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Rusk University #1

All Lined Up

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In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

318 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2014

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About the author

Cora Carmack

21 books9,893 followers
Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult Romance and YA fantasy. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora lives in Austin, TX, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss and her dog Sherlock. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website www.coracarmack.com.

***Please note: I am rarely on goodreads, so if you're trying to get a hold of me, the best places to find me are Twitter, Facebook, my blog, Instagram, and via email (coracarmack(at)gmail(dot)com).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,525 reviews
Profile Image for Cora Carmack.
Author 21 books9,893 followers
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April 8, 2014
I'm the author of this book. And out of all the books I've written, this book is the most personal for me. I wanted to do two things with this story.

1. Write my tribute to Texas Football. I grew up in a small Texas town with a coach for a father. So much of my childhood revolved around sports, so it's a world I know very well. It's also a world I spent years of my life resenting. So, my challenge was to capture the things I loved about football and Texas, but also to tell a story that you don't have to be a sports fan to read and enjoy. With Carson and Dallas, I hope I've done that.

2. I wanted to write a different New Adult perspective. I get asked to define NA a lot. And for a long time, my explanation included something about how characters in their twenties are experiencing a new kind of freedom. And while that's true for many twentysomethings, there are also tons of people out there for whom college (or Post-HS) wasn't a period of freedom. In All Lined Up, Dallas doesn't leave home to go to college, and her father takes a job at her university. So, everything college was supposed to be for her? Yeah... it no longer is. So for Dallas, the question is: How do you figure out who you are and who you want to be for the rest of your life, when you can't get any distance from who you've always been?

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. And I hope you fall for the characters of the Rusk University series, and join me for the companion novels, beginning with All Broke Down, releasing October 2014.
Profile Image for Pearl Angeli.
635 reviews1,001 followers
October 27, 2016
4 Daredevil Stars!

My expectations were met when I thought I would love a Cora Carmack book. Her books have been on my radar since 2014, but because too many books too little time, it was only two days ago when I had my first taste of her work. And it certainly did not fail.

"Do you ever think that maybe that's all people do? Fix some things and break others? And we all just live in this giant cycle where we screw things up and hurt people we love, and then we turn around and try to atone for that by fixing other things. And maybe we're all just waiting on our turn for a broken heart and the person who will fix it."


All Lined Up's plot revolves around two characters Dallas Cole and Carson McClain. Both students of Rusk University in Texas, their attraction started when they met in very strange situation while they were at a college party. However, no matter how strong their connection is, their booming relationship is bound to doom since Carson is one of the football players of Rusk where Dallas's father is the coach. Since Carson has a goal of becoming a full scholar at the University, he vowed to never let Dallas become a distraction for his plans. But their chemistry is of course so strong that they find it hard to resist each other.

I am generally a sucker for college romance that has sports element so basically I expected this book to knock me off my feet. I ended up adoring it because Cora Carmack's writing matches my taste. There was absolutely something beautiful about the way she writes a sweet book with a bit of an angst and mild steam. At first I was afraid that I would end up disliking it since the storyline is already worn out. The book reminds me of Whatever Life Throws at You and Moonshot where the heroines' dads are heads of a certain sports team. But even if All Lined Up has a similarity to those books, it differs when it comes to the characterizations.

Dallas is one likeable character. I love that she knows what she wants to pursue in life which is dancing and how she's very determined to attain it. Her relationship with her dad is so genuine that at times I was teary-eyed. Even when she's growing up without a mom, she turned out such a strong girl. Carson, on the other hand, is also a character that's worthy of admiration. He is not a typical sports hero who gets all the attention of the girls on campus. He is so down to earth. Growing up in a family who lacks sufficient money to support him in his education made him become a responsible, goal-driven person and that makes him my favorite character.

"I can't walk away from you because I don't want to. There are a thousand things I want and need to do, but you trump all of them You drive me to distraction, and all I want to do is get lost in you. All I want to do is make you lose it, too."


The romantic development in this book is one of my most favorites. Dallas and Carson's relationship was not forced. It developed so naturally. I loved how they shared each moment even if they were just stolen. I also loved that they are both family-oriented and that they learn lessons from each other as their relationship progressed.

All in all, it was a sweet and cute college sports romance. I couldn't agree more with everyone who attest that Cora Carmack is a great story-teller. It's proven. I can't wait to read the next books in this series and the author's other works.

Pages of Pearl



description
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,677 followers
November 20, 2015
4.5 ‘New Adult Romance for people who think they don’t like New Adult Romance’ stars!!

All Lined Up is the first in Cora Carmack’s Rusk University series. It’s a New Adult story and because I am not a fan of that genre, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it much. Was I ever wrong!

Description…
In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.
My review…

My biggest beef with the New Adult genre isn’t so much about the stories themselves but about where I am in my own life and what I want to read. Though I suppose I do fall into the New Adult age group of early 20s to 30s – having been 27 years old for far longer than I want to admit – I just can’t cope with the angst and the drama and the relationship hogwash that seems to go hand in hand with these stories. That said, yes there was some of that here - though not the kind that makes you want to commit road rage - but most importantly there was also something so sweet, so fun, so romantic, so sexy, so inspiring, so, so right about All Lined Up that I couldn’t help but love it!

Dallas and Carson are great characters who stole my heart! They live and love like people who have their hopes and dreams laid out before them, theirs for the taking if they only reach for them, work for them, earn them - because they are those people! How could I not love them?

The bottom line…

The New Adult genre gets a lot of grief from readers but the truth is, it fills a very important niche in romance reading. If you’ve stayed clear of it because you just don’t want the relationship garbage and added angst in your escapism reading, I urge you to give this story a try. In a genre filled with too much of the same old, same old, Cora Carmack is an exciting, fresh voice and her Rusk University series promises to be a winner!

An eARC of All Lined Up was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss, and in return I’m giving them an honest review.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,105 reviews34.6k followers
September 9, 2017
4 stars!

description

All Lined Up was a fun to read, easy, sweet and humorous new adult read. I love books that take place in a college setting. The hero of this story is a football player who falls for a girl at a party. He doesn’t know it right away… but this girl is his coaches daughter. Carson was fantastic, Dallas was great, it was an all around good read. I listened to the audio of this one and I thought the narration was pretty good. I give the story and the narration a solid 4 stars.
"You're it for me. So run if you'd like, but I'll follow. You can try to hold me at arm's length, but I'll never stop trying to pull you close."
Profile Image for Patrycja.
639 reviews4,068 followers
November 16, 2014




Title: All Lined Up
Series: A Rusk University #1 (every book in the series can be read as a standalone)
Author: Cora Carmack
Release Date: May , 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:





Sweet, sexy and seductive, All Lined Up is Cora Carmack in her best. A little bit of drama, lots of lots sexy and the couple worth swooning after, make it light, heart fluttering romance perfect in its own way. Fans of Carmack’s previous series will definitely be mesmerized by the first novel in A Rusk University Series and will quickly crave more.

In light, completely enjoyable New Adult style, the author delivers heart racing, sexy college romance you won’t be able to say no to. I was rapidly thrown into this world full of sexy football players and I really, really liked it!



Dallas is stuck in life where she’s constantly on the tongues of other people. Living under the shadow of her father and his job was always hard, but learning that she can’t even escape it and go to college somewhere else was even harder. As a daughter of football coach in Texas, Dallas was, let’s put it mildly, squished between football and even more football.

“In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.”




Boys her age were only interested in getting into her father’s good graces or too afraid of him to make a move. And now, after her father got the position as a coach for Rusk’s football team, Dallas is back to square one , with her father as a shield and douche of an ex-boyfriend as the team’s QB.

When she met Carson, a brilliant, handsome student she instantly felt at ease with him. For the first time, Dallas was so connected to the other person. But Carson is also a football player and is aspiring for the quarterback’s position, which is a BIG FAT NO in her book. She doesn’t do the same mistakes twice, does she?




From the start to finish Dallas and Carson made me swoon, laugh and tingle. The chemistry between them was so vibrant and strong. They were perfect for each other, even when they tried to stay in the friend zone. Reading about them made me grin so hard!

“I don't know anything about this guy except that his eyes make my mind fuzzy and his muscled arms make my mouth water, and the things he keeps saying... they burn - beginning in my flushed cheeks, blazing through my blood, and curling between my legs until I feel like I have to squeeze them together just to keep from combusting on the spot."




What’s more, all this talking about sexy football players, preferably sweaty, sexy, naked football players was awesome! I literally know nothing about football but I want to learn now.

All Lined Up is another very well done New Adult novel by Cora Carmack. She perfectly pictured romance, college, football, parties all that jazz. I can say she has an amazing talent to write in this genere.

Overall, if you want crazy, sweet and sexy, first novel in Rusk University Series will give you exactly what you need. Be ready for some heart fluttering, swooning, laughing, and panty soaking.

*Review Copy provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for honest review *



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Profile Image for Aj the Ravenous Reader.
1,076 reviews1,155 followers
April 13, 2018

Very well written and imaginatively descriptive. I like that the story is not only about romance even though it’s a new adult novel. I like how the plot emphasizes the individualities of the main characters and how they each perfect their crafts, Carson on football and Dallas on dancing. The way their individual interests is described and discussed is also very accurate. The author really does know a lot about football and dancing.

Another good thing about the book is the honesty of both the major characters. I really liked that they were always upfront about their feelings for each other and therefore avoiding too much angst and drama. And even though there were a few graphic sexual scenes, they’re actually still quite artistic, admittedly hot (lol) and definitely not cringy. Except for the cheesy cover, it’s a recommendable NA read. ^^
Profile Image for Lady Vigilante (Feifei).
632 reviews2,930 followers
July 25, 2016
5 stars!!

My expression while I was reading this book:

description

Anyways, I. Loved. This. Book. Simply put, this story is just too cute, sweet, humorous, and sexy to resist – I never stood a chance! I do think I was in a really receptive mood for a “light & fun” read but then again, I’m a sucker for wit, dry humor, and anything that’s awkward and this book had all three. In my opinion, All Lined Up is Cora’s best work to date and a perfect example of what a good NA book should be so if you’ve been holding out on this genre, try this one out.

Character descriptions:

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Dallas: The best quote from the book to describe her is:

“In Texas, two things are cherished above all else – football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.”

Because her Dad is the super well-known football coach at Rusk University, Dallas constantly lives in his shadow – football and gossip always associated to her name. Guys are either interested in her only to get to her Dad or too much of a chicken to make a move. As a result, she comes to loathes anything that has to do with football as all the sport has brought to her is a certain social stigma she can’t shake off. She’s never gotten the chance to prove to anyone she’s more than “Coach’s Daughter,” and she longs to fulfill her dreams as a dancer.

Carson: The best quote from the book to describe him is:

“Growing up poor makes you hyperaware of all the other things people take for granted.”

Carson is a newbie to Rusk University, having just transferred over. Having to work hard for everything he’s achieved thus far, he knows he can’t afford any distractions – including Dallas. This man, albeit a little bit of a klutz when it comes to academics, is one of the most patient, thoughtful, and charming heroes I’ve read about. A guy who’s actually NOT a manwhore in a NA setting – what a nice breath of fresh air from the usual Travis Maddox 2.0. And on top of which, he genuinely wants to know Dallas for the amazing girl she is, not because she’s a stepping stone to her Dad.

description

To be honest, this book has some insta-love on Carson’s part but it didn’t bother me. Why? The way it happened was so funny and adorable, plus Carson’s the type of guy to see something/someone and know to appreciate, never taking anything for granted. In this case, he knows Dallas is important to him and whether as a friend or lover, he’s willing to take whatever she can give to him. His chemistry with Dallas is so palpable and the sexual tension is delectable! But most of all, they are honest to each other about everything – their feelings, their thoughts. They’re equals, best friends, lovers, and it just makes me so happy that I got to read a book where the two MCs don’t act like spoiled, jealous high school kids with a relationship ridden with communication gaps and character stupidity <--- you’d be surprised at how rare this is so seriously, I love your face Cora Carmack!

This book sends out the most positive, uplifting message and not even a cynic could resist this heartwarming read. An absolute gem!

This is a standalone - the next book focuses on an important side character.

description

ARC provided by HarperCollins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Please note that all quotes may be subject to change in the final edition.
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews2,208 followers
November 1, 2014
4 Lined Stars

Dallas was raised by a single father, who happened to be the school’s football coach. She never had a quite easy life as she always came second to football and all the guys who ever shown interest in her just wanted to fall in her father’s good graces through her.
When she gets to college she hopes to finally be herself… except her father now decided to be a college coach and she still lives in his shadows.
Enter Carson… he just wants a first place in the football team and works had for it. He doesn’t need distractions, especially if said distractions comes in the form of dating a girl he’s very attracted with.

description

When Dallas found that he’s a part of the football team she doesn’t like… she had her share of guys trying to taking advantage because of that. Carson has a lot at stake and as much he likes Dallas he knows that their relationship could mean trouble.
But as much as they try to get away from each other… they start to finding out that falling apart isn’t easy, when they both want so much to stay together.

description

Rating: 4 Stars.
Storyline: For some reason, these days I tend to not read much NA. I don’t know why, I’m probably getting tired of it, and after delaying this reading for weeks now, I’m glad I did it. Yes, the plot is pretty much predictable and easy to guess, but it’s sweet, it’s realistic and it’s a pretty awesome reading for when you need your college love fix.
Character Development: I liked how honest Dallas was and how she wasn’t afraid of speaking her mind. It’s refreshing to see that in a heroine. I also loved how sweet and loyal Carson was. And how he wasn’t a sexy-player-manwhore that we see too much on NA books. It was also refreshing and great to read.
I’m really curious to read about Silas story.
Steam: Some heated scenes. Could have handled more hotness.
HEA:
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,474 reviews5,311 followers
August 6, 2014
3 ~ 3.5 Stamp Stars

This story was a bit too young for my tastes but on the other hand, it was well written and nicely executed.

It's hard not to compare this story to the other college quarterback books that I have read, but it this was nice, I guess.

Dallas, a young dancer/coaches daughter is settling into her first year of college with her stereotypical best friend. She meets the second string quarterback, Carson. Carson is a farm boy who is looking for a scholarship and a permanent spot on the team. Her previous relationship was in high school, with the stereotypical jerk, Rusk University's current starting quarterback, Levi.

Dallas doesn't want to get tangled with another of her father's players, she struggles to have her father see her dream of dancing and through it all their father/daughter relationship grows.

"It's not easy coming second to a sport, Dad. You'll have to forgive me if i handled it badly sometimes."

Carson and Dallas start off with a Romeo balcony scene (done so many times)and thereafter realize each others positions. The two decide on a friendship...eye roll because no one said they couldn't see each other. There's a lot of movie watching and leg touching till they both buck up and declare their feelings.

"You're it for me. So run if you'd like, but I'll follow. You can try to hold me at arm's length, but I'll never stop trying to pull you close."

Overall, the story was lacking steam, real drama and just the wow factor. It could just be my age but this really didn't bring anything new to the table for me.
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,711 followers
May 14, 2014
3.5 Stars....IDK I'm waffling between filling 3 and 4. But I did like this one for what it was.....so not sure I should fault it for being more YA then I prefer. I just wasn't expecting that going in. And we all know...



This book made me feel old. But the story was very sweet, the MCs were both great. There wasn't a bunch of juvenile drama and unnecessary angst. There was good banter amongst all of the characters.



I think one of the things I liked about this one, was the football aspect. After all I'm from Texas and know a thing or two about high school and college football.

Dallas grew up with football. Her dad was a high school coach and now coaches at the college Dallas attends. She doesn't date football players. Carson is trying to earn a scholarship and can't be distracted by a girl.

Until she meets Carson. She doesn't know he's a football player at first....but then it's too late.



Dallas and Carson spent a large part of the book going back and forth deciding whether they should or could like each other. They do eventually get things figured out...and we are finally rewarded with some action in the epilogue.

So this slut did like this one, despite the lack of smut. I will consider reading the other books in the series. Just please make those less YA!

Profile Image for Rachel  L.
1,951 reviews2,407 followers
June 10, 2016
2.75-3 stars

“God, do they make WD-40 for flirting? Because I am rusty.”

All Lined Up is the story of Dallas, a dance major and Carson, a football player. Both meet at a college party, Dallas not knowing Carson is on the team, and Carson not knowing that Dallas is the daughter of his new football coach. They begin to spend time together, forming a friendship but holding romantic feelings for each other at the same time.

“I don't know that dancing fixes anything. I don't feel magically happy because of it. My problems don't disappear when the music ends. But I understand life better when I dance, and understanding is half the fight of surviving.”

Rusk University is a series I've been meaning to read, and now that three books are out I decided to dive in. Plus my local library has it, and who can deny a free book? This was more like a YA story than an NA one. Yes it was a little bit more racy than a YA book, but barely. I found I couldn't really relate to either of the characters in this book and maybe that's why I didn't love it. Regardless the story in this fell flat for me. I kind of liked it, but I wasn't invested in it, or in what would happen to the characters.

Cora's other series I rated in this order:
Losing It: 3 stars
Faking It: 4 stars
Finding It: 5 stars

So based on the above written I am totally willing to keep reading this series, as this author has proven I can like, really like, and love her work.

“I've spent too much time pretending, too much time on the outside, too much time feeling spineless. This time... I'm going after what I want.”
Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,565 followers
January 11, 2015
3.5 STARS

description

"In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both."


College is supposed to be a time to break free, to start fresh, but for Dallas is not. Everyone thinks being the football coach’s daughter is a benefit, but Dallas knows how things really are. Every football player is petrified of her father, so she doesn’t date football players. Dallas grow up only with her father, after her mother left when she was only a baby. She’s a good daughter and a great friend. She’s not very social, she prefers the company of books to people. Her dream is to be a dancer, but first she has to convince her father she’s a great dancer.

Carson is a farm boy. He’s the new transferon Rusk University. His dream is to have a permanent spot on the team and a scholarship. Carson knows he’s not the greatest student, so his only chance to achieve his goals is to stay focused and to play very well.

When Carson meets Dallas there’s some insta-attraction between them. Carson tries to stay away, especially when he finds out Dallas is couch’s daughter, but he can't because Dallas is like no other girl.

“...for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel shackled to a plan or a problem. I only feel free. And I only feel her.”


They agree to stay only friends, but of course the start falling for each other. Staying friends is not an option anymore.

“All Lined Up” was a sweet, adorable and almost fluffy story. It was an cute story and it really made me smile the entire time. Even if for me it was more a YA romance than a NA, I enjoyed it, but unfortunately it didn’t wow me.

The storyline is predictable, with many clichés and some insta-love, but for some reason I wasn’t bothered. Maybe because it’s been so long since I read a college romance.

I liked both Dallas and Carson. They are really great but at times they felt a little “too perfect”. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed and how they are with each other. There some sweet moments between them that make me swoon and I loved the chemistry and the sexual tension between them. The steam here is very low, which I admit I didn’t like too much.

The angst is also very low and I liked there’s no misunderstanding between MC or some stupid drama. I liked they are honest with each other and they communicated from the beginning. They actually felt very mature.

Overall, a nice enough college romance.

description



Profile Image for aimee (aimeecanread).
532 reviews2,482 followers
January 18, 2015


***Some spoilers for the sake of ranting.

Where do I even start? I've enjoyed quite a lot of books with sports and romance mixed together, so I guess I did set the bar high for this book. And, clearly, it was a huge disappointment.

All Lined Up took insta-lust, insta-attraction and insta-love to entirely new levels. Hell, Dallas and Carson kissed during their first meeting. Wonderful, isn't it? And yes, he did have his hand up her skirt that time! The I love yous came on pretty early as well, although it was mostly just implied. I couldn't get over how much they loved each other's smell--blegh.
"I can smell him. Over the sticky September air, over the chlorine from the pool that is apartment overlooks, over everything."



Romance aside, I still can't find much to like about this book. Dallas acted like a whiny teenage girl, getting mad and upset of over the most shallow reasons. Another hot-and-cold character that didn't work out for me, sadly.

Carson could've been an okay character, but unfortunately, Dallas had him wrapped up around her finger. He was way too enamored with her and I just couldn't understand why.

The romance took over the whole story. There was lots of potential for lots of father/daughter love that wasn't fully explored. There were a couple of scenes where I loved Dallas' dad and their relationship, but it could've had a much bigger role in the story. Dallas and Carson also each had their own hobbies (dancing and football) that weren't given much of a spotlight.

The writing wasn't for me, either. There was a lot more telling than showing--Carson and Dallas often had these completely random heart-to-heart talks where their dialogues were entire full-length paragraphs of their lives. Some words and phrases were repetitive, and while that might not bother some, it bothers me.

So I don't know if I'll be trying out another Carmack book in the near future. Probably not.
Profile Image for justmiaslife.
278 reviews266 followers
March 20, 2020
Das Buch was mich aus meiner monatelangen Leseflaute gebracht hat! Und ich bin so unglaublich dankbar dafür.

Cora Carmacks Schreibstil ist einfach wundervoll und ich LIEBE LIEBE LIEBE die Charaktere, die sie erschafft. Obwohl ich nun erst den ersten Band gelesen habe, kann ich mit guter Gewissheit jetzt schon sagen, dass ich glaube das diese Reihe zu einer meiner liebsten im New Adult Genre werden könnte! Deswegen kann ich es kaum abwarten Band 2 zu verschlingen!
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews792 followers
May 23, 2015
4 Bleed Rusk Red Stars



Dallas Cole grew up living, breathing, being all about football, but not by choice.

“In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.”

Raised by a single dad, who also happens to be the football coach, she couldn’t be more over football. Dallas is a dancer, and she wants nothing more then to leave Texas and go somewhere with a real dance program. Her father insist she stay in Texas and attend Rusk University, where he just accepted the head football coach position for the college.

Carson McClain knows it won’t be easy, but he dedicated to succeeding in football. Raised on a ranch is family has struggled financially the last few years and he has a limited amount of time to prove himself. Going into Rusk his number one goal is to stay focused, the last thing he needs is a distraction.

Dallas is exactly that, a distraction, but after one meeting he can’t stop thinking about the smarty, witty, beautiful girl he met.



Dallas isn’t looking for a boyfriend, when she meets Carson but she finds it hard to resist him.



So while Dallas is deciding if Carson is worth taking a chance on, Carson is debating if he can even be friends with her given that she his biggest distraction. Once Dallas discovers Carson is the second string quarterback her decision is made - no more football players.

I love books set in college, add in a hot football player and I am sold. This is a fun read and is well written. I enjoyed the banter between Carson and Dallas, the sneaking around, and the angst. This story isn’t too steamy, but you really don’t miss it. This is by far my favorite Carmack book, and I can’t wait to read more about students at Rusk University.
Profile Image for nicklein.
401 reviews77 followers
June 20, 2016
6 OUT OF 5 WOW-WORTHY STARS

Holy fudge, this book... you guys... I can't.

There was no slow parts in this book. I liked the fact that it started with a zap and kept it that way until the last page. It was enthralling and you can't help but keep turning the pages.

The tension between Dallas and Carson was palpable throughout the book. Each of them was wonderfully drawn. They were so cute and perfect together I found myself crying like a proud stage mother a couple of times. They're my babies!

I love everything about this book except for the cover. The writing was fabulous, the humour sprinkled in the book, the romance, the friendship, the tinge of family issues and the passion for football and dancing were marvellously crafted and woven together.

A definite must read!

••••••> This would probably be my last read for this summer because I am officially doing some adulty stuff and going to return to university tomorrow. *sniffs in Spanish*

I couldn't think of a better way to end my summer than reading this, mic drop.
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,007 reviews883 followers
May 16, 2014
All Lined Up was a story of romance, football and growing up.

Dallas Cole is starting her freshman year at Rusk University, a college in Texas, where her dad is the football coach, and her ex, Levi is the quarterback. Dating a football player didn’t work out so well so Dallas is determined to stay away from the players. Being the coach’s daughter underscores that decision, because the players either are scared to death of messing with her or they suck up to Dallas to get on her father’s good side. All her resolve is tested when she meets Carson.

Carson is at Rusk hoping to earn a scholarship through football, something he’s naturally good at. He knows it’s an uphill battle so he’s determined to focus and work hard. His plans do not include girls or relationships, but meeting Dallas turns him upside down and he can’t stop thinking about her.

Both Dallas and Carson weren’t planning on falling for someone, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. Keeping their relationship in the friend zone is just too painful, and as Dallas and Carson come to realize, unnecessary. As their connection builds, Dallas deals with her strained relationship with her father. No parent/child relationship is perfect, and both Dallas and her father work at coming to terms with the past and future.

Football and the life around it is a large part of this story and I enjoyed getting the feel of a place where the sport is a huge part of life. I’m not a sports person, but I do appreciate the fun way it molds people into a community cheering for the same thing.

While I enjoyed All Lined Up I didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped. All lot of the struggles and inner turmoil from Dallas didn’t move me, and I wish some of the passages were cut down. Still, romance between Carson and Dallas was pretty hot and I was happy there wasn’t a lot of angsty drama between them.

This is a promising start to a fun series, and it sounds like resident playboy, Silas is up in the next story.

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,307 reviews54 followers
October 16, 2021



En cuanto vi que Cora Carmack habia escrito una nueva serie la marque para leerla, la sinopsis me llamo la atencion y ademas no es un secreto que amo como escribe Cora.

El libro empieza muy bien, me gusto mucho que los protagonistas se conocieran de una forma "diferente" no tan cliche como en otras historias.

Me encanto Carson, es un protagonista diferente al de otras historias, no tan cliche como en otros libros en los que el protagonista es el mejor en el equipo de futbol y el mas popular o el mujeriego de la universidad.

Tambien me gusto mucho su caracter y su forma de actuar.

Dallas empieza muy bien como personaje, me encanto que luchara por su sueño de ser bailarina a pesar de que su padre no lo aprobara.

Me gusto el ritmo de la historia, no se me hizo para nada largo ni tedioso, al contrario se me fue en un momento.

Una de las cosas que mas me gusto respecto a la pareja protagonista fue que su relacion avanza poco a poco, y que primero se hacen amigos, porque en otras historias siento como si los protagonistas pasaran de conocerse a acostarse de un capitulo al otro.

Esperando el segundo libro y cruzando los dedos para que haya una historia de Ryan y Stella, los ame!!

4.5 Estrellas!!!
Profile Image for Siiri (Little Pieces of Imagination).
541 reviews116 followers
August 9, 2014
Started this on a random morning while taking the bus to work. Figured it wouldn't hurt to try a New Adult novel since Cora is amazing! Her writing suits me so well and I missed some steam and smexy from the YA reads I had going on lately. Truly glad I started it since already during the first 20%, I couldn't wipe this silly grin off my face. One could say that I fell hard for Carson and Dallas, their adorable chemistry and intense attraction. And you know what? They're absolutely right!


“I've spent too much time pretending, too much time on the outside, too much time feeling spineless. This time... I'm going after what I want.”



No love triangles, people! YAAAAS. It was so refreshing to see that and I completely adored the two MCs. Dallas is the kind of girl you want to be friends with: kind, respectful, smart, fun and friendly. She’s totes adorbs! And let’s on even start on Carson who is just too dreamy and swoon-worthy for his own good. Cora writes awkward and funny the best! Her writing is always full of chemistry and these two most definitely had some.

Don’t let the previous paragraph fool you though. In addition to a gorgeous and developed romance, All Lined Up deals with family, a great father-daughter relationship, explores the theme of reaching and going after your dreams, getting comfortable in your own skin and nature. It’s a wonderful New Adult novel that has a great grasp on themes that really matter for new adults. I enjoyed the cute, friendly banter a lot and was glad to see that both MCs have a good head on their shoulders. Also, this book contained minimal drama which suited well with the theme and the characters.

All in all, it was a tad predictable here and there, a ton of cliché scenes and lines, but it was still really good and Cora manages to put her own fun spin on things for sure. I can’t wait to get to know Silas some more in the companion sequel since he was totally awesome! There are so many characters and different arcs to explore for different people. I’m not sure who will be the MCs in the last book, but I’m keeping my fingers tightly crossed for Ryan and Dallas’s best friend ;) They had some great chemistry and Ryan is just reallllly awesome. If you’re looking for a good summer read with great chemistry and a little fluff here and there, pick this up! Totally worth your time.

Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5.0

More of my reviews can be found on my blog
____________________________________

Before reading:


That's how excited I am!!! LOVE this news :-)

OK that doesn't live up to it. (Sorry Michael Gambon, you're still awesome!) This is a better example of me right now..

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Profile Image for Nikki.
255 reviews37 followers
May 15, 2014
This book helped me see that I am fast approaching cougarville and apparently a raging hoochie mamma. This was a case of…
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Cause I started the book like this.
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But then I started feeling more like this…
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Cause this is definitely YOUNG adult. Way young. Me = Not Young. The story was your basic kinda forbidden romance, A LOT of back and forth. We have Dallas, the football coach's daughter and Carson, super sweetie football player. Alot of daddy/daughter drama but nothing heavy. No manwhoring or angst, so I think a good in-betweener type book if you are reading a lot of dark, hard stuff.

Not a lot of sexy times, be warned all my fellow hoochie mama’s. I was waiting for the naughty, anything, but it never came, well at least until the epi. Frustrated the hootch outta me.
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So overall, 3 stars for me. A good, light read. I will continue on with this series but I won't rush when the next book comes out to read it.
Profile Image for Tina.
222 reviews46 followers
August 26, 2019
Ich bin so so so so so froh, dass ich Cora Carmack noch eine 3. Chance gegeben habe. Eigentlich hatte ich dieses Buch schon lange mental aussortiert, aber irgendwie hatte ich dann noch ein gewisses Maß an Neugier, ob ich wirklich mit gar keinem von ihren Büchern klarkomme. Und darüber bin ich echt froh.. xD

Endlich hatte ich mal wieder eine unfassbar angenehme College-Liebesgeschichte in der Hand, die sich so schnell wie nichts weglesen ließ.
Top Schreibstil, Top Plot, Top Charaktere.
Mit Außnahme von Stella. Die mochte ich die meiste Zeit über leider nicht wirklich und bin von daher froh, dass sie nicht ihre eigene Geschichte bekommen hat.. Aber von Ryan hingegen... Warum gibt es kein Ryan-Buch? :( Ich hoffe einfach mal, dass er noch sein Zimtschneckchen bekommt ♥

Für alle, die gerne College-Football-Liebesromane lesen, ist dieses Buch definitiv etwas. Wer nach Losing it auch mit Cora Carmack abgebrochen hat: Gebt ihr noch eine Chance! Und wer damit klarkommt, nicht alle von den Footballbegriffen zu verstehen: There you go! :D
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
493 reviews275 followers
May 14, 2014
All Lined Up was a really sweet fluffy read.
A love story about quarterback and the coach's daughter. The Texas way!

Carson and Dallas were adorable together, there were moments that I loved.

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If you love sports, it is your book. I did wish there was more events in the story.

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Happy reading!!

D xo

**TQ Ami for the being fab reading buddy. You have no idea how much I love it all, MWAH**
Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .
501 reviews471 followers
May 14, 2014
3 stars




Dallas and Carson strike up a new friendship at Rusk University. But when they realise Carson is a quarterback and Dallas is the coach's daughter, can they deny their attraction to one another?

I really liked how this one started off. Their interactions to begin with was sweet and it was just what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I started to lose interest. The story itself wasnt grabbing me, I didnt really like Dallas and overall it was just "okay".

This was a sweet college story. The romance was believable but the steam level was mild. I doubt I would remember this book or the characters.
Profile Image for Laura.
581 reviews391 followers
April 25, 2015
This was a fun, light read and definitely not my last Cora Carmack book. I can't wait to read Silas' story now, since he's apparently everyone's favorite!
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,196 reviews973 followers
November 22, 2017
Review-All Lined Up Summary 
Dallas Cole hates football, her father raised her and she always came second to his coaching. But when she dates a football player in high school, and got her heart-broken, she knew that she could never be with anything that was connected to the sport. She is determined to focus on her studies and her dancing. Football is her past, and dancing is her future. When her roommate drags her to a party, she finds herself in a bad position, facing her ex, and she meets Carson McClain. Carson, loves football, and will do anything to succeed. He needs the scholarship so he can stay in college, and he needs to focus all of his attention on his classes and football…he can’t afford any distractions…and Dallas is one big distraction. But he can’t resist her, and on one evening where they share the most sensual kiss of his life, he definitely knows he is about to be tested, because not only is she smart and sexy, there is one problem….she is the Head Coach Cole’s daughter, and if they are found out it could mean he can’t play football anymore.
The Hero 
Carson McClain, needs to succeed at Rusk University…this is his only chance to make something of himself. All he knows if farming and football, he doesn’t believe he can do anything else. Carson is driven to become more than he is. Carson is willing to do whatever it takes to make it on the team, no matter how many hours he has to train and lift weights, or run…he will do anything. Carson is a hero to love, he has such drive and passion, to be good at something. He doesn’t have much self-esteem at first, but as his confidence builds, he starts to believe he has talent…and that he can do something more than farming. I love how determined he is…I mean boy is he determined to do what needs to be done.
The Heroine 
Dallas was raised by her father, a father whose sole attention was on football rather than raising his daughter. She has always felt like she was second to everything else in his life. Her mother abandoned her when she was little, and her father refuses to let her even leave the state to go to a New York dancing school, but keeps her here in Texas, at a university he approves of, and is coaching at. Dallas knows he is just being over protective, but she wants to dance professionally, and in order to do that she needs to leave Texas and go to a program that will be a benefit to her. Dallas is more reserved and focused. What I enjoyed about Dallas is when she wants to she can relax and have a good time…with the right people. I enjoyed seeing her stand up to her father through the story, and fight for what she wants in her life.
Plot and Story Line 
This is first book in a fabulous New Adult series that just has me hooked. I have been wanting to try this author out for quite a while, and so I finally got the first book, and already bought the other two books in the series after reading this one….I loved it that much. What I enjoyed about this one…its not your typical New Adult romance…there is some conflict and drama, but its the type that you can easily relate to. I felt a kinship to Dallas, she is smart and talented, but not the most outgoing person in the world, she is more reserved and doesn’t mind keeping to herself once in a while…I totally related with her on that level. The hero just won my heart from the beginning, you see how much he is struggling to be something more, and he has compassion and a drive to admire. He doesn’t let anyone get him down and is so stubborn and I loved seeing his truer qualities shine through in this story. We definitely see a caterpillar blossom into a butterfly (star football player), he has what it takes to succeed and it was so fun to see him do it. The romance is sweet and romantic, and they do deal with some conflict, but they also come together when it matters most, and fight for each other…everything you need in a solid romance!!
The Cover 
I like it quite a bit…its a bit different, but many New Adult covers now are…I love the pose, its like they are so well fit together, they just relax into each other. It hints at the friendship they build throughout the book.
Overall View 
All Line Up is a friendship to lover romance….a story to know and love, a truly emotional and tender story. TRULY UNFORGETTABLE!!
Profile Image for Viri.
1,205 reviews438 followers
September 9, 2016
Me ha gustado MUCHO, en realidad muchísimo, pero creo que fue una historia normal, o sea... no es que no sea buena, porque lo es.
Pero simplemente fue entretenida para mí, me encantaron ambos protagonistas y la historia, inclusive me gustó que la autora no se dejara llevar por los tantos clichés habidos y por haber, pero lamentablemente no me hizo sentir nada.
NO RISAS
NO DIVERSIÓN
NO TRISTEZA
NO ME CONMOVIÓ
Y algunos otros etc...
Fue entretenido, lindo y muy pero muy bien narrado, sin llegar a mas. Es una historia fresca, de esas que a veces se leen para desintoxicarnos de tantas lecturas pesadas.

Con una narración muy ágil y que me recordó un poquito a los mejores libros de Abbi Glines este libro fue una maravillosa sorpresa por su frescura y simplicidad. Obvio me voy a leer las otras historias porque este libro me dejó un buen sabor de boca, solo espero que Silas no sea tan patán como en un principio porque puede hacer que lo odie totalmente. Además... SOY TAN DÉBIL CON LOS DEPORTISTAS. *suspiros*
Profile Image for Polly.
676 reviews249 followers
May 14, 2014
This review has mild spoilers.....


So I wish I could say I loved it but I just didn't. I thought it was going to be "more".

Had way too much internal dialogue for me. It just kept losing me in the middle. The MC were "sweet". Nothing too great about either of them.

The drama was immature. The whole hiding from her Dad thing (how old are they again??), and then the picture wasn't executed well.

She had an aversion to sex but it wasn't really explained why. It glossed over losing her virginity but that one thing made her not want it again? She made him wait like 7 months.

To top it off this book was not what I call NA. It was very much YA. I'm a bit of a book whore. Give me some action! I had to wait until 96%.

My fav college football books are Sweet Home/Rome. I couldn't help to compare them in my head. This one just came up lacking for me.

If you are looking for a SWEET college romance with no great drama then this one is for you.
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
975 reviews1,293 followers
May 15, 2014
***ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review***



Title:All Lined Up
Series:Rusk University #1
Author:Cora Carmack
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Rating:4.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:





I was so pleasantly surprised with All Lined Up. The New Adult genre has been inundated with so many additions in the last couple years. The sheer number of them is mind boggling. Some memorable and some not so good. As many great examples there are, there are probably 5 times as many unoriginal and trite with frustrating characters. This book definitely did it right. I've read several of Cora Carmack's books in the past and while I didn't love them all, there's no denying her talent as a writer. She has a great style that I connect with that makes reading her books smooth and enjoyable. This book in particular though probably now gets the top spot for my favorite Cora Carmack New Adult. The characters were completely likable-which made for a pleasurable reading experience. The story had a deeper meaning than just "Hey, there's this hot guy, he's a bad boy, he's a manwhore, he plays in a band, and oh, yeah, the heroine is broken". The characters were people that felt so genuine, like I could meet and know them in real life. They had everyday, plausible problems that many could identify with, and that's what made this book surpass all so many others in this genre. It seems like lately, after finishing a book, even though I enjoyed it, I still come away from it thinking: I just wish it was…more. That's what this book gave me. More.

Dallas is a young woman trying to make sense of her life and her emotions. She's flawed and feeling lost about how to make everything right that's been wrong and been ignored for so many years. Her relationship with her father is rocky and they're not close-nor do they know the first thing about how to communicate with each other or show affection. Growing up, football has always seemed to be his main focus-turning around failing teams and making them champions was top priority.

There is a gap in our house. Maybe it's the mom I never knew. Maybe it's the words we never say. Or maybe it's both of us.

She's also scared of asserting herself, quick to anger, and tends to run away or ignore her problems. She doesn't take chances because it's too risky. Chances lead to hurt and she's all about self-preservation.

"Sometimes I hold people at arm's length, so that it's harder for them to hurt me."

But the problem is, she doesn't want to be that way. She's spent so long in her father's protective bubble that she's not sure how to navigate her own life. He's always been there, caging her in and controlling her freedom. He's overprotective-at a distance.(If that makes sense) Her many reasons for being unsure and unhappy don't bleed into her one true passion. Dancing.



I loved the fact that she was a dancer. There doesn't seem to be that many heroines with a love of dance. Dance is one of life's true forms of expression. Like music, you don't need words to feel the emotion and heart poured into it. Dance is her way of feeling free, expressing herself, and makes her feel whole like nothing else.

I love the silence before the music starts. There's potential in the quiet, an opening for something new and beautiful to enter the world.

Carson...what wasn't to love? This guy was bordering on perfect. He's a total sweetheart, sexy with a footballer's body, and has respect for women and his family. He's focused and driven. His life revolves around football-working 3 steps ahead of everyone else so that he can take the financial burden off his family and get a football scholarship. He wants to make all his father's sacrifices worth something and make something of himself. Everything depends on him keeping his grades up and catching the attention of the coach. If he can be better-faster, stronger, maybe he might get his chance to make it. What he didn't account for was one crazy, bold, and honest readhead who jumps off a balcony into his arms.



Their attraction is instantaneous and overwhelming. He makes her act brave like she's never been before. She makes him act impulsive like he told himself not to be. She's his Daredevil and she wants to be the person that she is in his eyes.

She is the most intoxicating mix of hard and soft-lean, strong muscles covered in silken skin. That's her personality, too: combative and shy, bold and insecure.

After realizing that her father is his football coach, they have even more reason to stay away from each other. Not one good thing could come from them being together and they try their hardest to avoid each other but they keep getting pulled back in. They both become better when they're around each other. She loves who she is when she's with him and it makes her fight to be a better version of herself.

She jerks in my arms, and I can't tell whether she's trying to get closer or pull away. "Please. Just help me, " she demands. "Help how?" Her fingernails dig into my shoulders, and I can't tell what she's thinking. Not at all. "Fix me," she whispers.

I loved this book. There were many factors that made a winning combination. The passion and the tension were there. You could feel their incredible attraction and their need to be with each other as much as they tried to deny it. The characters were well thought out and interesting. Flawed yet endearing. I recommend this book to NA readers AND non NA readers. It has a little something for everybody.



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