Bryce by Natalie Decker Blog Tour with Chapter Reveal and Interview :)

Bryce (Scandalous Boys #1)
by Natalie Decker
  Publication Date:  February 22, 2016
  Publisher:  Swoon Romance

Bryce Matthews doesn’t do the whole nice boyfriend thing. Chocolates and flowers—girls can forget all that. And he certainly doesn’t care about the gossip and rumors that follow him at school and around town. If anything, the talk amuses him. Bryce isn't lacking in confidence. He knows himself and he knows his limits. One of those hard limits is Madison Issac. Bryce can never have her, and he's perfectly fine with that. Sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality anyway.

Madison Issac thought she was a pretty good judge of character. But she's surprised at how gentle and comforting resident bad-boy and next-door neighbor Bryce Matthews is when we finds her crying in the park.

Maybe there's more to Bryce than people think? So Madison begins to wonder.

Can a guy like Bryce ever change his ways?

Can a girl like Madison really be into a guy like Bryce?

With hearts and reputations on the line, this kind of love can be scandalous.

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***Chapter Four***

Madison

My mom scowls at me. “Maddy, we discussed this! Why would you say that to your cousin?”

Is she joking? Because my cousin is stealing everything from me! Like always. She talks to me like I’m her servant, and clearly I’m not. She brought the boy I love into my room. Probably made out with him because that’s how she is. She doesn’t waste any time. She just jumps on anything she wants.

But I can’t say any of this to my mom. She’ll tell me I’m being selfish. And maybe I am, but shouldn’t I be? “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll go apologize.”

“That’s better.” She ushers me out of the room and back to my bedroom, where twenty-five boxes take up most of the floor space.

Sarah hooks her arm through Graham’s as they stand in the middle of my room. I swallow my feelings and start, “Sarah …”

She looks at me with watery eyes. I know it’s an act. She does this when she needs something to go her way. And right now, she’s winning. It takes everything in me to push out the rest of my words. I can feel everyone staring at me like I’m the devil. Like I’m the one who did something wrong. “Sarah, I’m sorry for snapping at you. It was wrong. Of course I’ll help you unpack. Forgive me?” I ask, pasting on a smile.

Sarah strokes Graham’s arm and sniffles. “Sure, I forgive you, Madison.” She pulls Graham out of the room with her. My mom follows. Bryce, for some reason, remains.

He shakes his dark hair and smirks at me. “Have fun being her bitch, Madison.”

I glower at him. “You’ll know all about being someone’s bitch in a few years, Bryce! That looks more and more certain.”

He stops smiling. I immediately regret what I said. He helped me without complaint, carrying these stupid boxes up here. And how do I repay him? By telling him he’s heading to jail eventually. Smooth, real smooth, Mads.

Bryce flips me off and leaves my room before I can apologize.

***

Her clothes take up over half of my closet. Instead of shoving some of them back into the boxes, I remove more of my own clothes. Why? Because we have to appease the princess.

Of course, you’d figure she’d be happy. She isn’t. She gives me a sour expression as she thumbs the closet. “Madison, you can’t cramp my bags like this. And this dress needs to breathe. What were you thinking? Are you trying to ruin my things?”

“Sarah, we have to share a closet. I let you have most of it. What do you want me to do?”

She yanks my clothes out and tosses them onto the bed. “How about I get the closet, and you can have the dresser?”

I’m on the verge of blowing up again and need to escape. I run from my room, but it’s not far enough, so I leave the house. Once my feet hit the paved road, I sprint. Where am I going? I don’t know. I could run my usual route that I do every morning. Of course, I’ve got on the wrong shoes and don’t actually want blisters on my feet, so maybe not. I just need to get out of this place.

At the park about a mile from my house, I slump down on a bench and let go. Tears fall—hard, snotty sobs. Oh yeah, I let it all out. Heaving deep breaths, I soak the palms of my hands with my sorrow. No one is here, so I’m not worried about anyone seeing me. Definitely not worried about anyone asking me what’s wrong.

At least that’s what I think until I hear someone clear their throat nearby. I jerk my head up and look around. Bryce is puffing on a cigarette.

“Damn, Smalls, who died?”

“No one! Go away!”

He looks around and laughs. “Not happening. This is public property. I’m allowed to be here as much as you are.” He takes another drag on his cig, and I glare at him. I don’t want him seeing me like this.

“You know those things kill people.” I point to the cancer stick.

“Really? I thought they increased your life span.”

I know he’s joking, but I don’t find it funny. “I like living. You might not enjoy it so much, but I don’t want to breathe that crap in. So put it out or take a hike.”

He throws up his hands and drops his cig to the ground, then grinds it out with his shoe. “Better?”

“Much.”

Bryce takes a seat beside me and looks up. Evening is settling, turning the blue Tennessee sky into an orange and pinkish wonder. “So … why are you out here? The park is usually my domain.”

“I just needed to get some air. My house became too much.” I shrug. It’s an honest answer. Not the full answer, but I’m not spilling my guts to Bryce.

He nods.

We sit in silence for a few more minutes, and then I stand up. I need to get away from this bench, and him too. He looks me over and then shakes his head while his dark eyes look down at the ground. He chuckles.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“No. What’s so funny?” I demand.

He meets my gaze. “You. Well, all good girls are the same. Always running from the criminal as soon as they can. You owe me a cigarette.”

“I don’t owe you anything!”

He laughs louder. “Jeez, Smalls. Couldn’t even deny running away from me. Wow. Just wow.”

“I’m not running away.” I fold my arms over my chest and snarl, “I need to get back home.”

“Yeah. Whatever you need to tell yourself.” He waves, and I leave him.

Stupid Bryce. Why do I care what he thinks anyway? I don’t. Why couldn’t he just let me cry?

Footsteps fall close behind me, and I make the mistake of looking over my shoulder. Bryce is right there. “It’s getting dark, Smalls.”

“And?”

He sighs. “I’m being a gentleman and making sure you get home okay. All right?”

“I can get home by myself.”

“I know. Humor me.”

***

Natalie Decker is the Author of Rival Love series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

***Author Interview***

I want to thank Natalie for answering some questions for us!
  

What inspired you to write your first book?

Well … my first published book let’s say that. Before my published book there were I don’t know roughly 4 manuscripts that are just sitting in the WTHWIT (What the heck was I thinking) pile in. Anyways, what inspired my first published book was a simple article on school rivalries. I thought, wow this is interesting. I remember thinking about a lot of books and how they might say yeah we’re playing our rival team today … but they never really explained what made them a rival. I remember my school rival and all the crap we did. Painted yards, egged houses, toilet papered lawns, trees, and just other very bad things. So I wanted to write a story about a girl being forced to move to her rival territory and overcoming the prejudice/adversity of the whole thing. That’s how Rival Love came to be. 

 

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes. I love first person in present tense. I also LOVE duel points of view.

How did you come up with the title?

Well this is Bryce and Madison’s story. But since we have the series name as Scandalous Boys, my wonderful publisher Georgia McBride of Swoon Romance decided we should just name each book by the boy’s story I’m telling. So that’s how we came up with Bryce.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Don’t be so quick to judge a person from rumors you hear. Get to know them for yourself.

How much of the book is realistic?

 Just the area. But the story it’s self is complete fiction.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Nope.

What books have most influenced your life most?

I do so much reading it’s insane to think I actually have time to write. But if I had to choose, I started out reading Judy Blume books, Harry Potter Series, Jane Austen, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, and then it grew from there. Twilight, The Mortal Instruments, Vampire Academy, and Perfect Chemistry. I started reading a bunch of Hockey books lately. The Hockey Tutor, The Score, Kissing in Cars. Don’t know much about hockey but I like the books.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

This is a touch one. I’d say between Rachel Hawthorne and Simone Elkeles. With Rachel I love her characters in A Dark Guardian Series. They’re all about protection, family, and finding themselves. I love the jealously too. The characters seem so real and genuine. I also really enjoy Simone Elkeles characters because they’re flawed in a natural way. All the same insecurities as most people which make them likable.

What book are you reading now?

Pucked Up by Helena Hunting

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Patricia B. Tighe she wrote LIFE IN THE NO-DATING ZONE you should really check it out. 

 

What are your current projects?

I’m working on Graham which is book 2 for the Scandalous Boys Series.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My wonderful CP’s Sheri Larsen, Mandy Schoen, and Kelly Mooney.

 

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes. It’s definitely a career for me.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I was always working on poems when I was in elementary school. Then in junior high had to write a short story. But it really progressed in college. 

 

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I can’t give you a snippet. But I can tell you a little about it. Graham is trying to forget someone. But one night lands him into a heap of trouble. The one person he’s trying to forget might be the only one who can save him. 

 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not really. 

 

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I don’t have a favorite author. Choosing one seems a little cruel since there are many wonderful authors I love out there.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Not really. But I will be traveling this year. I’ll be in Nashville TN June 23^rd signing at UTOPIA Con.

Who designed the covers?

Swoon Romance has their own list of designers.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Nothing with this one. Graham’s a little difficult because his story has more issues.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Nope.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write what you love and know. Outline. They seem like a pain in the butt, but they’re worth it. 

 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I love all of you. You’re amazing and your support is so fantastic! Thank you so much! I will continue to write for you.

 

What genre do you consider your book(s)?

NA/YA Contemporary Romance.

Do you ever experience writer's block?

No because I use outlines.

Do you write an outline before every book you write?

Yes.

Have you ever hated something you wrote?

My first four MS’s. They helped me learn though. 

 

What is your favourite theme/genre to write about?

I like new love, or love that might be rekindled. It’s fun and real.

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

No, but they do crack me up. Bryce and Madison’s banter was super fun.

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Giveaway Information: Contest ends March 4, 2016

• One (1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and a digital copy of Bryce by Natalie Decker (INT)

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