It's Bloomsbury Spark's six month anniversary! Or "sparkiversary," as they're calling it. And to celebrate, they're giving away a Kindle Paperwhite loaded with twelve of their best selling novels! But first, here's an excerpt from The Art of Falling by Jenny Kaczorowski to give you a little sneak peak of what's in store!
“Sorry my sister is such a pain in the ass,” he said.
“Hey, that’s my best friend you’re talking about.” She settled beside him.
“Yes and I’ve been stuck in the same class as you two since kindergarten.”
“Another nine months and you’ll be free from us.”
He gave her a half laugh. “Don’t remind me.”
Bria shifted, leaning against the handrail. “Have you made a decision yet?”
“Not officially. I don’t sign until February, but I gave Oregon a verbal no last week.”
“Seriously? Abby said you had a full ride.”
He shrugged. “It didn’t feel right.”
“But Oregon is one of the best schools for football, right? Kind of seems like a big deal.”
Ben looked around the beach, still deserted save for a lone seagull, before his eyes settled on her. “I want there to be more to me than football, more than being that guy.”
She stilled, aware of her heart beating in her chest and the air filling her lungs. “Yeah. Yeah, I get that.”
“I don’t know.” He stretched out his long legs, gazing at the ocean. “I guess that’s why I’m out running after spending the entire day in practice. When I run, there’s no expectations, no demands. Just me and the sand and the sky and the surf.”
“I’m not exactly built for running,” she said, eyeing her figure, much too tall and all soft around the edges.
“You’re fine, Bria. Girls like Alyson Kane are the ones who aren’t built for running.”
Bria snorted. She’d give anything to squeeze into Alyson’s tiny cheerleading uniform. Her body just wouldn’t agree.
“So what about you?” Ben said. “Abby told me you visited some fancy art school in New York?”
“Oh. Yeah.” She looked down at her hands, picking at a fleck of paint clinging to her cuticle. “Pratt. I just have to get my application and portfolio in by November first for early decision, but admissions said I’m basically in if I want it.”
“Good for you. Wow. New York.”
“I know.”
He tapped his foot against hers. “Why don’t we do this anymore? Just hang out and talk.”
“Come on, Ben. It’s bad enough that you and Abby ended up in the same grade. You don’t need to feel bad for finding your own friends.”
“Abby says I’m not cool enough to hang out with you guys.”
Bria burst out laughing. Ben – star quarterback, perpetual crush, best smile in school – not cool enough? “The Queen of Cool herself is probably passed out drunk by now.”
“Hey. That’s my sister you’re talking about.”
“Sorry about that.” She bumped her arm against his, lingering a little longer than necessary. When she pulled away, something in his gaze made her hands fidget and her tongue trip over her words. “I mean, I love her, but you know...”
“Yeah. I know.” His laughter faded away, leaving something sweet and tender and totally unfunny in his eyes. He brushed his thumb along her cheekbone, the kind of simple, casual touch that made her insides turn to mush. “I’ve really missed you, Bria.”
And here's that giveaway!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Hey guys! We love to hear from you all. Thanks for reading!
Gabby & Taylor