the chemistry they share.

Alec and Taren have nothing in common, but fate is bound and determined to bring them together. They know falling in love is a risk, and yet it’s too hard to ignore. When their worlds clash and they both end up suffering, will they fight to stay together? Or are some pledges too hard to keep?

EXCERPT

“I dreamt about this.” Alec dragged his fingertips down my neck and to my hair that lay splayed across his pillow. He leaned over me, and his weight rested on his forearms. “I pictured you just like this. Laying in my bed, your hair spread out on my pillow, your scent on my skin.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “Your lips begging to be kissed.” Alec slipped his tongue along my lower lip. “I missed your taste. I missed…you, Taren.” He dipped his tongue inside my mouth, pulling me in for a deep, slow kiss.

The words coming from his lips were too much. I moaned into his mouth as emotion stung the corners of my eyes. He was hard as he pressed against me, and my eyelids fluttered shut as I lifted my hips into him. My hands ran all over his arms, and my fingers molded themselves to the muscles of his shoulders and back. I would never have enough time to feel him. Never.

Alec’s kisses were eager, his lips pressing against mine with such intensity I hardly had time to catch my breath. He moved down, trailing his lips along my neck until he reached my chest. Every place he left a kiss felt hot, and I felt flushed.

“I missed the way you tuck your hair behind your ear when you’re nervous.” His lips branded my right shoulder. “I missed the way you smile when you know you’re out-debating me.” His mouth traced the words into my skin before leaving a scorching touch on my rib cage. “I missed the way you can get lost in a book and fall into its pages.” His kiss settled between the swell of my breasts, and his breath feathered across my skin.

A tear rolled down my face as emotion overwhelmed me. I wasn’t just another body. He saw me. The real me.

He looked up and propped himself up on his elbow. He reached up and wiped the tear away with his thumb. He left his hand on my face and gazed down me. “What’s wrong?” His fingers stroked my cheek.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. “I’m so happy we get a second chance.” Another tear escaped me, and his face pinched as he reached up to wipe that one away, too.

“Second chances don’t change the past. They just prove we can learn from our mistakes.” He pressed his face into my neck, his mouth just below my ear. “I’m not the same guy I was in high school. I’m going to prove that to you.”

We would love for you to join us in the promotional tour for The Pledge by Laura Ward & Christine Manzari! 

SIGN UP HERE!

About the Author:

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 


As many of you will remember, Mrs. Laura and Christine are two of my favorite authors and are huge supporters of One Guy's Guide to Good Reads, I am so pumped to check out this collaboration between the two of them. They've each written beautiful works of art on their own, so I have no doubt that The Pledge will be one of my favorite reads of the year! I can't wait!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan