First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.Straight A’s? CHECK.
On track to graduate early? CHECK.
Social life? …..yeah, about that….
With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience).
So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities.
Item #1? Hook up with a jock.
Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it.
Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game.
Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.
In keeping with tradition, this blog tour does the same.
For my stop, I was asked to list 5 foods that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. I am a lover of food and I grew up in a household where I was exposed to just about anything food wise, so it was terribly hard for me to choose just FIVE! I mean, there's SO much food out there, how can I possibly do that? Instead of picking just five foods, I chose to pick categories and list a few of my favorites!
Meat:
Bacon - you can never go wrong with it, in any form
Venison - I didn't think I would like it but it's so yummy and tender
Rabbit - I know, I know, "I can't eat my pet!" Try it, you'll be surprised how you won't care anymore!
Chopped Chicken Liver - This one is definitely because of my Jewish heritage! I don't like other types of liver, but this stuff, on matzah or crackers is just delish! It's usually a staple during Rosh Hashanah for me!
Vegetables:
Pierogi - I like to call them Polish ravioli. These little pockets of yumminess can be filled with a variety of things: potato, sauerkraut, cheese, meat. I personally love the potato ones!
Brussel Sprouts - I absolutely hated these for the longest time. Then my cousin made a dish with them which included cheese and bacon and butter and YUM! Now I eat them any way I can get them. But mostly I like his recipe and when they are grilled.
Eggplant - Another veggie I hated until not all that long ago. Now I can't get enough of it. My favorite? Eggplant rolatini. Can go wrong with all that cheese and sauce!
Asparagus - I've always loved them. My mother-in-law makes a yummy dish where she blanches them, then she lays them in a pan with olive oil, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese and bakes. DELICIOUS!
Kasha Varnishkas - Another one from my Jewish background. Not really a veggie, I guess, but I wasn't sure where else to put it. Bowtie pasta with kasha and butter. It's really yummy. You can often find it at Polish restaurants if you're wanting to give it a try!
Fish:
Sushi - I know, I know, ewwww...raw fish! But seriously, it's so delicious. I love spicy tuna, myself. My advice if you're trying it for the first time, go with salmon. It's mild and a great intro!
Oysters - I pretty much love them any way, but my favorite is raw. Many say they taste like snot. Not I! I love them dipped in cocktail sauce or that yummy vinegar sauce so many restaurants serve with them!
Escargot (snails) - Honestly, they really are much tastier than you would think. Especially cooked in butter!
Gefilte Fish - This one is definitely an acquired taste, as in, I grew up with it because I'm Jewish and it's just always there. But it's not as gross as it seems. It's soft and sweet and tastes terrific with beet horseradish!
Dessert:
Profiteroles - Do you like cream puffs? Ice cream? Chocolate sauce? Then you will love these tasty treats. I love them so much, I had them at my wedding! Traditionally they are filled with vanilla ice cream (instead of the cream of the puff) and then topped with hot chocolate sauce. For my wedding we had malted milk ball ice cream! TO. DIE. FOR!
Crepes - True, crepes are not just a dessert, but this was the best place to put them. I have had authentic crepes in Paris, and nothing can beat that. But if you find a creperie, give them a try. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, DESSERT!
Fries and a milkshake - Yes, I do love to dip my salty hot fries in a nice cold ice cream treat. Do you like chocolate covered pretzels? Sweet and salty together? YES PLEASE! My favorite is Wendy's fries and a Frosty!
Dips:
Guacamole - I just love avocado in any form. But give it to me mixed with onion, tomato, cilantro and lime juice and I'll devour it! I don't even need tortilla chips!
Babaganoush - Eggplant dip. This stuff is out of this world. If you choose to give eggplant a try, put this one on the top of your list. Like hummus? You'll probably really enjoy this tasty Mediterranean treat!
Buffalo Chicken Dip - This is one I go to for parties. I often bring it with me when we go to other people's houses, and I almost always make it when we have a big crowd. Chicken, cheese and hot sauce? SIGN ME UP!
Have you tried any of these? What foods do you think everyone should try at least once in their lives?
Don't forget to check out the other two book's in this fantastic series:
Don't forget to check out the other two book's in this fantastic series:
ALL LINED UP, Book 1
ALL BROKE DOWN, Book 2
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Losing It series. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads |ALL PLAYED OUT Goodreads a Rafflecopter giveaway
I love all of those foods! :D
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