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Levi & Taryn #1
Discovering Taryn
**This is a clean, Young Adult Romance** “The sweetest friendships turn into something even better.” ---Discovering Taryn Friendship was the very last thing on either of their minds when they bump into each other in the school’s hallway. Taryn was trying to be invisible, which was working until now. Levi was wondering just what he had gotten himself into when he was dazzled by a sweet and quiet girl. Taryn Green is an orphan from South Dakota. She’s living with her aunt, going to a new high school, and doing her best to remain unseen. It is easy to protect yourself if no one gets close to you. She doesn’t count on meeting a boy who just keeps turning up. Sometimes secrets can be too heavy to carry alone. Levi Kodallas is an all-American teenage boy. He dislikes school, loves the outdoors and plays football. School homework gets him into trouble when he asks a classmate to write his history paper for him. He has no idea just how much it could cost him. What if it jeopardizes his fledgling relationship with Taryn? All of sudden it occurs to him that it’s too much to risk.
- GenresYoung Adult
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2015
9 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Wilson
18 books238 followersA Nebraska native, A.C. Wilson now lives in historic Abilene, Kansas with her husband and two boys. Always an avid reader, A.C. first fell in love with historical romances both Regency and Western. The world was a wide open place where adventures could happen even between the pages of a book. Deciding to give the characters in her head some room to breathe, A.C. started typing and hasn't looked back.
The Black Hills series books are contemporary western romances set in the iconic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Johnson family holds true to their values of love, duty, family, and loyalty.
Broken Country novels featuring Levi and Taryn begin with Discovering Taryn. It is a "clean" young adult romance spinoff from the Black Hills Series. The family values continue as a young woman tries to find her way in life and love and a young man learns the meaning of patience and perserverence.
The Black Hills series books are contemporary western romances set in the iconic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Johnson family holds true to their values of love, duty, family, and loyalty.
Broken Country novels featuring Levi and Taryn begin with Discovering Taryn. It is a "clean" young adult romance spinoff from the Black Hills Series. The family values continue as a young woman tries to find her way in life and love and a young man learns the meaning of patience and perserverence.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2015
AC does a amazing job at splitting off of her Black Hills series with this new one. Although this is written for a younger crowd, if you fell in love with the Johnson's and their extended family, this is a must read!! And like in all of her books, when she introduces us to new people, you fall in love or hate them with a passion!!
Levi is your average all American kid. He loves his family, friends, his truck and football. So when a essay is due, and he cant think of what to write, he asks a girl in school known for writing papers for others, to do it. The cost?? He has to date her for two weeks and take her to homecoming. The cost seems low, that is until he bumps into Taryn. Something about the new girl pulls Levi. A deal is a deal...or is it???
Taryn and her aunt settle in a quiet little town. How she misses her Black Hills!! Now she has to make a new life. Being the new kid is hard, and when you have trust issues its even harder. Levi is trying his hardest to be a friend, but something is standing in the way of all that.
When the truth about the paper comes out, will the trust between Levi and Taryn be broken??
Levi is your average all American kid. He loves his family, friends, his truck and football. So when a essay is due, and he cant think of what to write, he asks a girl in school known for writing papers for others, to do it. The cost?? He has to date her for two weeks and take her to homecoming. The cost seems low, that is until he bumps into Taryn. Something about the new girl pulls Levi. A deal is a deal...or is it???
Taryn and her aunt settle in a quiet little town. How she misses her Black Hills!! Now she has to make a new life. Being the new kid is hard, and when you have trust issues its even harder. Levi is trying his hardest to be a friend, but something is standing in the way of all that.
When the truth about the paper comes out, will the trust between Levi and Taryn be broken??
December 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I adored this story. It is very sweet and heart warming. I love the morals it address and how tastefully the characters act and react to all that is surrounding them.
Some of the characters you LOVE others you LOVE to HATE. The personalities are so wide in variety. Some sweet, some broken, some funny, some humbling and some just evil. I was drawn to all of them and would love to learn more about each and every one of them. They are all very interesting in their own ways and left me wanting to know them more.
I love the friendship and sense of family in this story. It was a breath of fresh air. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt when I was done.
This is by far my favorite book by AC Wilson up to date!
I adored this story. It is very sweet and heart warming. I love the morals it address and how tastefully the characters act and react to all that is surrounding them.
Some of the characters you LOVE others you LOVE to HATE. The personalities are so wide in variety. Some sweet, some broken, some funny, some humbling and some just evil. I was drawn to all of them and would love to learn more about each and every one of them. They are all very interesting in their own ways and left me wanting to know them more.
I love the friendship and sense of family in this story. It was a breath of fresh air. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt when I was done.
This is by far my favorite book by AC Wilson up to date!
December 27, 2015
** ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
Levi is every girls dream. he's all anerican, sexy, sweet but he needs help with a paper and at the last minute he ask for help but in order to receive it he has to date the girl helping him for two wks including home coming dance seems harmless until a girl catches he eye for real.
Taryn is quite and hasn't had the best life, but being new isn't always easy but when she catches the eye of Levi can she trust herself . I really enjoyed this read. it was sweet, loving.
Levi is every girls dream. he's all anerican, sexy, sweet but he needs help with a paper and at the last minute he ask for help but in order to receive it he has to date the girl helping him for two wks including home coming dance seems harmless until a girl catches he eye for real.
Taryn is quite and hasn't had the best life, but being new isn't always easy but when she catches the eye of Levi can she trust herself . I really enjoyed this read. it was sweet, loving.
June 5, 2016
I was looking forward to reading this book. I've been in the mood for a good YA read, yet I hadn't found one to pique my interest without rereading an old favorite. Having read the blurb, I thought this might be the ticket. Though I liked the premise of this story, the delivery fell a bit short for me.
I think the author had a good plot in mind when she began writing this book. Though interesting, the story drug on for far too long for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a long story. What I do have a hard time with is a predictable plot that takes forever to unfold. If the mystery portion had been written in a way that truly kept the reader in suspense, I think I would have enjoyed the book much more. As it was, I had a hard time pushing through to the finish because it just wasn't holding my interest very strongly. It took way too long for them to figure out what was blatantly obvious to the reader.
Another issue I had was the way the teens talked and thought like adults. I realize that Levi is being portrayed as a sweet, innocent boy coming into manhood after having been raised right by good men. However, no teens I know, sweet and innocent or not, think as deeply and adultly as Levi does. Though I think Levi is a doll, his inner workings didn't adequately portray his age in my opinion. His friend, Alex, had his moments in both teen and adult. It was kind of a juxtaposition, but it worked fairly well for his character.
Sometimes I liked Taryn, and sometimes I didn't. She seemed a bit wishy-washy without having good reason. Even though she was standoffish because she thought Levi did something she didn't approve of, she still went way out of her way to help him, acting very friendly at some points and disapproving at others. I just couldn't see a valid reason for her being that way aside from her being flaky. I would've liked to have seen her portrayed in a light where she deserved the affections of sweet Levi.
Though there were some editing errors, run on sentences and such, I will say the editing was better in this book than in previous books I've read by this author. I can certainly see growth in her craft. I think I will give Book 2 a try because I would like to see where the characters go from here.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I think the author had a good plot in mind when she began writing this book. Though interesting, the story drug on for far too long for me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a long story. What I do have a hard time with is a predictable plot that takes forever to unfold. If the mystery portion had been written in a way that truly kept the reader in suspense, I think I would have enjoyed the book much more. As it was, I had a hard time pushing through to the finish because it just wasn't holding my interest very strongly. It took way too long for them to figure out what was blatantly obvious to the reader.
Another issue I had was the way the teens talked and thought like adults. I realize that Levi is being portrayed as a sweet, innocent boy coming into manhood after having been raised right by good men. However, no teens I know, sweet and innocent or not, think as deeply and adultly as Levi does. Though I think Levi is a doll, his inner workings didn't adequately portray his age in my opinion. His friend, Alex, had his moments in both teen and adult. It was kind of a juxtaposition, but it worked fairly well for his character.
Sometimes I liked Taryn, and sometimes I didn't. She seemed a bit wishy-washy without having good reason. Even though she was standoffish because she thought Levi did something she didn't approve of, she still went way out of her way to help him, acting very friendly at some points and disapproving at others. I just couldn't see a valid reason for her being that way aside from her being flaky. I would've liked to have seen her portrayed in a light where she deserved the affections of sweet Levi.
Though there were some editing errors, run on sentences and such, I will say the editing was better in this book than in previous books I've read by this author. I can certainly see growth in her craft. I think I will give Book 2 a try because I would like to see where the characters go from here.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
December 23, 2015
*** Gifted in exchange for my honest review ***
Having read all the Black Hills series, I've been waiting on baited breath for the new spin off YA series, and it was worth the wait. I loved it.
So I read this sat on the deck of my parents deck, in the winter sunshine in the mountains of Spain, much nicer than the dreary cold of an English winter, but wherever you read this book, you will be transported to the of rural America. I do love how Author A.C. Wilson describes the scene of where her books are set, places I've always wanted to visit, her writing sends me to these places to experience it through the eyes of her characters, it was nice to read about the younger characters, I like YA books, and I look forward to following Levi and Taryn as they discover that first sweet love... Maybe hopefully theirs will be the rare forever love, it does exist, I should know, I met my knight in shining armour at 16 and he's still my hero 34 years later.
Now onto the book...
Part 1 of a 3 part series, meet Levi Kodallas, high school jock, who in a moment of laziness when it comes to his studies decides to strike a deal with the brash
Laurie who is known to trade papers for cash, although Levi doesn't have the cash, she agrees with the price to be paid by being her boyfriend, and to escort her to homecoming. Levi thinks it's an easy trade, but fate has a cruel way of reminding Levi that sometimes an easy price can have hidden consequences.
This book is a coming of age tale, of a boy becoming a man, and realising that sometimes it's better to take the hard road than the quick and easy route.
Levi ends up learning that it's better to earn things the honest way, to work at friendship rather than the rush of hormonal urges.
But with the sound advice of his grandpa and father, hopefully Levi will not lose the one light in his messed up world he's currently navigating.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
Having read all the Black Hills series, I've been waiting on baited breath for the new spin off YA series, and it was worth the wait. I loved it.
So I read this sat on the deck of my parents deck, in the winter sunshine in the mountains of Spain, much nicer than the dreary cold of an English winter, but wherever you read this book, you will be transported to the of rural America. I do love how Author A.C. Wilson describes the scene of where her books are set, places I've always wanted to visit, her writing sends me to these places to experience it through the eyes of her characters, it was nice to read about the younger characters, I like YA books, and I look forward to following Levi and Taryn as they discover that first sweet love... Maybe hopefully theirs will be the rare forever love, it does exist, I should know, I met my knight in shining armour at 16 and he's still my hero 34 years later.
Now onto the book...
Part 1 of a 3 part series, meet Levi Kodallas, high school jock, who in a moment of laziness when it comes to his studies decides to strike a deal with the brash
Laurie who is known to trade papers for cash, although Levi doesn't have the cash, she agrees with the price to be paid by being her boyfriend, and to escort her to homecoming. Levi thinks it's an easy trade, but fate has a cruel way of reminding Levi that sometimes an easy price can have hidden consequences.
This book is a coming of age tale, of a boy becoming a man, and realising that sometimes it's better to take the hard road than the quick and easy route.
Levi ends up learning that it's better to earn things the honest way, to work at friendship rather than the rush of hormonal urges.
But with the sound advice of his grandpa and father, hopefully Levi will not lose the one light in his messed up world he's currently navigating.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
Read
December 28, 2015I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Levi is just your normal high school boy, trying to get through the school year and still play football. Taryn really just wants a normal year and to just blend in. However, she has caught the eye of Levi who is rethinking his idea for his school paper. These two have a bond that makes them inseparable. Taryn feels comfortable talking to Levi and the same goes for Levi. Despite coming from two different worlds doesn't stop them from connecting on another level.
A.C. brings Levi and Taryn to life. Giving them real life characteristics and making them more relate-able. I highly recommend this book as a sweet romance that will have you turning the pages quickly. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of all the places and how I could have a graphic picture in my head.
Levi is just your normal high school boy, trying to get through the school year and still play football. Taryn really just wants a normal year and to just blend in. However, she has caught the eye of Levi who is rethinking his idea for his school paper. These two have a bond that makes them inseparable. Taryn feels comfortable talking to Levi and the same goes for Levi. Despite coming from two different worlds doesn't stop them from connecting on another level.
A.C. brings Levi and Taryn to life. Giving them real life characteristics and making them more relate-able. I highly recommend this book as a sweet romance that will have you turning the pages quickly. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of all the places and how I could have a graphic picture in my head.
January 5, 2016
AC Wilson has written a beautiful YA story that will keep you turning the pages. Taryn and Levi embark on a journey as friends that grows with each passing day. You'll fall in love with the extended Johnson family and see some familiar characters from the Black Hills series as well. Levi's grandpa is a trip and I absolutely love him! The chemistry between Taryn and Levi is magnetic even though it seems they both are either too shy to admit it and neither wants to ruin their friendship. I recommend you read this one, fall in love with the story and characters, and watch as the series unfolds! Great Job by AC Wilson!
February 26, 2016
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautifully written story. Taryn and Levi begin a friendship that grows into more as time passes. I fell in love with all the characters. The chemistry between these two is magnetic. It's sweet to watch them try to deny it, neither wants to ruin the friendship. Will these two come together? I can't wait to read more from this series. This one was very well written and flowed so naturally, I really loved this book.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
This was a beautifully written story. Taryn and Levi begin a friendship that grows into more as time passes. I fell in love with all the characters. The chemistry between these two is magnetic. It's sweet to watch them try to deny it, neither wants to ruin the friendship. Will these two come together? I can't wait to read more from this series. This one was very well written and flowed so naturally, I really loved this book.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
December 29, 2015
Levi is your typical high school student who has too much on his plate between school work and football. Taryn is the new girl at school which isn't easy and she is shy and hasn't had the best in life. Levi and Tayrn seem to have this pull towards each other and they end up becoming friends. When Levi does something that is a result of him being expelled will Tayrn have his back or walk away? I liked the families dynamics in this story. Can't wait to read book 2.
May 15, 2016
Loved this sweet story of a boy who didn't know how to talk to girls and needed help from one that turned everything nuts to meeting another the same day and wanting to get to know her more. Taryn is a mystery and Levi wants to learn more from her and about her. She doesn't trust well. Can't wait to start the next one
July 21, 2020
I really enjoy the relationship that Taryn and Levi have. I look forward to finishing their story.
November 5, 2016
This was such a good book, and beginning to these guys story. I can't believe the drama Laurie caused! Glad she gets what's coming to her. Can't wait for more!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews