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melbsreads's review against another edition
3.0
I have a complicated relationship with new adult books. Periodically, my brain informs me that WE DESPERATELY NEED TO READ A NEW ADULT BOOK, PLEASE AND THANK YOU. And yet whenever I read new adult books, I inevitably find myself eternally frustrated over the way that the romantic relationships are written or the fact that there ALWAYS seems to be a secondary female character who gets raped by some douchenozzle and it's used as a way of furthering the storyline for a male character??
But I digress.
This one has been sitting on my Kindle for months now, just waiting for my brain to tell me that it was new adult time, thank you very much. And as far as the plot goes, I quite enjoyed this one. The gist of it is that Nell is about to graduate from college two years early thanks to overloading when she realises that she's never had, like, ANY of the traditional college experiences. And she decides to spend her last couple of months rectifying that. And when football player Mateo finds out about the to-do list she's made, he's determined to help out.
I liked Nell as a character. She's very shy, prone to blushing, incredibly studious, and constantly worried that she's making the right choices. Nell, girl, I can relate. Mateo was...generally sweet with Nell? And I loved that this book featured a Latino love interest.
However.
I could have done without being inside his head. There's a limit to how many times you can read "OMG HER TITS ARE AMAZING *heart eyes emoji*" without wanting to smack your head into a wall. Also, I don't think he went to class once. At all. Ever. Like, he went to a bunch of parties. And to football training. And played a handful of games. But class? Nah.
There were also occasionally some slightly cringey moments in the writing. The one that stands out the most was something about how Mateo had Nell's hands pinned while he "continued the assault on my neck". And yeeeeeah, maybe don't use the words "pinned" and "assault" that close together and expect your reader to find it hot? Because it wasn't. It was just...uncomfortable.
So yeah. It was fine. It was occasionally cute. It had a Latino love interest, so bonus points for that. I'll be veeeeeeeery interested to read Stella and Ryan's story when it eventually happens. But that's about it. (Also, the dudes in new adult books need to stop literally tearing their love interest's underwear off them. That shit is expensive, you ass.)
But I digress.
This one has been sitting on my Kindle for months now, just waiting for my brain to tell me that it was new adult time, thank you very much. And as far as the plot goes, I quite enjoyed this one. The gist of it is that Nell is about to graduate from college two years early thanks to overloading when she realises that she's never had, like, ANY of the traditional college experiences. And she decides to spend her last couple of months rectifying that. And when football player Mateo finds out about the to-do list she's made, he's determined to help out.
I liked Nell as a character. She's very shy, prone to blushing, incredibly studious, and constantly worried that she's making the right choices. Nell, girl, I can relate. Mateo was...generally sweet with Nell? And I loved that this book featured a Latino love interest.
However.
I could have done without being inside his head. There's a limit to how many times you can read "OMG HER TITS ARE AMAZING *heart eyes emoji*" without wanting to smack your head into a wall. Also, I don't think he went to class once. At all. Ever. Like, he went to a bunch of parties. And to football training. And played a handful of games. But class? Nah.
There were also occasionally some slightly cringey moments in the writing. The one that stands out the most was something about how Mateo had Nell's hands pinned while he "continued the assault on my neck". And yeeeeeah, maybe don't use the words "pinned" and "assault" that close together and expect your reader to find it hot? Because it wasn't. It was just...uncomfortable.
So yeah. It was fine. It was occasionally cute. It had a Latino love interest, so bonus points for that. I'll be veeeeeeeery interested to read Stella and Ryan's story when it eventually happens. But that's about it. (Also, the dudes in new adult books need to stop literally tearing their love interest's underwear off them. That shit is expensive, you ass.)
nverjudgeabook's review against another edition
5.0
Em's TOP 5 Checklist of ALL PLAYED OUT
#1 - Character Connection on a deeper level: Antonella (love that name) very much reminded me of Cora's MC in Losing It, Bliss. They both had such authenticity to their characters that I just feel in love with her. I loved her wild streak which she obtained from her Nell's To Do List at the beginning of her perspective. It was a way for to really connect with the other side of college life, for her to get her full experience before she graduated earlier than other people.
#2 - 'Hook up with a Jock': I hate the term 'jock' don't you?! I found that as you progress through the story, Mateo is nothing like that, far from it. Whilst at first I did think he was a bit of a tool, comparing his previous love Lina, to Ness. Which was the first step into using someone and I felt he was betraying Ness at the same time too, she deserved more than that. But I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, which I was indeed right to give as he was by far the hottest guy of the Rusk series so far... But there was such a slow burn of hooking up that it was both steamy and cruel at the same time. That's one thing I adore about Cora's writing, it's written to keep you hooked and you will certainly need to fan yourself every once in a while.
#3 - Steamy Romance: My oh my! What a build-up it was...the more times Ness and Mateo checked something of her list, the more heated it would get. Each would get more kinky, but they grew closer together as well, both physically and mentally. It's as if underneath both of their skins, their personalities were tuned together from the beginning. They were able to The approach to their relationship was unique and also strangely familiar at the same time.
#4 - Family of Secondary Characters: Like many of Cora's books, she doesn't just let one book end without inviting her previous characters into the next book. That's what I love about her work, she brings out the best in her books when she incorporates all her writing prodigies. We see them as they are but from a different perspective, we see them move on through Rusk and through life. A Family of characters. Much like Jay Crownover's Marked Men series. I met Dallas and Carson once again and for inquiring minds they are as just as in love, probably more so in front of their as All Lined Up. We also see Dylan and Silas which I can only assume are the stars of All Broke Down the sequel. Now after reading this novel I want to know what happened to Stella and how her story will continue.
#5 - Wonderfully Written: Written through dual perspective you really get to see both characters in their own spotlight as well as together. You get to look into their heads, and what Cora does is make you want to fight for the characters, you feel very emotionally involved. I can't fault her writing. She has created something totally different from her Losing It series but this is the book I was waiting for in this series. This was were my expectations exceeded that from her first book that I felt a little disappointed by. This one is a page turner, with all the romantic feels, first-bumps, and toe-curling effects to the novel. It's unputtdownable.
Rating - 5/5 - Well what other rating could I give if Cora Carmack, checked all of my book items....
This review can also be found on my blog
#1 - Character Connection on a deeper level: Antonella (love that name) very much reminded me of Cora's MC in Losing It, Bliss. They both had such authenticity to their characters that I just feel in love with her. I loved her wild streak which she obtained from her Nell's To Do List at the beginning of her perspective. It was a way for to really connect with the other side of college life, for her to get her full experience before she graduated earlier than other people.
#2 - 'Hook up with a Jock': I hate the term 'jock' don't you?! I found that as you progress through the story, Mateo is nothing like that, far from it. Whilst at first I did think he was a bit of a tool, comparing his previous love Lina, to Ness. Which was the first step into using someone and I felt he was betraying Ness at the same time too, she deserved more than that. But I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, which I was indeed right to give as he was by far the hottest guy of the Rusk series so far... But there was such a slow burn of hooking up that it was both steamy and cruel at the same time. That's one thing I adore about Cora's writing, it's written to keep you hooked and you will certainly need to fan yourself every once in a while.
#3 - Steamy Romance: My oh my! What a build-up it was...the more times Ness and Mateo checked something of her list, the more heated it would get. Each would get more kinky, but they grew closer together as well, both physically and mentally. It's as if underneath both of their skins, their personalities were tuned together from the beginning. They were able to The approach to their relationship was unique and also strangely familiar at the same time.
#4 - Family of Secondary Characters: Like many of Cora's books, she doesn't just let one book end without inviting her previous characters into the next book. That's what I love about her work, she brings out the best in her books when she incorporates all her writing prodigies. We see them as they are but from a different perspective, we see them move on through Rusk and through life. A Family of characters. Much like Jay Crownover's Marked Men series. I met Dallas and Carson once again and for inquiring minds they are as just as in love, probably more so in front of their as All Lined Up. We also see Dylan and Silas which I can only assume are the stars of All Broke Down the sequel. Now after reading this novel I want to know what happened to Stella and how her story will continue.
#5 - Wonderfully Written: Written through dual perspective you really get to see both characters in their own spotlight as well as together. You get to look into their heads, and what Cora does is make you want to fight for the characters, you feel very emotionally involved. I can't fault her writing. She has created something totally different from her Losing It series but this is the book I was waiting for in this series. This was were my expectations exceeded that from her first book that I felt a little disappointed by. This one is a page turner, with all the romantic feels, first-bumps, and toe-curling effects to the novel. It's unputtdownable.
Rating - 5/5 - Well what other rating could I give if Cora Carmack, checked all of my book items....
This review can also be found on my blog
thebookbitch's review against another edition
4.0
The last 80 pages really saved this book. But overall, it was a great, fun read. Definitely the most steamiest one so far!
la_cori's review against another edition
2.0
Non l'avrei mai pensato, ma per me il terzo libro di questa serie si ferma a 2 stelle e mezzo
Carissima Cora stavolta mi hai un po' deluso; mi avevi abituata bene con questa serie, ma con Nell e Mateo non si è ripetuta la magia! Peccato.. Sono carini come coppia e ci sono anche alcuni momenti divertenti, ma come singoli personaggi sono un po' deboli, non ben caratterizzati. E se in un libro del genere i protagonisti non sono ben messi a fuoco, è solo un altro romanzetto rosa come tanti.
Carissima Cora stavolta mi hai un po' deluso; mi avevi abituata bene con questa serie, ma con Nell e Mateo non si è ripetuta la magia! Peccato.. Sono carini come coppia e ci sono anche alcuni momenti divertenti, ma come singoli personaggi sono un po' deboli, non ben caratterizzati. E se in un libro del genere i protagonisti non sono ben messi a fuoco, è solo un altro romanzetto rosa come tanti.
the_cover_contessa's review against another edition
4.0
I want to thank William Morrow for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.
I'm a huge Cora Carmack fan. I've read every book she's published and I don't plan to stop. So given the opportunity to review any of her books, well, you can imagine I jump right on it. And I knew this installment of the Rusk University series was going to be amazing. I wasn't wrong!
From the get go I loved Mateo Torres. Who couldn't love a guy who liked to take his clothes off in any situation? He's full of humor, which makes him that much more sexy. And of course he's a football player, so, yeah, what more could you want? But he's also got this sensitive side that you never saw coming. When I first met him in All Lined Up, I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. I wasn't wrong. He's so much deeper than anyone could have imagined.
And in steps Antonella Deluca. Nell is totally unexpected. The girl who has her whole life mapped out and then realizes that perhaps she might be missing out. So what does any good nerd do? They make a list. And Nell's list is nothing if not interesting. From partying to having mind blowing sex, she wants to experience life before she starts her neatly planned life. What she wasn't expecting was one guy named Mateo Torres who seems to be the opposite of anything and everything she knows. He's crass and uninhibited. Nell is absolutely my favorite female Carmack character to date. Probably because I could relate to her so well. Much of my college years were spent worrying about lists and checking things off!
As always, Cramack gives each character a uniqueness you might not expect. And she creates a story that's not only about college life and football, but also about what happens after graduation and where people see their lives going.
I love that Nell and Torres are kind of thrown together. They are pretty much total opposites, but it seems to work for them. And you can tell they never expected each other, or to fall for each other. Torres has been a player, but Nell changes how he thinks. And Nell's life has been mapped out, not including a tornado of a guy who throws her entire life into a loop.
Of course both characters carry their baggage. Though I thought Mateo's baggage was a little more hefty than Nell's. He was much more broken by the events that happened in his life. His story had my heart aching. I wanted to wrap him up and take all his pain away. To fill his voids and show him what a wonderful person he really is. But he didn't need me for that because Nell filled that roll perfectly.
And this wouldn't be a Rusk book if we didn't see the other characters reappear. What a great supporting cast. I want each and every one of their stories. I hope Cora gives them to us!
I don't know how Cora does it. Each story gets better and better. Ok, I will say that Silas still has my heart. But Torres has certainly pushed his way in and made a nest there. Carmack has created a sweet and sexy read that leaves out all the angst you often feel with new adult romance.
If you're looking for a great romantic read that will have you turning the pages so fast you'll be sorry when you're done, then this is the one!
I'm a huge Cora Carmack fan. I've read every book she's published and I don't plan to stop. So given the opportunity to review any of her books, well, you can imagine I jump right on it. And I knew this installment of the Rusk University series was going to be amazing. I wasn't wrong!
From the get go I loved Mateo Torres. Who couldn't love a guy who liked to take his clothes off in any situation? He's full of humor, which makes him that much more sexy. And of course he's a football player, so, yeah, what more could you want? But he's also got this sensitive side that you never saw coming. When I first met him in All Lined Up, I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. I wasn't wrong. He's so much deeper than anyone could have imagined.
And in steps Antonella Deluca. Nell is totally unexpected. The girl who has her whole life mapped out and then realizes that perhaps she might be missing out. So what does any good nerd do? They make a list. And Nell's list is nothing if not interesting. From partying to having mind blowing sex, she wants to experience life before she starts her neatly planned life. What she wasn't expecting was one guy named Mateo Torres who seems to be the opposite of anything and everything she knows. He's crass and uninhibited. Nell is absolutely my favorite female Carmack character to date. Probably because I could relate to her so well. Much of my college years were spent worrying about lists and checking things off!
As always, Cramack gives each character a uniqueness you might not expect. And she creates a story that's not only about college life and football, but also about what happens after graduation and where people see their lives going.
I love that Nell and Torres are kind of thrown together. They are pretty much total opposites, but it seems to work for them. And you can tell they never expected each other, or to fall for each other. Torres has been a player, but Nell changes how he thinks. And Nell's life has been mapped out, not including a tornado of a guy who throws her entire life into a loop.
Of course both characters carry their baggage. Though I thought Mateo's baggage was a little more hefty than Nell's. He was much more broken by the events that happened in his life. His story had my heart aching. I wanted to wrap him up and take all his pain away. To fill his voids and show him what a wonderful person he really is. But he didn't need me for that because Nell filled that roll perfectly.
And this wouldn't be a Rusk book if we didn't see the other characters reappear. What a great supporting cast. I want each and every one of their stories. I hope Cora gives them to us!
I don't know how Cora does it. Each story gets better and better. Ok, I will say that Silas still has my heart. But Torres has certainly pushed his way in and made a nest there. Carmack has created a sweet and sexy read that leaves out all the angst you often feel with new adult romance.
If you're looking for a great romantic read that will have you turning the pages so fast you'll be sorry when you're done, then this is the one!
ursula_uriarte's review against another edition
3.0
I love The Rusk University series! Cora is one of my favorite authors, always a fun read. All Played Out was not my favorite out of the 3 out so far though. I just couldn’t connect with Nell at all. I did All Played out in audio version and I absolutely adored the narrator for Mateo Torres, he is super hot! (well his voice is at least) Mateo is definitely my favorite Rusk boy now The narrator for Nell though was not that great, her voice was very monotone and if it had not been for the guy narrator I would have switched over to print on this one.
I definitely recommend All Played Out, it’s a fun light read.. I will have a post about my recommended Summer reads and All Played out will definitely make the cut on there!
I definitely recommend All Played Out, it’s a fun light read.. I will have a post about my recommended Summer reads and All Played out will definitely make the cut on there!
marpereira's review against another edition
5.0
Two words: Mateo. Torres.
I FREAKING LOVE HIM. LIKE. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HIM.
I also love Nell's character. I think some of us feel really close to her 'cause we somehow have the same insecutiries she overcomes. Fear of the future. I really enjoy being part of her journey. I learn from it as much as she did.
I also enjoyed Torres part in everything. He's such a good character. Maybe it's to be with the little detail that I love guys like him, tough. But, he is amazing <3
I really, really, really like this book. It's short, fun, lovely and adorable. AND SEXY. It's soooooo sexy!!
I FREAKING LOVE HIM. LIKE. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HIM.
I also love Nell's character. I think some of us feel really close to her 'cause we somehow have the same insecutiries she overcomes. Fear of the future. I really enjoy being part of her journey. I learn from it as much as she did.
I also enjoyed Torres part in everything. He's such a good character. Maybe it's to be with the little detail that I love guys like him, tough. But, he is amazing <3
I really, really, really like this book. It's short, fun, lovely and adorable. AND SEXY. It's soooooo sexy!!
natulcien_reads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Another great book by Cora Carmack!
I didn't expect to be able to swoon more over a character after reading 'All Lined Up' and 'All Broke Down' but Mateo is just such a swoon-worthy character!
Another great book by Cora Carmack!
I didn't expect to be able to swoon more over a character after reading 'All Lined Up' and 'All Broke Down' but Mateo is just such a swoon-worthy character!
alwaysbereadin's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this. Mostly because I love Teo from previous books and Nell was such a sweetheart. I just REALLY want book 4.