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Cutters vs. Jocks
Love at first sight versus lust you can’t fight.
Libby Tucker is a cutter—a nobody waitress in a college town—at least that’s what everyone believes. But admission to law school is Libby’s ticket out of Indiana and her escape from small town life forever.
During a night on the town, Libby beats the most competitive athlete on campus at pool and draws more attention from him than she’s prepared for.
Aidan Palowski is one of those jocks your friends warned you about—the kind that never loose—the kind that put notches in their baseball bats. As the closing pitcher on the best baseball team in the Big Ten, he’s on his way to the major leagues. Aidan always gets what he wants and Libby is the final home run he wants to hit out of the park.
The last thing Libby needs is to get sidetracked by a superstar jock. Afraid that she might be on a collision course with love at first sight Libby keeps her distance, but the longer she holds out the more Aidan realizes it’s a case of lust he can’t fight.
What happens when worthy opponents refuse to play their hearts out?
CUTTERS VS. JOCKS
The story of two lovers who put their future goals ahead of each other’s love before they were brought to the table for BINDING ARBITRATION.
Libby Tucker is a cutter—a nobody waitress in a college town—at least that’s what everyone believes. But admission to law school is Libby’s ticket out of Indiana and her escape from small town life forever.
During a night on the town, Libby beats the most competitive athlete on campus at pool and draws more attention from him than she’s prepared for.
Aidan Palowski is one of those jocks your friends warned you about—the kind that never loose—the kind that put notches in their baseball bats. As the closing pitcher on the best baseball team in the Big Ten, he’s on his way to the major leagues. Aidan always gets what he wants and Libby is the final home run he wants to hit out of the park.
The last thing Libby needs is to get sidetracked by a superstar jock. Afraid that she might be on a collision course with love at first sight Libby keeps her distance, but the longer she holds out the more Aidan realizes it’s a case of lust he can’t fight.
What happens when worthy opponents refuse to play their hearts out?
CUTTERS VS. JOCKS
The story of two lovers who put their future goals ahead of each other’s love before they were brought to the table for BINDING ARBITRATION.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2011
143 people are currently reading
1353 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Marx
20 books499 followersWindy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.
Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.
Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
November 1, 2014
A prequel to Binding Arbitration, free on Amazon.
November 28, 2014
“That was the error between us – you were focused on a goal, and I had my heart set on dreams.”
It always amazes me how an author can cover so much ground and evoke such a wide range of emotions in a novella. I really loved this little number that sets up the past for Binding Arbitration.
Both Libby and Aidan are such wonderful characters. Each with their own flaws, each making some pretty big mistakes and each of them young and scared. I laughed, I cried and my heart broke for both of them. Their passion and their pain was so real.
September 7, 2019
4.5 stars. Why did I wait so long to read this????? It has the heart crushing feels that made me fall in love with contemporary romance in the first place. The authentic push and pull. The attraction and longing that I wish every book had, but doesn’t.
A short prequel to Binding Arbitration that packs a punch. I’m absolutely loving this series and Aidan and Libby. They are imperfect characters that make stupid decisions, but it all felt very authentic, and that’s something I love so much more than perfection. I want my characters to make mistakes and make me crazy while reading, otherwise I’m super bored. This one didn’t bore me one bit.
Thanks Antonella for the recommendation!
A short prequel to Binding Arbitration that packs a punch. I’m absolutely loving this series and Aidan and Libby. They are imperfect characters that make stupid decisions, but it all felt very authentic, and that’s something I love so much more than perfection. I want my characters to make mistakes and make me crazy while reading, otherwise I’m super bored. This one didn’t bore me one bit.
Thanks Antonella for the recommendation!
November 21, 2014
4.5 STARS
Loved this novella that sets the groundwork for Binding Arbitration. Libbie was great, she tugged at my heartstrings with her reactions and decisions to avoid being like her mother. She was independent, ambitious and never once played the 'woe is me' card.
Aidan was sweet but his denial of his feelings was frustrating. Ultimately he figured it out but something held him back. I hated him when he reacted the way he did to Libbie's news. It was so insensitive, so brash and insulting...I felt she did the right thing even if I felt he made the wrong decision. I was hooked from the start, the first paragraph drew me in and I loved the whole novella after that. Jumping into Binding Arbitration!
Loved this novella that sets the groundwork for Binding Arbitration. Libbie was great, she tugged at my heartstrings with her reactions and decisions to avoid being like her mother. She was independent, ambitious and never once played the 'woe is me' card.
Aidan was sweet but his denial of his feelings was frustrating. Ultimately he figured it out but something held him back. I hated him when he reacted the way he did to Libbie's news. It was so insensitive, so brash and insulting...I felt she did the right thing even if I felt he made the wrong decision. I was hooked from the start, the first paragraph drew me in and I loved the whole novella after that. Jumping into Binding Arbitration!
August 7, 2013
"Superstar jocks don't fall in love with cutters. ......And jocks certainly don't fall in love with cutters"
This novella left me wanting for more, how glad am I now that Binding Arbitration is already available to read. I don't think my heart can stand too long as it is now I'm crying!
Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker is a small-town girl who life definitely was challenging, but she has big dreams of graduating from Indiana University and continuing on to attend the prestigious Harvard Law School. Meet her:
Banford Aidan Palowski is an All-American jock from a wealthy California family, who has dreams of playing baseball in the major leagues. And meet my Aidan:
When Libby and Aidan meet sparks fly and interests are at a peak level, and they engage in a year and a half game of cat-n-mouse. Aidan is relentless in pursuing Libby *that boy really did hard work*, nothing happens but they remain close mates. UST undeniable hot *fans myself*
"Now, that I'd met Aidan, I had a glimmer of understanding of what Jeanne felt for my father. Love is a kind of madness - crazy runs in my family"
"Plus you and I have things to settle between us"
"Like what?"
"Those lustful thoughts you're dealing with"
But then, one night he saves her from some frat boys and Libby's determination is not as solid as it once was. Please please I would so to be rescued in that manner!!! *dayuum, that one hot kiss* *sighs* And after that things gets pretty heated up...... AND circumstances pull them apart!!
SUCH A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!
Cutters vs Jocks is a fast-paced, fun and sensual novella that will make your toes curl. I really really loved it!!!!
This novella left me wanting for more, how glad am I now that Binding Arbitration is already available to read. I don't think my heart can stand too long as it is now I'm crying!
Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker is a small-town girl who life definitely was challenging, but she has big dreams of graduating from Indiana University and continuing on to attend the prestigious Harvard Law School. Meet her:
Banford Aidan Palowski is an All-American jock from a wealthy California family, who has dreams of playing baseball in the major leagues. And meet my Aidan:
When Libby and Aidan meet sparks fly and interests are at a peak level, and they engage in a year and a half game of cat-n-mouse. Aidan is relentless in pursuing Libby *that boy really did hard work*, nothing happens but they remain close mates. UST undeniable hot *fans myself*
"Now, that I'd met Aidan, I had a glimmer of understanding of what Jeanne felt for my father. Love is a kind of madness - crazy runs in my family"
"Plus you and I have things to settle between us"
"Like what?"
"Those lustful thoughts you're dealing with"
But then, one night he saves her from some frat boys and Libby's determination is not as solid as it once was. Please please I would so to be rescued in that manner!!! *dayuum, that one hot kiss* *sighs* And after that things gets pretty heated up...... AND circumstances pull them apart!!
SUCH A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!
Cutters vs Jocks is a fast-paced, fun and sensual novella that will make your toes curl. I really really loved it!!!!
July 20, 2013
This thing is so bad. So very bad that it almost wants to redefine my suckity-suck shelf and that's a tall order considering Beautiful Disaster is on that shelf. I swear to whichever deity you'd prefer that it felt like I was back there in that dark place and reading *that* book again. I snark and snark, but it's not often every paragraph makes me want to stop and complain.
Cutters vs. Jocks doesn't stand alone. It's a prequel to Marx's other novel, Binding Arbitration where single mom has to find her long-forgotten fling to save her cancer-sick son.
Can you guess what happens in Cutters vs. Jocks? Was your answer: The fling. You'd think that, wouldn't you. You'd be wrong.
There's no fling. There's one billiard game and a year's(?) worth of avoidance leading to the pity fuck that results in the pregnancy. As for how that situation is handled... Alicia, dear, you definitely don't want to read this one:
This novella is an infodump meant to highlight Libby's and Aidan's backgrounds and to explain why they at twenty-two and twenty-three could have never worked. It succeeds in its goal magnificently, because it never shows them fall in love. Told in two alternating first person voices this novella completely skips the becoming friends and falling in love. Both Aidan and Libby suddenly go from proclaiming that they're not in love to that they in fact are. The reader is never shown why either of them would care for the other one bit.
Instead the pages are full of misogyny and romanticised stalkerism.
I assume this novella is meant to hint at the promise as to why those same two people might fit together eight years later having had the chance to mature. The only problem with this is that I became so thoroughly disgusted with both characters that I never want to read about them again. I'd almost say it goes a step further than that: I never want to read anything Elizabeth Marx writes ever again.
Cutters vs. Jocks doesn't stand alone. It's a prequel to Marx's other novel, Binding Arbitration where single mom has to find her long-forgotten fling to save her cancer-sick son.
Can you guess what happens in Cutters vs. Jocks? Was your answer: The fling. You'd think that, wouldn't you. You'd be wrong.
There's no fling. There's one billiard game and a year's(?) worth of avoidance leading to the pity fuck that results in the pregnancy. As for how that situation is handled... Alicia, dear, you definitely don't want to read this one:
This novella is an infodump meant to highlight Libby's and Aidan's backgrounds and to explain why they at twenty-two and twenty-three could have never worked. It succeeds in its goal magnificently, because it never shows them fall in love. Told in two alternating first person voices this novella completely skips the becoming friends and falling in love. Both Aidan and Libby suddenly go from proclaiming that they're not in love to that they in fact are. The reader is never shown why either of them would care for the other one bit.
Instead the pages are full of misogyny and romanticised stalkerism.
I assume this novella is meant to hint at the promise as to why those same two people might fit together eight years later having had the chance to mature. The only problem with this is that I became so thoroughly disgusted with both characters that I never want to read about them again. I'd almost say it goes a step further than that: I never want to read anything Elizabeth Marx writes ever again.
October 9, 2019
This book drew me in. From the colorful cover to the interesting title, I was hooked. I needed to know about Libby and law school. I wanted to see if Aiden fell into the jock stereotype. I was hoping that this would sweep me away and make me ache for the second installment. It did, but didn't. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this one, guys!
If you have been following my reviews for a while, then you know that I am not a big fan of novellas. Most of them are rushed, full of unanswered questions, and leaves the reader longing a connection that was never established. Unfortunately, that is what happened with this story. We get to see Aidan and Libby met at a local pub/bar. There was an instant attraction; both of them couldn't keep their eyes off one another. Libby turns Aiden down stating he has a girlfriend and leaves him.
Throughout the book, we - the readers- are told how Aiden and Libby hang out for months "as friends." Strike one. We rarely got to see cute interactions between the two of them. All the author provides for us is that Libby is dead set on leaving this town, and Aiden is dead set on getting into Libby's pants. That doesn't make me feel any connection between the two of them. It makes me think that they are better off alone.
Things start to heat up between them - no surprise there. However, I still did not feel that they should be together. Aiden was pushy and just wanted to bang her. Strike two. Yeah I felt like he did care for her, but he had a girlfriend back home. There were so many times that I wanted to punch him. He made Libby fall for him when all he wanted was sex.
I can't get into the last third of the book because of spoilers, but let's just say that Aiden did fall into that cocky jock stereotype. Strike three and you're out!
With all that being said, I really enjoyed the author's storytelling. I found her writing style to be very interesting and immersive. Because of that, I am going to pick up the sequel. I hear it is better than this one and it is a full length novel. And I am curious to see how Aiden redeems himself because he is on my sh!tlist.
3 Stars!
If you have been following my reviews for a while, then you know that I am not a big fan of novellas. Most of them are rushed, full of unanswered questions, and leaves the reader longing a connection that was never established. Unfortunately, that is what happened with this story. We get to see Aidan and Libby met at a local pub/bar. There was an instant attraction; both of them couldn't keep their eyes off one another. Libby turns Aiden down stating he has a girlfriend and leaves him.
Throughout the book, we - the readers- are told how Aiden and Libby hang out for months "as friends." Strike one. We rarely got to see cute interactions between the two of them. All the author provides for us is that Libby is dead set on leaving this town, and Aiden is dead set on getting into Libby's pants. That doesn't make me feel any connection between the two of them. It makes me think that they are better off alone.
Things start to heat up between them - no surprise there. However, I still did not feel that they should be together. Aiden was pushy and just wanted to bang her. Strike two. Yeah I felt like he did care for her, but he had a girlfriend back home. There were so many times that I wanted to punch him. He made Libby fall for him when all he wanted was sex.
I can't get into the last third of the book because of spoilers, but let's just say that Aiden did fall into that cocky jock stereotype. Strike three and you're out!
With all that being said, I really enjoyed the author's storytelling. I found her writing style to be very interesting and immersive. Because of that, I am going to pick up the sequel. I hear it is better than this one and it is a full length novel. And I am curious to see how Aiden redeems himself because he is on my sh!tlist.
3 Stars!
October 31, 2014
"Researchers say that you can judge the attractiveness of another person in .13 seconds. I knew he was someone I would never forget. It wasn’t just his physical appearance that ensnared me, but his eyes lasered on me like he wanted to sharpen his ego on my bones."-Libby
Cutters vs. Jocks is a phenomenal novella by Elizabeth Marx. This book introduces us to our hero Aidan and our heroine Libby. Aidan come from a wealthy family. He is a true jock. He has devoted his life to baseball. Libby comes from poverty. She has tried to overcome the burden of a mentally unstable mother.
Libby and Aidan meet and both of them are forever changed. Libby knows that a romantic relationship can never work between the two of them.
"I mean, hadn’t I been born and bred on collect calls, table scraps, and hand-me-down clothes?"-Libby
They form a friendship. They spend time together and become inseparable! Libby and Aidan spend late nights in the campus library. He follows her to and from work at the Waffle House. Despite the fact that he has a completely different persona as a college athlete, he is in love with Libby. The tension builds throughout their friendship. Finally after months of flirting, Libby gives him one night.
"I threw it at her with all my might, but I was the one bleeding, a drop at a time and ever since, because she had pierced me with those simple words. “Just one night.”- Aidan
Once their night was over, Libby was left with a little something. When she finally tells Aidan, he is overwhelmed with his desire to be a baseball star and his desire for Libby. He is worried about what people will think. Libby makes the choice for him and sends him away.
I did struggle immensely with the miscommunication these two had. They were both so young and unsure.
My heart broke a little piece at a time watching these two fall apart.
"I got in my car and drove away. I drove away from the only person who’d made me a better man. I drove away from the only person whose counsel I trusted more than my own. I drove away from my future without a backwards glance."-Aidan
Overall, this was an outstanding foundation for the follow up book.
Binding Arbitration
My review for that will be coming soon!
Excellent read!
"Superstar jocks don’t fall in love with cutters. They don’t take them to the Rose Well House, at the center of campus at midnight, and pledge their undying devotion beneath its sparkling dome. They don’t marry them, even if they had created a problem together . And jocks certainly don’t fall in love with cutters."
Cutters vs. Jocks is a phenomenal novella by Elizabeth Marx. This book introduces us to our hero Aidan and our heroine Libby. Aidan come from a wealthy family. He is a true jock. He has devoted his life to baseball. Libby comes from poverty. She has tried to overcome the burden of a mentally unstable mother.
Libby and Aidan meet and both of them are forever changed. Libby knows that a romantic relationship can never work between the two of them.
"I mean, hadn’t I been born and bred on collect calls, table scraps, and hand-me-down clothes?"-Libby
They form a friendship. They spend time together and become inseparable! Libby and Aidan spend late nights in the campus library. He follows her to and from work at the Waffle House. Despite the fact that he has a completely different persona as a college athlete, he is in love with Libby. The tension builds throughout their friendship. Finally after months of flirting, Libby gives him one night.
"I threw it at her with all my might, but I was the one bleeding, a drop at a time and ever since, because she had pierced me with those simple words. “Just one night.”- Aidan
Once their night was over, Libby was left with a little something. When she finally tells Aidan, he is overwhelmed with his desire to be a baseball star and his desire for Libby. He is worried about what people will think. Libby makes the choice for him and sends him away.
I did struggle immensely with the miscommunication these two had. They were both so young and unsure.
My heart broke a little piece at a time watching these two fall apart.
"I got in my car and drove away. I drove away from the only person who’d made me a better man. I drove away from the only person whose counsel I trusted more than my own. I drove away from my future without a backwards glance."-Aidan
Overall, this was an outstanding foundation for the follow up book.
Binding Arbitration
My review for that will be coming soon!
Excellent read!
"Superstar jocks don’t fall in love with cutters. They don’t take them to the Rose Well House, at the center of campus at midnight, and pledge their undying devotion beneath its sparkling dome. They don’t marry them, even if they had created a problem together . And jocks certainly don’t fall in love with cutters."
October 7, 2014
Aidan, you better like being on your knees, cause you got some groveling to do.
September 18, 2018
I don't really know what to think of this short prequel.
I found a pull to it because it's set in Indiana.
I'm a born and raised Hoosier. (Though I've been transplanted elsewhere now)
I thought I'd get some good nostalgic Indiana love spread throughout this novella.
I was wrong.
The most we read about Indiana in this story is that we're generally on or near the IU campus.
And that, apparently, "the derogatory term used at IU by college students in reference to the local youths in Bloomington, Indiana" is CUTTERS.
It's also, apparently, a term used in the 1979 movie Breaking Away for this same purpose.
This was news to me.
Born and raised in the Hoosier state and...
I've never heard of this term before.
Like, Ever.
A Bloomington native is not what I think of when I hear the word "Cutter".
But, I've also never watched the movie Breaking Away.
So...
Also, I think if you have to explain at the beginning of the book exactly WHAT the term means, maybe it's not worth using. (Unless you're writing fantasy fiction)
Anyway, the term was used repeatedly throughout the book and every time I read it, I thought...
Aside from that, I suppose this was a good prequel. I wanted more, but then... that's what the rest of the books in the series are for, right?!
I found a pull to it because it's set in Indiana.
I'm a born and raised Hoosier. (Though I've been transplanted elsewhere now)
I thought I'd get some good nostalgic Indiana love spread throughout this novella.
I was wrong.
The most we read about Indiana in this story is that we're generally on or near the IU campus.
And that, apparently, "the derogatory term used at IU by college students in reference to the local youths in Bloomington, Indiana" is CUTTERS.
It's also, apparently, a term used in the 1979 movie Breaking Away for this same purpose.
This was news to me.
Born and raised in the Hoosier state and...
I've never heard of this term before.
Like, Ever.
A Bloomington native is not what I think of when I hear the word "Cutter".
But, I've also never watched the movie Breaking Away.
So...
Also, I think if you have to explain at the beginning of the book exactly WHAT the term means, maybe it's not worth using. (Unless you're writing fantasy fiction)
Anyway, the term was used repeatedly throughout the book and every time I read it, I thought...
Aside from that, I suppose this was a good prequel. I wanted more, but then... that's what the rest of the books in the series are for, right?!
August 6, 2016
I want more.It was short but very good.
October 16, 2014
Libby is your small town girl, Aidan is your big time jock together they shouldn't work but they do, falling fast and falling hard. This was a really great in site and build up to the main book. I can't wait to start it :)
Want to read
March 15, 2014FREE today on Amazon US (3/15/2014).
http://www.amazon.com/Cutters-Prequel...
http://www.amazon.com/Cutters-Prequel...
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January 26, 2013
01/26/2013 Read & Reviewed
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [Freebie on Amazon in Dec2012]
Okay, one of my New Years 2013 resolutions is to read at least one Freebie each month. This is my first one for January. I'm hoping to get in at least one more.
It is a short story, but packs a great punch. It is actually a prequel for 1.5 book series. I'm immediately going to read the second. The story takes place on the Indiana University campus between two very different people. Aiden is the Jock. He was born with proverbial "silver spoon", but has turned his back on his legacy to follow his dream of being a major league pitcher; baseball. Elizabeth [Libby] comes from a very different background. Never really had much of a shot when relying solely on her family, she relies on her brains to get her out -- to make life better. She is a fellow student, but Aiden doesn't realize. He thinks she is just a local girl [Cutter].
These two spark, but remain unfulfilled for more than a year. Then, Libby suffers some disappointment and heads out for a night of drowning sorrows and gives into the pull of Aiden.
We've read similar stories many times. If the writing is good, if the characters are excellent, it really doesn't matter how many times you read it. In this case, it works. I really liked this author. I think she does an excellent job and love the characters.
Not bad for my first Freebie fore' of the New Year. Yeah ME!!
Happy Reading!
I added it to my YA shelf. I think it could easily fit that genre'.
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [Freebie on Amazon in Dec2012]
Okay, one of my New Years 2013 resolutions is to read at least one Freebie each month. This is my first one for January. I'm hoping to get in at least one more.
It is a short story, but packs a great punch. It is actually a prequel for 1.5 book series. I'm immediately going to read the second. The story takes place on the Indiana University campus between two very different people. Aiden is the Jock. He was born with proverbial "silver spoon", but has turned his back on his legacy to follow his dream of being a major league pitcher; baseball. Elizabeth [Libby] comes from a very different background. Never really had much of a shot when relying solely on her family, she relies on her brains to get her out -- to make life better. She is a fellow student, but Aiden doesn't realize. He thinks she is just a local girl [Cutter].
These two spark, but remain unfulfilled for more than a year. Then, Libby suffers some disappointment and heads out for a night of drowning sorrows and gives into the pull of Aiden.
We've read similar stories many times. If the writing is good, if the characters are excellent, it really doesn't matter how many times you read it. In this case, it works. I really liked this author. I think she does an excellent job and love the characters.
Not bad for my first Freebie fore' of the New Year. Yeah ME!!
Happy Reading!
I added it to my YA shelf. I think it could easily fit that genre'.
October 16, 2012
This was a prequel to Binding Arbitration. It basically gives you some back ground on the main characters. I enjoyed reading about their relationship and how they met each other. I didn't like how the both reacted to a certain situation....however, I have hope that everything will work out for Aiden and Libby in the end. I'll definitely be reading Binding Arbitration.
November 26, 2012
Had already started read Binding Arbitration when I realised there was a prequel. Downloaded it straight away. It is a quick read but we get the information about how they met etc. Really looking forward to reading the next book.
July 24, 2015
3.75 Stars
I'm intrigued!
I'm intrigued!
August 19, 2017
A small-town girl trying to beat her past and a guy with a bright future in baseball shouldn't have stood a chance. But attraction's a funny thing. A long game of strategy and young love takes place on a mid-western college campus setting things up for what is to come.
I've read so many second chance romances that begin many years after the original love affair falls apart, but this story takes the reader there for all the close up, beautiful beginning and what came from it in this opposites attract from the opposite sides of the campus romance.
They are both young in many ways though Libby has had to grow up fast and hard leaving her jaded and distant while Aidan is the guy who can have any woman he wants with a promising future career as a star pitcher. I thought the author developed the characters and the story line well building to the fateful moments. The story focused more on Libby's backstory (which was necessary), but I do hope that Aidan's story gets some attention, too, further along in the series.
This story ends with things very unsettled, but it is meant to act as a set up for what is to come. I look forward to the tough-fought romance that I just know will be the result.
I'm not usually a fan of New Adult romance, but once in a while a story comes along that completely engages me anyway.
I've read so many second chance romances that begin many years after the original love affair falls apart, but this story takes the reader there for all the close up, beautiful beginning and what came from it in this opposites attract from the opposite sides of the campus romance.
They are both young in many ways though Libby has had to grow up fast and hard leaving her jaded and distant while Aidan is the guy who can have any woman he wants with a promising future career as a star pitcher. I thought the author developed the characters and the story line well building to the fateful moments. The story focused more on Libby's backstory (which was necessary), but I do hope that Aidan's story gets some attention, too, further along in the series.
This story ends with things very unsettled, but it is meant to act as a set up for what is to come. I look forward to the tough-fought romance that I just know will be the result.
I'm not usually a fan of New Adult romance, but once in a while a story comes along that completely engages me anyway.
September 4, 2013
2.5 stars. This book came highly recommended so I am disappointed to say I really didn't like it. I think my biggest problem was the writing style. I just didn't care for it. I won't be reading on to the next book although I am curious as to what happens. I just can't bring myself to endure it. I know I am picky.
April 2, 2012
When opposites attract, is a relationship sustainable or will it be doomed because of their differences?
Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker is a small-town girl who hasn't had an easy life, but she has big dreams of graduating from Indiana University and continuing on to attend the prestigious Harvard Law School. Banford Aidan Palowski is an All-American jock from a wealthy California family, who has dreams of playing baseball in the major leagues. When Libby and Aidan meet sparks fly and interests are at a peak level, and they engage in a year and a half game of cat-n-mouse. Aidan is relentless in pursuing Libby, but she deflects his amorous attempts, even though she's denying her mutual attraction for him. Even though he considers her a "cutter" or "townie," and she considers him a superstar jock, they strike up a friendly platonic relationship. Their relationship takes a very different turn one cold night in January when he rescues her from being accosted by some drunk frat boys at a local bar, and their attraction for each other is consummated in his apartment. Knowing their relationship won't be going anywhere, Libby refuses to see Aidan, until she discovers she is pregnant. What will happen to Libby and Aidan's relationship? Will their dreams go up in smoke, or can they find a way to make everything work out the way they want it to?
Cutters vs Jocks is a fast-paced, fun and sensual novella that will make your toes curl. The storyline is well written and told in a two-person perspective by Libby and Aidan, with each perspective told in alternating chapters. The characters are realistic and believable, their engaging personalities and interactions with each other make for fun reading and laughter as you turn the pages. I absolutely loved both Libby and Aidan's characters, I think the author did a wonderful job of bringing two people from very different worlds together, and use a playful cat-n-mouse approach towards building a relationship. Cutters vs Jocks is a prequel to the continuation of Libby and Aidan's story in Binding Arbitration. This short novella will make you laugh, sigh, and hold your breath as the ending leaves the reader yearning to know what happens to Libby and Aidan. You can't help but want to find out what becomes of Libby and Aidan's story, and believe me it is well worth reading both books, you won't be left disappointed!
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Elizabeth "Libby" Tucker is a small-town girl who hasn't had an easy life, but she has big dreams of graduating from Indiana University and continuing on to attend the prestigious Harvard Law School. Banford Aidan Palowski is an All-American jock from a wealthy California family, who has dreams of playing baseball in the major leagues. When Libby and Aidan meet sparks fly and interests are at a peak level, and they engage in a year and a half game of cat-n-mouse. Aidan is relentless in pursuing Libby, but she deflects his amorous attempts, even though she's denying her mutual attraction for him. Even though he considers her a "cutter" or "townie," and she considers him a superstar jock, they strike up a friendly platonic relationship. Their relationship takes a very different turn one cold night in January when he rescues her from being accosted by some drunk frat boys at a local bar, and their attraction for each other is consummated in his apartment. Knowing their relationship won't be going anywhere, Libby refuses to see Aidan, until she discovers she is pregnant. What will happen to Libby and Aidan's relationship? Will their dreams go up in smoke, or can they find a way to make everything work out the way they want it to?
Cutters vs Jocks is a fast-paced, fun and sensual novella that will make your toes curl. The storyline is well written and told in a two-person perspective by Libby and Aidan, with each perspective told in alternating chapters. The characters are realistic and believable, their engaging personalities and interactions with each other make for fun reading and laughter as you turn the pages. I absolutely loved both Libby and Aidan's characters, I think the author did a wonderful job of bringing two people from very different worlds together, and use a playful cat-n-mouse approach towards building a relationship. Cutters vs Jocks is a prequel to the continuation of Libby and Aidan's story in Binding Arbitration. This short novella will make you laugh, sigh, and hold your breath as the ending leaves the reader yearning to know what happens to Libby and Aidan. You can't help but want to find out what becomes of Libby and Aidan's story, and believe me it is well worth reading both books, you won't be left disappointed!
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
August 30, 2012
A brilliant short novella introducing the two main characters of Binding Arbitration.
What I loved about this prequel is the character development. Libby is a strong minded, bright, local college student who is making the most of what was a bad situation. Her younger years growing up were anything but conventional and her Brother makes it an ongoing occupation of bar brawling and dodging jail.
Going against the grain of her crazy genetic make-up, Libby's dream is to attend Harvard and to make something of her life.
Aidan is a jock. Talented, good looking and a ladies man, he makes it his mission to befriend the local 'cutter' girl because her no nonsense attitude and her blatant inability to fall at his feet makes for an interesting personal challenge. However, Aidan isn't all bad and makes it very clear from the out set that he desires Libby, in his bed! Well, at least he's honest.
Libby is a hard nut to crack but even she cannot deny the mutual feelings of desire that she feels with his persistant presence.
As a friendship forms over the space of a year, and acquaintances become best friends, falling in love was never supposed to be an option...
What was special about this prequel too is the flashbacks of Libby's past, it felt like a divulgence into her diary, and helped establish her foothold within the pages, making her a likeable and strong female lead. Whereas Aidan's perspective followed on in the here and now, helping the story to flow effortlessly.
Aidan is the boy you can't say no too, no matter how strong of will you are, and how much you try, he has the ability to break those unbreakable bonds and jump in head first, no matter what the consequences, and boy... Are there consequences!
Now I am eager to read the full length novel that follows both Libby and Aidan's story, six years into the future - let the rollercoaster ride begin...
May 11, 2015
Aiden wants Libby like he's dying of thirst. She plays hard to get for months. He finally wins her over in the end.
They spend a fabulous night together, one that will never let them forget. Eventually she avoids him so he hunts her down only to eventually find a life changing answer to his questions. This ends up leading to their demise and leaves the two unhappy and not sure what to do.
I felt Libby never gave Aiden a fair shot in the end when he confronts her. She assumed things and made the choice for them therefore, she put Aiden on the defense causing him to be a jerkface and in the end both of them to be idiots. If she had only given him a choice and a chance to say what he wanted... Maybe they would have made better choices and had better words to say at the end.
I really didn't like Libby and I felt the couple was a bit shallow and I couldn't connect to them or feel a deeper level of feelings from them.
They spend a fabulous night together, one that will never let them forget. Eventually she avoids him so he hunts her down only to eventually find a life changing answer to his questions. This ends up leading to their demise and leaves the two unhappy and not sure what to do.
I felt Libby never gave Aiden a fair shot in the end when he confronts her. She assumed things and made the choice for them therefore, she put Aiden on the defense causing him to be a jerkface and in the end both of them to be idiots. If she had only given him a choice and a chance to say what he wanted... Maybe they would have made better choices and had better words to say at the end.
I really didn't like Libby and I felt the couple was a bit shallow and I couldn't connect to them or feel a deeper level of feelings from them.
December 16, 2012
In the prequel to Ms. Marx's "Binding Arbitration," we meet Libby, a "cutter" who is from the wrong side of the tracks and works as a waitress at the local Waffle House. Libby immediately grabs your attention. She's so much more and she doesn't take a backseat to anyone -- especially the hot jock, "Band-Aid," who has set his sight on her, along with every other girl on campus. But Band-Aid is one jock that has just met his match and the sparks begin to fly. This short novella certainly made an impression on me. I could not wait to download the rest of story.
June 2, 2016
Ouch, my heart is broken! Loved this short story. Now I'm moving on to Binding Arbitration...
September 17, 2012
Okay... I have mixed emotions here. I really liked the story, Its a short intro to abiding arbitration, and its captivating. I get the sense that the story as well as the blurb is meant to tell us how wronged Libby was by Aiden, but i think they were both wronged by each other. Aiden was hurt by Libby's judgmental stereotyping, and pushing him away without giving him a chance, so though he did what she thought he'd do because she never gave him a chance to do anything but i feel the blame being solely on him is unfair.
Great read though.
Great read though.
April 15, 2013
Wow. Talk about a prequel.
Cutters, townies, don't run in the same crowds as the Jocks, but Aidan can't seem to stay away from Libby. He wants her and always has since the first time he saw her.
Ready to dive into Binding Arbitration. I want more of that foul-mouthed Libby and ever so cocky Band-Aid.
Cutters, townies, don't run in the same crowds as the Jocks, but Aidan can't seem to stay away from Libby. He wants her and always has since the first time he saw her.
Ready to dive into Binding Arbitration. I want more of that foul-mouthed Libby and ever so cocky Band-Aid.
June 15, 2025
This is my first read of Elizabeth Marx's and it was great! I loved the division between the two types of people in the town, like something that would happen in the 1950's. It's interesting how Libby never tells Aidan the truth about who she is, and even more so that he never figures it out!! I was comply sl enthralled with the story and cannot wait to read Binding Arbitration
June 16, 2013
4 1/2 Stars!!
Wow! This freebie, novella from a new-to-me author was surprising good! Can't wait to read the next installment "Binding Arbitration" which is a full length novel to find out what happens to Libby and Aidan.
Wow! This freebie, novella from a new-to-me author was surprising good! Can't wait to read the next installment "Binding Arbitration" which is a full length novel to find out what happens to Libby and Aidan.
December 13, 2012
This book was amazing..very short but i loved it. The stories between Libby a nobody and Aidan a baseball jock. I am going to read Blinding arbitration now :)
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