Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub Date: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Avon
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
Format/Source: DRC, Edelweiss
Status: book 4 of the Wait for You companion series
Links: check out my reviews of Wait for You, Be with Me, and Stay with Me!
Summary:
Eleven months ago,
bartender and weird-shirt-wearing extraordinaire Roxy and Officer Reece
Anders had a one night stand. Well, kind of. She’s been in love with him
since she was fifteen, and he wishes that night they shared never
happened. She’s sworn him off forever, but the past and future collide,
forcing her to rely on the one man who broke her heart not once, but
twice.
Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already.
But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.
Her best friend since birth has been in a long-term care facility since he became a victim of a hate crime years ago, and the person who put him in there is out of prison and wanting to make amends with him and Roxy. She’s not sure she has room for forgiveness in her and when she begins to receive frightening messages and is on the receiving end of escalating violence, she thinks she knows who is to blame. The man who already destroyed one life already.
But Reece isn’t convinced. The threats are too personal, and even if Roxy doesn’t believe him, he’s not willing to let anyone hurt her. Including himself. He’s already messed up more than once when it comes to Roxy and he’s not going to let history repeat itself.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1. Much like Lauren from Ann Aguirre's AH-mazing As Long As You Love Me (Fall's InkSlinger sister), Roxy is having a difficult time with school. Ironically, Roxy is majoring in something computer science-y, which was Lauren's passion, but not Roxy's. I like that although many new adult novels take place in college, Fall with Me has two characters for whom college is not necessarily the best option. I definitely struggled in my college classes for many reasons, some of which was that it wasn't for me at that time so I can appreciate Roxy's struggle in balancing her true passion (art) and a job she loves with the college classes she feels obligated to take because college is simply what's done for so many in our generation. I love that Reece also points out his two careers post-high school sent him in directions opposite of the college route. College isn't for everyone, and I like that Jen uses a series with so many students to point out that there's always a few for whom other options are better.
2. Roxy's parents ARE my parents. One thing I have always been sad about in regards to ya and na is that the parents are either dead, missing, invisible, or direct antagonists. There are so few parents in these genres who are supportive, loving, and protective. I'm not saying I've never gotten in a fight with my parents (whoo boy, we've had some doozies!), but every time I see parents who are wonderful to their kids in a novel, I always get a bit teary thinking of my own. Roxy's mom and dad are active participants in her life, even in her 20s, and I love it. I lvoe that Jen doesn't just diversify her main characters but also the minor ones as well. Avery and Calla have serious parental issues, but it's so refreshing to see parents like Roxy's, Jace's, and Tess & Cam's.
"Man-oh-man, I loved my parents. I knew how lucky I was. Not everyone could have such awesome parental unites, but I did. I really did" (DRC, 38%). <--THIS
"Truthfully [my savings] would [take] a hit, but...but I wasn't their little girl they needed to swoop in and save anymore. besides, they worked hard for their money and I'd like to see my dad retire at some point in this century" (DRC, 38%). <--ALSO THIS
3. I had a friend who was a hot cop, and I was totally in love with him for a few years. Cops are hot, guys. Happy thank you more please!
4.There was a number 4, I just can't think of it right now. Ooops. But now on to the things that I don't necessarily relate to, but I want to talk about. OH WAIT I REMEMBER. Yeah, so in November, my house got broken into. I know a lot of people might be a bit hard on Roxy for not telling someone about the weird things going on in her house, but I get it. When you're a woman living alone (or with a roommate, as I do), you want to be strong and independent. You don't always want to be calling your parents or sister or friends when weird things happen. Heck, tonight I had no idea my roommate was home so she scared the crap out of me when I heard noises inside the house. I get why Roxy second-guesses herself. Plus, even though it's sexist and annoying that women are often painted as the "crazy" gender, we do usually have a lot going on inside our heads to the point of distraction, hence remote controls in refrigerators, laundry left undone or in the washer too long and other such inconveniences. But mostly, I understand the fear that begins to poison Roxy in the second half of the book. It is terrifying to have something control you so much, and it can completely affect your logic, your emotions, everything.
"Someone had been in my apartment. Someone had been in here many times, even while I was here. The residual fear peaked once more. How in the hell would I feel safe in this house again? Having that taken from me angered me, and there was nothing I could do about it" (DRC, 59%). <---SO. MUCH. THIS. *gives Roxy a hug*
Okay, NOW on to other things I want to talk about.
BEWARE SPOILERS AHEAD.
Katie. There is no justice in the world if Katie is not Brock's love interest. Or if she doesn't get her own book/novella. I love her too much for her to not get a happily ever after!
Nick. Guh. Everyone should have a guy friend they trust to help them out of a bad situation, and I love that Nick has been That Guy for both Calla and Roxy. Even though he's a love-em-and-leave-em kind of guy, these glimpses of his better character traits has me wanting his book ASAP.
The romance. It's good. Like, really good. Reece is swoony, and that is all I can say because my face is burning up just thinking about him. And the best thing is that he isn't just hot between the sheets (OH MY WORD AND HE IS HOT BETWEEN THE SHEETS JUST TRUST ME), but he's also sweet and charming and romantic and totally willing to make it work with Roxy, which is also super sexy. Okay, really, that's all I can say. *fans face*
Finally, like many other novels lately, there is a clear but not in-your-face message of feminism, which is really freaking fantastic. I'm not talking the angry man-hating kind of feminism that is feared and belittled, but rather the true kind that has women standing up for themselves. For instance, when a guy Roxy goes out with ONCE is obnoxious and persistent so she turns him down and he calls her a slut, Roxy rightfully tells him off. And, when some plastered dude says some gross things to Roxy one night at the bar, Jen proves her leading men are feminists too when Reece tells the guy off. I am so impressed with this aspect of Fall. I think it must be easy when writing romance to let the male hero do all the ass-kicking and let the heroine passively swoon, but it takes true talent to write complex characters of both genders who allow each other to do some ass-kicking in equal measure.
""I had that handled."
"I know you did. But I'm not the kind of guy to sit here while some dickhead is being disrespectful. And that was disrespectful."
Part of me wanted to tell him again that I had it handled, because I was woman, hear me roar and all that girl power, but he stood up for me...and that was important. It really was important for guys to do that when other guys were getting out of line." (DRC, 27%) <--AMEN. PREACH IT, JEN.
A couple peeves: One thing that was frustrating was that I guessed not only the twist but the identity of the bad guy. That kind of ruined some of the build up for me because really freaking early in the book I was like, "Oh, duh. It's that person. How does no one else see this?!" I get that it's way different being a third party observer who is being given clues, but still, I was really frustrated. Reece makes a comment about "All the training I've had, and I had no idea" (DRC, 94%), and yeah, I kind of judged him for that. Sorry, Reece. I still love you! Also, I fully understand the perils of reading a digital review copy. Formatting is weird and oftentimes the book hasn't been copy-edited for the final time; I just noticed a lot of choppy and awkward sentences so I really want to reread Fall when my final copy arrives in a couple weeks. I'm hoping some of the language got cleaned up a bit. I can handle a few misspelled words, but honestly, these were awkwardly formed sentences that distracted me from the story because I was mentally trying to correct them. : /
On the whole, however, I found Fall with Me to be an excellent addition to the Wait for You series. It was nice to see the whole gang again (OMG Jace and Tess's update made me want to hug my teddy bear), and I'm really glad for Reece and Roxy to find a happily-ever-after because I adored them both in Stay with Me. I hope you all love this book as much as I did, and I do recommend you preorder it while you can because I have a feeling after reading Fall that I know what the special Cam/Avery scene is and that it has something that has to do with a moment in Fall, and you do NOT want to miss it!
Review:
I am so grateful for the opportunity to read Fall With Me early because seriously, you guys, this might be my favorite. I mean, the entire Wait for You series is incredible and amazing, but there was so much in Fall that really resonated with me. Seriously, by now you should know what a sucker I am for a book I can relate to.1. Much like Lauren from Ann Aguirre's AH-mazing As Long As You Love Me (Fall's InkSlinger sister), Roxy is having a difficult time with school. Ironically, Roxy is majoring in something computer science-y, which was Lauren's passion, but not Roxy's. I like that although many new adult novels take place in college, Fall with Me has two characters for whom college is not necessarily the best option. I definitely struggled in my college classes for many reasons, some of which was that it wasn't for me at that time so I can appreciate Roxy's struggle in balancing her true passion (art) and a job she loves with the college classes she feels obligated to take because college is simply what's done for so many in our generation. I love that Reece also points out his two careers post-high school sent him in directions opposite of the college route. College isn't for everyone, and I like that Jen uses a series with so many students to point out that there's always a few for whom other options are better.
2. Roxy's parents ARE my parents. One thing I have always been sad about in regards to ya and na is that the parents are either dead, missing, invisible, or direct antagonists. There are so few parents in these genres who are supportive, loving, and protective. I'm not saying I've never gotten in a fight with my parents (whoo boy, we've had some doozies!), but every time I see parents who are wonderful to their kids in a novel, I always get a bit teary thinking of my own. Roxy's mom and dad are active participants in her life, even in her 20s, and I love it. I lvoe that Jen doesn't just diversify her main characters but also the minor ones as well. Avery and Calla have serious parental issues, but it's so refreshing to see parents like Roxy's, Jace's, and Tess & Cam's.
"Man-oh-man, I loved my parents. I knew how lucky I was. Not everyone could have such awesome parental unites, but I did. I really did" (DRC, 38%). <--THIS
"Truthfully [my savings] would [take] a hit, but...but I wasn't their little girl they needed to swoop in and save anymore. besides, they worked hard for their money and I'd like to see my dad retire at some point in this century" (DRC, 38%). <--ALSO THIS
3. I had a friend who was a hot cop, and I was totally in love with him for a few years. Cops are hot, guys. Happy thank you more please!
4.
"Someone had been in my apartment. Someone had been in here many times, even while I was here. The residual fear peaked once more. How in the hell would I feel safe in this house again? Having that taken from me angered me, and there was nothing I could do about it" (DRC, 59%). <---SO. MUCH. THIS. *gives Roxy a hug*
Okay, NOW on to other things I want to talk about.
BEWARE SPOILERS AHEAD.
Katie. There is no justice in the world if Katie is not Brock's love interest. Or if she doesn't get her own book/novella. I love her too much for her to not get a happily ever after!
Nick. Guh. Everyone should have a guy friend they trust to help them out of a bad situation, and I love that Nick has been That Guy for both Calla and Roxy. Even though he's a love-em-and-leave-em kind of guy, these glimpses of his better character traits has me wanting his book ASAP.
The romance. It's good. Like, really good. Reece is swoony, and that is all I can say because my face is burning up just thinking about him. And the best thing is that he isn't just hot between the sheets (OH MY WORD AND HE IS HOT BETWEEN THE SHEETS JUST TRUST ME), but he's also sweet and charming and romantic and totally willing to make it work with Roxy, which is also super sexy. Okay, really, that's all I can say. *fans face*
Finally, like many other novels lately, there is a clear but not in-your-face message of feminism, which is really freaking fantastic. I'm not talking the angry man-hating kind of feminism that is feared and belittled, but rather the true kind that has women standing up for themselves. For instance, when a guy Roxy goes out with ONCE is obnoxious and persistent so she turns him down and he calls her a slut, Roxy rightfully tells him off. And, when some plastered dude says some gross things to Roxy one night at the bar, Jen proves her leading men are feminists too when Reece tells the guy off. I am so impressed with this aspect of Fall. I think it must be easy when writing romance to let the male hero do all the ass-kicking and let the heroine passively swoon, but it takes true talent to write complex characters of both genders who allow each other to do some ass-kicking in equal measure.
""I had that handled."
"I know you did. But I'm not the kind of guy to sit here while some dickhead is being disrespectful. And that was disrespectful."
Part of me wanted to tell him again that I had it handled, because I was woman, hear me roar and all that girl power, but he stood up for me...and that was important. It really was important for guys to do that when other guys were getting out of line." (DRC, 27%) <--AMEN. PREACH IT, JEN.
A couple peeves: One thing that was frustrating was that I guessed not only the twist but the identity of the bad guy. That kind of ruined some of the build up for me because really freaking early in the book I was like, "Oh, duh. It's that person. How does no one else see this?!" I get that it's way different being a third party observer who is being given clues, but still, I was really frustrated. Reece makes a comment about "All the training I've had, and I had no idea" (DRC, 94%), and yeah, I kind of judged him for that. Sorry, Reece. I still love you! Also, I fully understand the perils of reading a digital review copy. Formatting is weird and oftentimes the book hasn't been copy-edited for the final time; I just noticed a lot of choppy and awkward sentences so I really want to reread Fall when my final copy arrives in a couple weeks. I'm hoping some of the language got cleaned up a bit. I can handle a few misspelled words, but honestly, these were awkwardly formed sentences that distracted me from the story because I was mentally trying to correct them. : /
On the whole, however, I found Fall with Me to be an excellent addition to the Wait for You series. It was nice to see the whole gang again (OMG Jace and Tess's update made me want to hug my teddy bear), and I'm really glad for Reece and Roxy to find a happily-ever-after because I adored them both in Stay with Me. I hope you all love this book as much as I did, and I do recommend you preorder it while you can because I have a feeling after reading Fall that I know what the special Cam/Avery scene is and that it has something that has to do with a moment in Fall, and you do NOT want to miss it!
Purchase Links:
Catch up with the rest of the series:
Coming Soon:
About the Author:
#
1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in
Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state
aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time
reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to
write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her
dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent
most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades
in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction,
fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill
Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.
Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her
Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.
She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
Author Links:
I don't read a lot of New Adult, but I have LOVED the previous books in this series! Refreshing to hear that Roxy's parents are part of her life, feel like that is missing a lot in YA and NA both.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, cannot wait for this one!
Em @ The YA Book Butterfly