Title: All Lined Up
Author: Cora Carmack
First published May 13, 2014
318 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062326201 (ISBN10: 0062326201)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
In the heart of Texas, football and rumours reign supreme. For Dallas Cole, a life of playing second fiddle to the sport is something she’s always despised.
College is her chance to escape the bleachers and start anew. But fate has other plans.
Her ex-football-star boyfriend attends the same college, and to top it off, her father – a legendary Texas high school coach – has just been appointed head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself once again lost in the shadows of football and her father’s success.
Meanwhile, Carson McClain is determined to become the starting quarterback, earning himself a scholarship and a future. But when he meets a mesmerising redhead who literally falls into his life, his focus becomes clouded.
Dallas is unaware that Carson is on the team, and Carson doesn’t know that Dallas is his new coach’s daughter. As their attraction grows, they realise that they are playing a dangerous game, but can’t seem to stay away from each other.
Editoral Review
All Lined Up by Cora Carmack is a contemporary romance novel that was first published on May 13, 2014. Cora Carmack is an American author who has written several young adult and new adult novels, including Losing It and Faking It. All Lined Up is the first book in her Rusk University series, which takes place in the fictional town of Rusk, Texas.
The novel follows the story of Dallas Cole, a college freshman who has always been the responsible one in her family. Dallas’s father is the head football coach at Rusk University, and Dallas has always felt pressure to live up to his expectations.
When Dallas arrives at Rusk University, she meets Carson McClain, a talented and rebellious football player who is the opposite of everything Dallas has ever known. Despite their differences, Dallas and Carson are drawn to each other, and they must navigate the challenges of their conflicting identities and responsibilities.
Carmack’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making All Lined Up an enjoyable read. The pacing of the novel is steady, with enough suspense and romance to keep the reader engaged throughout.
The characters are well-written, particularly Dallas and Carson, who are complex and relatable. Carmack does a good job of exploring their motivations and fears, and their struggles feel authentic.
One of the strengths of All Lined Up is its portrayal of college life. The novel realistically depicts the highs and lows of freshman year, from the excitement of newfound independence to the pressure to fit in and succeed academically.
The setting of Rusk, Texas, also adds cultural significance to the novel, as it explores the culture of southern football and the expectations that come with it. However, the novel does have some weaknesses.
Some of the conflicts between Dallas and Carson feel forced or predictable, and the supporting characters aren’t given as much depth or development. Additionally, the novel doesn’t delve deeply into any significant themes or issues, beyond the typical coming-of-age and romance tropes.
Despite these limitations, All Lined Up is a charming and entertaining novel that is recommended for fans of New Adult romance. It may not be groundbreaking literature, but it is a fun read that provides a window into college life and southern culture.
Overall, All Lined Up receives a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
