WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU by JULIE CROSS

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Reviewed by Jenny

Jenny:  ✯✯✯✯1/2 stars

“You are intimidatingly handsome. I’m just now getting used to looking at you.”
“And you are intimidatingly pretty.”

This standalone coming of age story was so sweet, so cute yet moving and just what I needed at the time. It wasn’t overly angsty, the characters won me over and I was left with a huge smile on my face, feeling all warm and mooshy inside as I became swept up in those heady feelings of first love

Even though I’m not that well versed in the sport of Baseball it didn’t matter because I loved this sports themed romance that stole my heart.  This book made me want to grab a hot dog and check out a game! The banter between Annie and Brody was so much fun, the Facebook status updates had me giggling and the inner voice of Annie was a gem. Yep, I was on a book high through their whole story.

“God, you’re like, the corniest nineteen-year-old in the history of nineteen-year old. I plan on being way cooler when I’m your age.” – Annie

I shared the characters joy, heartache, tears and laughter. Not only that I shared in their happiness, hopefulness, the pain and confusion of two young people feeling love for the first time and it was heart-warming to say the least.

“You trust me, right?” Brody
“I Trust you with some things, just not everything…yet.” Annie
“Good answer.” Brody

Annie Lucas is seventeen, her father Jim has been offered a coaching position with the Kansas City Royals. Annie is very supportive of Jim’s job opportunity and agrees to move with him. This man has seen his share of pain and Annie is there for him at all times.

Annie’s had to grow up fast and in some respects she showed a maturity beyond her years, but would then show her impulsive youthfulness that would remind me she is a young lady on a road of self-discovery. Sure she made some silly decisions but they were always with the best intentions, though not always with the best executions.

“Everybody’s afraid of something, Annie.” Brody

Jason Brody stole my heart completely. Sure he’s cocky. Who wouldn’t be with the talent he possesses at only 19. After all, he’s young and has a shot at the majors but fitting in with an older, experienced team causes him to feel on the outer despite his natural talent.

This guy was carrying so much baggage from his past. He’d made mistakes and he’s not allowed to forget them as reminders are always there of what a mess he made of his life. Brody had to prove himself to his coaches and his team, and to a degree, himself. Arrrgghh there were times I just wanted to reach through my Kindle and give him a big hug. He broke my heart at times with the way he was treated.

‘No one deserves to be alone at nineteen.’

His feelings for Annie were beautiful and the pair of them had me giggling, swooning and loving every minute I spent with them. Oh and did I mention he speaks the odd bit of Spanish? Yuppers he does! He could speak Spanish to me alllll day!

Together Annie and Jason bring out the best in each other. Brody is the calm to Annie’s exuberance, and Annie gives Brody a much needed confidence boost.  For Brody, years of being told he wouldn’t amount to anything, of feeling useless has had him questioning his ability and his worth as a man.

“All I know is that I want to be the person you and your dad think I am. Maybe even more than I want to be a great pitcher.”

Whatever Life Throws at you was exactly what I needed! It was fun, quirky, moving and so beautifully sweet! I was completely smitten and fell for this book hook, line and sinker! Wonderful. Just wonderful! Grab it! You’ll love it!

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Purchase your copy of WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT YOU here
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