Blog Tour: Make It Count (Bowler University #1) by Megan Erickson

Make It Count
Bowler University #1
By:  Megan Erickson
Published: June 3, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Source:  Publisher
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GR's Summary:

Kat Caruso wishes her brain had a return policy, or at least a complaint hot-line. The defective organ is constantly distracted, terrible at statistics, and absolutely flooded with inappropriate thoughts about her boyfriend’s gorgeous best friend, Alec…who just so happens to be her brand new math tutor. Who knew nerd was so hot? Kat usually goes through tutors like she does boyfriends—both always seem to bail when they realize how hopeless she is. It’s safer for her heart to keep everyone at arm’s reach. But Alec is always stepping just a little too close. Alec Stone should not be fantasizing about Kat. She’s adorable, unbelievably witty, and completely off limits. He’d never stab his best friend in the back… But when secrets are revealed, the lines of loyalty are blurred. To make it count, Alec must learn messy human emotions can’t be solved like a trigonometry function. And Kat has to trust Alec may be the first guy to want her for who she is, and not in spite of it.

Lindy's Thoughts:

Make It Count was an excellent debut by new author, Megan Erickson.  It was fun, fresh, and shows just how hot a nerd can be!  Are you tired of reading about the same type of main characters over and over.  The alpha bad boy and the innocent virgin or sleazy female?  Well, Make It Count, brings a refreshing and much needed change to the New Adult romance genre.  Our main characters Kat Caruso and Alec Stone are relatable, and could be your next door neighbor or best friend.  

Kat has struggled her whole life with academia.  She has to work twice as hard as the average student for satisfactory grades.  This isn't because Kat is lacking in intelligence.  It is because she is suffering from an undiagnosed learning disability.  Unfortunately, her struggles in school have lead to her feeling like she is 'stupid,' and consequently, she suffers from low self-esteem.  While Kat is beautiful, she doesn't expect guys to want her for any more than her good looks and knockout body.  Her relationships never last over three months, and her newest boyfriend, Max, is her typical taste when it comes to the opposite sex.  She tends to gravitate towards muscular, good-looking jocks that don't treat her very well.  The more time Kat starts to spend with Max, the more she starts to notice his best friend since first grade, and one of his room mates, Alec.  Their is a shared mutual attraction between these two, but they would never act on it.

Then, Kat gets Alec for her new Statistics tutor.  As Alec gets to know Kat, he appreciates her witty, and fun personality.  The two of them share a similar sense of humor, and make each other laugh constantly.  Their attraction gets harder to fight as their friendship begins to grow, and they both begin to understand each other on a deep level.  As Kat and Alec begin to fall in love, they have many obstacles in their path, and decisions that need to be made.  To top it off Kat needs to overcome her insecurities about her intelligence, and Alec needs to learn how to let her know that he doesn't want to fix her, because he loves her just the way she is.

First, I would like to say, that I am so proud of Ms. Erickson for taking a chance and not creating the typical characters that we see in New Adult Romance.  I was so excited to see a character that had a learning disability, and the way that Ms. Erickson addressed stereotypes.  Even though Kat had a learning disability, she was still very intelligent, and this was clarified in the story.  Just because a person has a learning disability, does not mean that they are lacking in intelligence.  

Alec was considered a nerd, while Max was the one use to getting whatever girl he wanted.  However, Alec was one very sexy 'nerd,' and he gave me many a hot flash!  What made Alec even more sexy was the way he treated Kat.  Just as Alec saw and appreciated how special Kat was, she felt the same exact way about him.  Ms. Erickson's characters were very human, and their flaws made me love them even more.  

I loved the cast of secondary characters, and am looking forward to getting to know them on an even deeper level, as I continue this series.  Danica, one of Alec's best friends, was one of my favorites.  She was very blunt and called it like she saw it.  She was a great friend who offered good advice, and interfered when she knew that she could help.  She was also very entertaining with her various costume changes, wigs, and colored contacts.  Lea, Danica's room mate, was another interesting character.  She appeared meek and quiet, yet she showed strength, and wouldn't let anybody walk all over her.  I'm looking forward to her story, and getting to know her character on a deeper level, in the next installment of the Bowler University series.   

My Rating:

I enjoyed so many aspects of Make It Count.  I loved the characters, the steamy hot romance, the friendships, and the theme of overcoming adversity.  I loved reading a story that was unique, refreshing, relatable, and fun!  Make It Count was an excellent debut, and I for one want to applaud Ms. Erickson's achievement!  I give, Make It Count, 4 Fabulous, Sexy, Laugh Out Loud, "You Won't Want to Put This Down" Filled Stars!

The Way Ria See’s It

Bowler University was such a fun place to visit! OMGee! The DRAMA of it all!! When I read the synopsis I knew I had to get my hands on this book and boy oh boy am I ever glad I did! Kat has been struggling her entire life and through it all she has remained a wonderful person. Alec was a fun and amazing tutor, basically he was everything Kat needed. Max has some dark skeletons and I knew he was hurting. Make It Count was a flirty and fun read pitch full of drama! Lol OMGee! Loooouuuuurrrrrrvvved it! All of the characters came together seamlessly and I was frantically turning the pages!

M-istake, Kat’s tutor isn’t going to work out, and she is dangerously close to failing. Ashley is not a good tutor for Kat. She doesn’t have the patience, maybe the professor can find someone else.

A-lec, being a tutor isn’t exactly his hearts desire, but money’s tight. The last person he expected to see was Kat. Maybe there is more to her than meets the eye.

K-ind, Kat only knows how to be one way when anyone she cares for needs help she doesn’t think twice.

E-ngagement, going out to the club is something Max likes about Kat.  They have been dating for a while, but everything seems superficial. 

  

I-nnocent, a dance that started out pushed upon them, has morphed into something much more dangerous.

T-iming, meeting Alec’s mom wasn’t planned, but it seems Kat’s resolve is faltering. This isn’t something she was planning on doing ,but it seems she has no choice.

  

C-onfrontation, things have gotten too jumbled and Kat has come too close to making a huge mistake. Cutting ties with Max is the only logical step.

O-pening, being with Alec is a dream to Kat.  Unfortunately, she realizes a bit late he has been keeping secrets from her. 

U-nknowingly, Kat’s heart no longer belongs to her.  She has given it to Alec. The hurt and betrayal she feels is unmeasurable.  It will take Alec realizing exactly how he has hurt her, in order to take him back.

N-ews, a man from Alec’s past that changed his life will alter it once again. Not understanding how he should feel, he will shut out the world seeking out answers from the silence. Kat doesn’t know whats going on, and her heart can't bare to know Alec is suffering. Once Alec is near Kat again, he refuses to ever let her go. He has promised to understand and appreciate her, and he intends to keep that promise.

T-rust, Kat has been through so much because of her family. If they had communicated with her when she was younger, a lot of pain could have been avoided. Knowing what a strong and beautiful person Kat has become brings her parents much pride and joy. Part of having an amazing heart is the ability to forgive. Kat has that ability in spades. 

Sooo sweet! Lol!  I was completely addicted right away! Though there are a couple of shocking moments, there isn’t anything overly dark.  I’d say my happy meter never dropped below a 5! There were a couple of things I saw coming before they happened, but they weren’t blatant, and overall didn’t affect the quality of the story. The Bowler University Series is one I’m looking forward to following. Up next is Max’s story, and let me tell you! I can’t wait to see what is going on in his head. I hope to see everyone back again, though I know the main focus won't be Alec and Kat; I’d like to see them around and such! This was New Adult at its finest! With sexy, snarky, fun, flirty, discovering true love moments, all of the characters were absolutely endearing! So Ya go pick this up!

My Fav’s 

Alec

My oh me oh my! Nerd is the new black! Well take it from a girl who loves comics, computers, books, science, nature, art, music, and solid conversation…Well, Alec stole my heart from the synopsis and he still hasn’t given it back! Talk about a sweetheart; kind, quiet, and knowing. He is driven and knows what he wants. He has prioritized his life in a way that works for him. Colliding with Kat was unplanned, but he was everything she needed. I was happy to see them find each other! #teamAlec!

Kat

She is vivacious, fun, flirty, and has a heart of gold!! OMGee! Kat-land? Wow! I wonder if that's anywhere near Ria-land? Pahaha I’m a total ham and yes Ria-land does exist (in my mind). It's full of kittens and puppies and cute little bunnies too! I fell in love with Kat from the beginning I wanted her to succeed. She shared a certain banter with Alec that was fun and daring, watching the sparks fly between those two was a delight. Full of energy, laughter, and spontaneity she was the perfect match for Alec. These two defined the word balance.

My Rating 

4.0 Scrunchy, Smoothie, Password, Hockey, Soda, Tutor, Candy Bar, Ballet Slippers, Dancing, Major, Statistics, Middle School, Brother, Bowling, Heart Attack, Fight, Finding Love filled Stars! For a fun light page turning read check out this book now!

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About Megan Erickson:

Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

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