Wednesday 28 September 2016

Review: Ginger Scott's "The Hard Count."


Synopsis

Nico Medina’s world is eleven miles away from mine. During the day, it’s a place where doors are open—where homes are lived in, and neighbors love. But when the sun sets, it becomes a place where young boys are afraid, where eyes watch from idling cars that hide in the shadows and wicked smoke flows from pipes. 

West End is the kind of place that people survive. It buries them—one at a time, one way or another. And when Nico was a little boy, his mom always told him to run.

I’m Reagan Prescott—coach’s daughter, sister to the prodigal son, daughter in the perfect family. 
Life on top. 
Lies.
My world is the ugly one. Private school politics and one of the best high school football programs in the country can break even the toughest souls. Our darkness plays out in whispers and rumors, and money and status trump all. I would know—I’ve watched it kill my family slowly, strangling us for years. 

In our twisted world, a boy from West End is the only shining light.
Quarterback. 
Hero.
Heart.
Good.
I hated him before I needed him.
I fell for him fast.
I loved him when it was almost too late. 

When two ugly worlds collide, even the strongest fall. But my world…it hasn’t met the boy from West End.

Review: Jo 

I was instantly fascinated by the synopsis of this story. It sounded like a book that I would love and I was not disappointed. This was my first novel from this author and I was truly impressed. "The Hard Count" was a thought provoking and poignant read that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. 

"Nico is the twist in the tale. He's the element of good. 
He's what humanity should be-the lesson to be learned. He is hope." 

This one opened with a prologue that immediately enlightened me to the gritty world that Nico lived in. My heart went out to him for the challenges he had to face whilst growing up. Nico was the scholarship boy attending a prestigious high school. At eighteen years of age, he had grown into an intelligent and articulate young man. On first meeting him, Nico appeared to be argumentative and arrogant, however I soon learned that he only acted like this around Reagan. Underneath that sullen attitude was a caring, loving and beautiful boy. 

"Me liking you...you liking me. That's kind of our deal, 
and that's all that matters, okay?" 

Reagan was equally as intelligent as Nico and seemed to spend most of her school life, arguing with him. Part of Reagan appeared to loathe Nico, but there was also a part of her that couldn't help but be attracted to him. Reagon's feelings towards Nico intrigued me and I was excited to see their relationship develop. Watching the couple's budding romance play out made my heart soar. The speed of Nico and Reagon's relationship was perfectly paced and believable. No insta-love found here. It was so cute to see the bashfulness of young love and I was delighted at watching the pairs confidence with each other grow until they finally began to reveal their true feelings. I loved every part of Nico and Reagan's journey. 

"Loving you-it makes me feel alive." 

Along with Nico and Reagan's love, this story was also full of messages of faith, hope and family. It was well worth the read. 

"The Hard Count" was a gorgeous story and it gets 4 hearts from me.

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