Blog Tour and Giveaway: Embrace: S.E.Hall
Embrace
(Evolve Series 2)
Expected Release
Date: October, 2013
Embrace, the second book in the Evolve Series by S.E. Hall, follows the characters from her debut NA romance, Emerge.
Evan Allen is a handsome, athletic, southern gentleman...who now attends GSU, for no good reason.
No friends, a year of ineligibility on the football team and no girl, Evan is starting over alone. But certain members of The Crew refuse to let him face things by himself,taking him under their wing, and it doesn't take the ladies long to notice him either.
Sometimes life doesn't go as you had planned, it goes better.
Embrace it.
Emerge (Evolve Series 1)
Add to Goodreads
Kim's 5 star review
Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.
Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.
A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.
Maybe your true self only thrives in the accompaniment of the one made to bring it out in you.
This book begins right after the dramatic conclusion of Emerge. Evan is angry, lost and heartbroken since Laney chose Dane. He gave up his scholarship and life to move to win Laney back and lost.
As Evan begins making friends, he and Laney have to try to get past the hurt to regain their friendship but it is not a quick or easy process. And along the way Even meets a girl who just seems to fit with him, even if she is an unlikely choice. I have to say I would have never guessed who he would develop a connection with. But their pasts have similarities and they surprisingly just kind of click.
Excerpt:
Laney
“Hello?”
“Zach, don’t say my name,” I choke
out, storming across the lot as fast as my shaking legs will carry me.
“What’s wrong? Where’d you-“ his
voice comes loud and worried through the phone.
“Don’t say that!” I interrupt, God,
how embarrassing. “Can you walk away from everyone and talk to me for a minute?
Where no one can hear you.” My voice is nasally and obnoxious, getting on my
own nerves.
“Yeah Mom, hang on.” Zach- not a
great actor. “Okay Laney, I’m by myself now,” he whispers.
“I’m sorry I bailed on practice, and
I’m sorry to bug you now, but I need a Zach of infinite wisdom fix real bad
right about now.”
“Let’s pretend I don’t already know
what’s up your ass and you go ahead. It’ll give you a chance to vent.”
Alright, so that almost makes
me grin.
“Basically, he just hung
on that bitch in front of me just to piss me off, and it worked!
Seriously? I don’t do that shit to him! Nothing I did was to purposely hurt
him. How long did I absolutely torture myself NOT to hurt him Zach, huh? A long
ass time!” I come up for air, waiting for him to tell me how right I am while I
climb in my truck.
“Laney, you know I love you, right?”
This can’t be good.
“Yes…”
“Then you know it’s with love when I
say this.” Dramatic pause that makes my skin crawl. “Get over yourself! I don’t
care if he fucked her on the field and asked you to film it. You may not have
meant to, but you destroyed that kid. He’s here with no friends, no girl
and a new team. Sound familiar? He’s just trying to put one foot in front of
the other every day, just like you did. You got your happily ever after, so
back the fuck off and let him try to find his.”
Well then. Zach-1. Laney-0.
It hurts, not even gonna pretend it
doesn’t, but his words are honest…and absolutely dead on. It angers me at
myself for being the cause of such sad, but true words, describing the crushing
of my Evan. It’s a lot to think on and I have to do that now, before I cruise
right out of control.
“You’re right Zach. That’s why I
call you. I’ll always get the straight-up what I need to hear. Thanks.”
“I luv ya Laney. Don’t be mad at me,
but much like yourself, don’t ask for my advice if you don’t want it.”
I chuckle, “God, if that isn’t the
truth. You’re harsh, but right. I’m not mad, I swear. Now go coach! I’ll talk
to ya later.”
“Later Laney.”
I hang up and
stare out my windshield, pondering. Zach is right, I’m being a selfish bitch.
Do not read if you have not read Emerge as this review contains spoilers for the first book.
Maybe your true self only thrives in the accompaniment of the one made to bring it out in you.This book begins right after the dramatic conclusion of Emerge. Evan is angry, lost and heartbroken since Laney chose Dane. He gave up his scholarship and life to move to win Laney back and lost.
As Evan begins making friends, he and Laney have to try to get past the hurt to regain their friendship but it is not a quick or easy process. And along the way Even meets a girl who just seems to fit with him, even if she is an unlikely choice. I have to say I would have never guessed who he would develop a connection with. But their pasts have similarities and they surprisingly just kind of click.
"I don't want to be an underdog anymore, do you?...That settles it. We are now opposites of underdogs. We are--We're overcats!"
I loved Evan in the first book and continued to do so throughout this one. Evan is a good guy who has been devastated. But he really just wants to love and be loved. He tries to date and move on. But he finds he is really attracted to one girl, but they have become friends, and he does not want to go down that road again. But she is supportive, fun, sweet, and always there for him. I was surprised how much I really liked her. They really did have a connection, an understanding of each other, and complimenting personalities. But Evan is unsure of what would be worse...not making a move or making one and being rejected again.
"Well, you bring out the best in me."
"Right back atcha, pretty girl."
Will he take a chance on love again or let her slip through his fingers?
It is a story of moving on, second chances, and healing. It was heartbreaking, sweet, romantic, and inspiring. But this is not just Evan's story. We also get more with Laney and Dane's story as well. They still have some challenges to face together. I really do like them as a couple. Sawyer, in all his glory, is also a big part of this book. And Tate, Zach, Bennett, Avery, Kirby, and Parker are all involved as well. I really love this crew of characters. The stories are about the couples, but also about their friendships. They are humorous, protective, and provide unwavering support. I cannot wait for Sawyer's story. He totally cracks me up, and he has a big heart even though he hides it under a foul-mouthed playboy exterior.
"One of these days some girl's gonna snag ya and knock ya on your ass. This way, you'll be ready."
"You start drinking without me? No woman will ever tame me, or send me on f***ing errands or tampon runs and bulls***. That chick doesn't exist. It's different doing it for Gidge, she's my buddy."
We get a little glimpse of his ongoing story at the end of this book and I am already intrigued.
Thanks to SE Hall for providing me with and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 17 years and 3 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading YA and NA romance.
hosted by Just Booked
0 comments