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The Fall #1

Just Fall

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Alternate cover edition of: ASIN B00H4OO8RQ

How far would you go to save everything?

Life hadn’t dealt Lauren St. John a fair hand, yet she considered herself lucky to be living on the majestic shores of Lake Michigan running the business her parents worked their whole lives to create... Until now.

Facing the possibility of losing The Grandview Inn and her relationship with Jake Kennedy, the man she vowed to marry, “Lo” is desperate to hold on.

In the middle of her anguish, the unexpected arrival of longtime
guests, Tom and Mary Blackwell, seems like a welcome relief, but just when she thinks things couldn’t get any worse, she discovers they’ve brought along an unwelcome ghost from her past.

Enter the dangerously seductive Parker Blackwell, renowned poker player and notorious bad boy, with a propensity for kinky sex.

Seven summers ago, the gauntlet was thrown down from the moment Lo and Parker laid eyes on each other. Too young to realize the gravity of their connection, their friendship grew until a series of tragic events began to unfold, and Parker mysteriously disappeared, leaving Lo heartbroken and unwilling to forgive.

Grown up now, and suddenly forced to confront their unresolved feelings and undeniably explosive sexual attraction, the situation intensifies into an enticing and comical game of “it’s your move”. But when Parker raises the stakes too high will Lo put herself on the line to save everything she’s ever known?

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2013

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About the author

Annica Rossi

2 books32 followers
Michigan debut author, Annica Rossi, describes herself as a “serial mompreneur”. She spends her days creating customized gifts for those who have found their real life Happily Ever Afters, and by night she entertains her overactive imagination by penning sexy escapes that pack plenty of heat.

Her writing features smart, strong-willed women and their equally determined male counterparts whom they just can’t help but love.

“Just Fall”, the first novel in her series, The Fall, is a seductive page-burner that’s kept her awake countless nights with only her faithful canines to keep her company.

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5 stars
41 (22%)
4 stars
63 (34%)
3 stars
54 (29%)
2 stars
19 (10%)
1 star
7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
29 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2016
A well deserved 4.5 stars!!!!

***Cliff hanger at the end*** ***A must read***

Annica Rossie is a new Indie author and wow, what a great book. The book kept you on edge and when I thought I knew what Lo’s fiancé was doing, was wrong…so wrong. I can’t wait to read book two and find out what happens in this beautiful journey.

How do you get over the one? The best friend that you had feelings for but that friend deserted you when you needed them the most?

Lo had everything that she could ask for, family, friends, and a great life. Things changed in her life and she fell into a slump. She had her friend and fiancé to pull her though but something was missing…Parker!!

Parker left Lo at a young age and became a poker player and was very wealthy. He played the field and in his life, found that he was missing something and his Aunt Mary knew that. It was her goal to get Lo and Parker back where they should be.

“Don’t hide your face from me. I never want you to feel like you have to hide from me.”

There were a few things in the way, Jake and the stepmother from hell. Parker knew of both issues and found a piece of Lo that wanted him that same way he wanted her but she held back…kind of :)

“There are things you don’t know about me, Lo. My lifestyle is fucked up compared to most people. I take pleasure when I want it, and I give it when I chose……You’re the only woman I’d ever consider sharing something more with.”

Parker knew the problem. Wanted to help but Lo wouldn’t allow it. She couldn’t let him in and would do anything to make sure she didn’t lose something that meant everything to her. Her mother and fathers business was the only thing that she had left…the one thing that didn’t leave her. She has an offer that most would dive right into but could she do it? Could she take a chance on possibly loving and having it all? Would she take the chance?
Profile Image for Helen Stothard.
Author 14 books24 followers
December 24, 2013
I'm getting so frustrated with getting into a book and the story not ending. This book wasn't really wowing me to start with, but then I'm tired and not feeling at my best, and then wham! It threw such a spanner in the works it woke me up and grabbed my attention. Sadly a few pages later it finished, without finishing the story and as far as I can tell book two isn't written yet. That leaves me frustrated.

I would have scored this 3 or 3.5 thanks to the ending but that spanner in the works was so unexpected and promises so much that I had to score it 4, no matter how frustrated it's left me.

So by all means read this book, as long as you don't mind waiting to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Miria Vanessa.
174 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2014
4.5 *****

This book is so sweet, fun and sexy at the same time, it's hard to tell where to start!!

First of all, the characters are fantastic and well-developed. You get to know them right from the start but they also evolve and deepen as the story progresses. Lo is a successful, independent woman who is quite content with her life. Parker is a famous poker player. Emphasis on the word player .Lo's world shattered some years back, Parker entered panic-mode and never came back to The Grand, Lo's home which is also an inn.
So when Lo sees him again after 7 years, why does she suddenly feel that all she's been doing so far is settling? And why does Parker's presence make her knees weak and lady bits go on full alert?

" As soon as I turned around, I felt the color drain from my face, and my smile quickly faded. I wanted to crawl under the nearest table, but my feet felt like they were cemented in place, and I had to remind myself to breathe. Just a few feet away stood the most intriguingly gorgeous, tall, blonde and dangerously fuckable man I had ever laid eyes on. His perfect white teeth and deep dimples were slowly revealed as an inviting smile spread across his lips, and I noticed immediately the way his mouth curled at the corners just a little. I swore I felt testosterone radiating from his very presence as even the air seemed to thicken, instantly impregnated with seduction and mischief.”

Parker makes her question everything about her life: her relationship with her fiancèe, her future and her priorities. This time around, Lo is the one who pushes away. And this is why I loved these characters' relationship. They bicker, they air each other's dirty rags , fight , confide, push and pull, and have REALLY hot sex. They ignite each other in more ways than one.
When Lo gets her world turned upside down once again, Parker steps up to help. Whether Lo likes it or not, she has no choice...
This is where it gets tricky.... The end is not exactly a cliffhanger but it does leave you with a WTF?! expression because you just realized the book ended when you were expecting more.
Note: The writing is well-paced, refreshing and original. It also has both main character's POV.
Ok, so thank you for reading, I'll just be stalking Annica Rossi to see if I can find out what happened....
84 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2014
Do you know what I love about being reading is finding the authors that let out amazing debut novels and let me tell you this is definitely one of those. The author quickly wraps you up in her story and keeps you entertained all the way to the end leaving nothing out. I love the way she has set up the characters to make you fall in love with them starting out with the hard working and independent Lo, who has had to work for everything that she has and trust me it has not been an easy battle. Yet here she stands to lose everything once again and which may be the one thing she loves most in the world her home The Grandview Inn. Of course when a man from her past comes back in the form of Parker comes back knocking at the doors, what is she to do between a fiancée who she thought she loved and a man who she is still harboring hidden feelings for. With Lo and Parker trying to hide their feelings trust me you will be laughing at their combacks with arguments, sighing at their feelings and struggles of Lo’s mind, and wowing at their hot scenes. Of course the author will keep you guessing at what will happen till the end. Trust me when I say that this book is definitely one to be picked up. I read this all in one night because I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved this book and definitely will be looking forward to the next one. This author is definitely one to be following and seeing what she will be coming out with next, I know I will!! Can’t wait to see what the next book will have.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,806 reviews241 followers
December 4, 2013
This book was a great quick read. It's an erotic/contemporary romance and is approximately 36,000 words. It's part one in a series. Annica Rossi, is a brand new indie author. She really hit it out of the park with her debut novella.

In the story Lauren St. John (Lo) is struggling to keep The Grandveiw Inn open. She is dating Jake Kennedy but we see very little of him in the story. Parker Blackwell shows up at the Grandview Inn with his Aunt and Uncle. Sparks fly between Parker and Lo. Parker has been a player, having many different girls and never more than once. He knows Lo from their childhood. For him Lo is it, he just has to make Lo realize it.

For some of the story Lo is dating Jake. There is a cheating in the story but it didn't bother me because Jake seems to be such a minor character and the chemistry between Lo and Parker is so strong. There are some great steamy scenes between Lo and Parker.

The book ends with Lo going off to try to save The Grandview Inn. I knew starting the story that it was a series and expected a cliffhanger but this ending leaves you wondering what will happen next. Will she save The Grandview Inn? Will Lo and Parker be together? I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Tnt Reviews.
308 reviews10 followers
January 10, 2014
I received a copy to this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Great start to a new series. Lauren, Lo, is trying to save her family inn from a vindictive, money hungry stepmother. Parker is a womanizing professional gambler. They grew up together. Life events have caused them to grow apart. Now they’re back together, but can they put aside their pasts to start a new future?

This was a very emotionally charged book. I wasn’t sure if I liked Parker or not. I’m still not sure. He is definitely broken. Lo is a very determined young woman. She’ll do anything to keep the Grandview Inn. It’s all she has left of her parents. The twist at the end totally threw me. I didn’t see it coming. This was a novella, it was a fast read. It was well written and easy to read. Their were some instances that confused me. Especially during Lo’s interactions with Jake. I would have liked more background on all the characters and hope to get that in future books. Overall, a great start. 4-bombs.
Profile Image for Amy.
175 reviews23 followers
December 3, 2013
4.5 Stars

This is debut novella. Annica Rossi did an AMAZING job for her first book. Just Fall was great. I loved the characters. Well all but Jack. Not that he really did anything bad but I just didn’t care for him. I loved Lo and her ways. She had me laughing at her comebacks and the things she said. As for Parker I have mixed feelings. I liked him till the whole lawyer thing happened and now I kind of dunno about him. I want to like him but I will have to wait till book two to decide that.

The way things played out was interesting. Definitely kept you guessing. I kept thinking I knew what would happen but it never played out like I expected. The writing style was smooth with no dull moments. I of course hated when it ended because I wanted so much more and wanted to know what would happen. It definitely set up for the next book perfectly. I thought this was a great book and definitely worth checking out.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
1,635 reviews20 followers
August 3, 2016

Well let me see where do I start with Just Fall. I received this as an ARC copy for an honest review and I can tell you it will be. Just Fall is a fun romantic book about Lauren and her inn and how she is doing everything in her power to keep it because it was her parents dream. When a boy from her past shows up her aurora turns upside down. She is still upset with him yet feels drawn to him, however she is engaged. Lauren has to make a huge choice to save the inn, herself, her fiance, or the man that came into her life again. I can not write more without giving away the book. But you will love it if your looking for something with sex appeal and love.
Profile Image for Eye Candy Bookstore.
571 reviews124 followers
December 8, 2013
I'm an idiot because I didn't pay attention to the fact that this was book one in a series. I would have geared myself up for the inevitable cliffy had I done so. Lol! Either way, I really liked this book a lot. I admired the spirit and tenacity to be her own person and have what she wanted out if life in Lo. Parker was the sexy hot consummate bachelor and Jake was just an insensitive asshole. That all being said, I'm looking forward to the next part of the story and what's to come for Lo and The Grandview. Well done Anicca, I loved it! ❤️ Kellie
Profile Image for Amy Collins.
152 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2014
Freak-ing..amazing!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Can't wait till book 2!!!
Profile Image for Ashley Lenderman.
125 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2014
***3.5 Starts***













This was a fun, hot, romance story! It was very comical at times too! 


I was literally laughing out loud while reading this!  







Lauren "LO" St. John works her butt off trying to keep her family business up and running. After her father died he left the The Grand Inn to her. LO is having a hard time with finances to keep it running. She is bound and determined to not let it go or sell it. It has too many memories of her parents and she practically grew up there. LO is engaged and her fiancée is off  working all the time on business trips. She is struggling to keep it all together. As if things couldn't get any worse for her right now, a unexpected visitor from her past shows up and has her questioning everything about her life.











"As soon as I turned around, I felt the color drain from my face, and my smile quickly faded. I wanted to crawl under the nearest table, but my feet felt like they were cemented in place, and I had to remind myself to breathe. Just a few feet away stood the most intriguingly gorgeous, tall, blonde and dangerously fuckable man I had ever laid eyes on. His perfect white teeth and deep dimples were slowly revealed as an inviting smile spread across his lips, and I noticed immediately the way his mouth curled at the corners just a little. I swore I felt testosterone radiating from his very presence as even the air seemed to thicken, instantly impregnated with seduction and mischief.”











Parker Blackwell is a famous poker player playboy. He currently lives in Las Vegas! 






He not only plays the game but he plays the women. He has a sex drive and fetish that's not the norm.  






He doesn't do relationships, he only does one night stands. He has never felt any connection or feeling for a women. Well he did along time ago, but he screwed that all up. The past 4 yrs have been a blur for him between playing poker, money, women and booze. Parker gets a call from his Aunt Mary begging him to come spend the weekend with her and his uncle at The Grand Inn. 






Parker tried to get out of it but finally agreed to it.











Wonder what's she's like now?






I was eighteen the last time I saw her.






If she only knew how she ruled my world back then, how many nights I spent lying awake thinking about her, or how many times I challenged her just to see her fiery spirit come to life.











To say LO was surprised to see Parker was an understatement. She didn't know how to feel. 






First she was excited, turned on, and had butterflies in her her stomach. She always wanted to know where he was and what he was doing with his life. Then she also felt abandoned by him and hurt because of all the people he should've been there for her when she lost her parents.






 LO was trying to come to grips on how to handle being around Parker for the weekend.  














Now you know where he is, LO! He's downstairs on your patio looking like a fucking model off of the cover of GQ. He's sitting right down there with his fuck-me hair, sculpted body and that smile that could charm the pants off Mother Theresa. That's where he is!














LO and Parker fell back into how they were when growing up. 






Always challenging each other and playing jokes on one another. The bickering between them was very entertaining.  During this time Parker learns that Lauren is having financial struggles with the Inn and he wants to help. LO being stubborn of course will not accept his help and is bound to find a way out. 






LO starts feeling guilty with her feelings and flirting with Parker that she needs to tell him about Jake her fiancée. Parker wasn't too shocked she was engaged because he knew any guy would be lucky to have someone like her, but he knew she was feeling the same connection he was having. He had to do something. 






He walked away from her before and he was not going to walk away again without fighting for her.











"Parker before I saw you again I thought my life was just fine, but you've only been here two, days, and I'm questioning everything I thought was right. I'm wondering if it was all just an illusion that I created to avoid dealing with the truth."











LO is beyond confused. She knows everything hasn't been perfect with Jake. He never really deals with his feeling much less hers. Things have been strained and she can't even remember the last time they had sex. Jake works all the time and goes on business trips a lot and between trying to keep the Inn afloat she just thinks they need some time together to rekindle things. When Jake gets back in town he is not himself. 






He begins to question Lauren and his relationship and about her drinking more, working late and being distant. She finally tells Jake about the Inn is in financial trouble. His reply to her is she should sell the Inn and start over fresh. He ends up telling her he was offered a job in Tennessee and he was taking it. 






Lauren felt rage at that moment.











Now I understand what your saying you son-of-a-bitch! You want me to chose between you and the only thread that remains between me and my parents . You're threatening to abandon me when I need you the most. Fuck you Jake Kennedy! Go Head, tell me you're asking me to choose!  











Lauren is offered a deal that will solve her financial situation. It's not what she expected it to be. 






She was beyond shocked at the offer. She would have to drop everything in her life going on for the next several days. After thinking long and hard, she realizes there is no other way to get the money she needs for The Grand in such a short period of time. So she puts her dignity aside and decides to agree with the offer and heads to Las Vegas!











The book ends with a cliffhanger where LO is leaving for Vegas! I cant wait to read the next book! 






I'm still on the fence about Parker. I'm not sure if I like him that much!:) I guess I will see!






 I am so excited to see what happens and goes down in Vegas! 






You know what they say "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!"


Profile Image for O.
18 reviews
Read
February 27, 2015
When I found out that this book was free on Amazon I thought that I hit the jackpot: small, funny and a cute love story between two friends that have been apart for 7 years.
Unfortunately it wasn't what I thought it will be. The begining was interesting and even the bad ,drop dead gorgeaus guy image of Parker made me continue but when I finished half of it I was really disapointed.
The female leader Doesn't seem too smart: she flirts and kisses Parker without thinking that for 7 years he didn't talk with her and they used to be friendenemies( I don't know if this is a real word) .
Ohh and did I mention that she was ENGAGED?? Yes engaged.But her love for Jack(her fiance and her soul mate) couldn't stop her from sleeping with Parker.Of course Jack comes back from his trip and her remorse lasts for...10 minutes I think.But That's irrelevant,no?

And what was about that chackra crap that her friend was ALWAYS mentioning.Sure...let's Choose who to love and marry because our chackras are compatible.Pff.
Afterwards I've seen that her relationship with Jack-the love of her life -isn't so perfect.And she actually has a drinking problem( where did that come from??) .

I really didn't like her reaction when her soon-to-be-husband asked her to start a new life in another place:

"Now I understand what you’re saying, you son- of- a- bitch! You want me to choose between you and the only thread that remains between me and my parents. You’re threatening to abandon me when I need you the most. Fuck you, Jake Kennedy! Go ahead, tell me you’re asking me to choose! "


And when you think that 1 minute ago she wanted to love and cherish him.Not very nice ...

A day after that( it escalated quickly) she accepts Parker's proposition in order to save her family hotel-to be his Escort for 5 days. Smart move..

Ohh and guess what: the book ended. I think this was the first time when I was really happy for a cliffhanger !!

I will give this book 1 star out of 5 ( I liked the cover ).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2014
This book had me from the moment I read there was a friendship from their younger years that is now coming back into play. I am a sucker for the whole old friends that never admitted their love finding each other again as adults !!

Lo has so many life struggles going on at this point in her life. Her parents have both died , her business is suffering , she has a horrible step mother screwing her relationship is is struggling from it all. So of course in walks the 1 guy that 7 years ago as a boy took off on her when she needed him the most.

Parker is helping his aunt and uncle for the weekend and ends up in the presence of the one woman that he has loved for 7 years despite having walked away from her. He has become a famous poker player and playboy galore , but one look at Lo has him questioning it all.

Can he get her to be his once and for all ?

The chemistry between Lo and Parker is phenomenal , Lo soon realizes that her sex life is dull and she may have more feelings for Parker than she wants to admit. When her fiance Jake confronts her about all the issues they have been having she thinks they can work it through , but Jake has decided he wants her to sell The Grand and move with him to Tennessee for his new job. Lo wants no part of that so she ends things and accepts a crazy "job" from her fathers lawyer that includes a trip to Vegas and days and days of Parker.

I loved every minute of this book and was thrilled with how it ended. I am very suspicious of Jake and Barry is just weird. But in the end they have Lo flying to Parker so I am ok with that !!

Ready for book 2 !!
Profile Image for Megan Decker.
25 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2014
"Shh, you don't have to say anything. I already know the answer. I'm the right man for you, Lo. I always have been. I know you don't see it now, but you will soon enough."

I think what I loved most about Annica Rossi's debut novella, "Just Fall," was her fierce character development. Both Parker and Lauren were intense and neither one of them were willing to back down for anything, or anyone.

Parker Blackwell is an alpha male to the extreme. He knows what he wants and right now that's his old flame, Lauren St. John. He's sexy and although he may not always say the right thing, he manages to get you to swoon and want to drop your panties anyways. "Who said anything about a lifetime? Let's just try an hour first." -- I'll give you an hour, Parker!

Lo ... I just loved her. She's one tough cookie and she's not gonna let anything bring her down. She's been through a lot in her short life, but she isn't about to back down. And, she sure isn't going to just give in to Parker ... even though she may want to. She definitely makes him work for it! Oh, and when she does give in ... HOT, HOT, HOT!!

I can't wait for Vegas, Ms. Rossi! 5 Ah-mazing stars!!



Profile Image for Chelsea .
631 reviews87 followers
February 23, 2014
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

The story is a bit interesting from the start, I enjoyed reading Parker's pov because it feels like he's just talking to me. But he only got to have one chapter and that's it.

The characters in the story are not well developed. Even Parker's supposed love for Lauren is just too shallow. "I've always loved you, Lo" hello? I mean is that for real? Coz action sure speaks louder than words, and your previous actions proved otherwise.

I've also had enough of pheromones and chakras. It's starting to get into my nerves.

The story is also not that unique, in fact it's a bit like And since I've read novel, it's not as thrilling to me as it might be for someone else.

A word of advise though, to fully enjoy this book, I suggest you to skip reading the synopsis because that pretty much says it all. Otherwise, what would be left for you to look forward to would just be the ending.

I just hope the next book would be better
Profile Image for Livingbetweenbooks.
16 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2014

(I received a copy to this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)

4.5 minibooks

Hello guys, i just going to say that I really like this book. It is sweet, sexy and easy to read. I think this author made a really good work with all the characters. Usually I use to hate the half of the characters from a book but I think their are pretty good developed . The beginning of this story is just awesome you know, I started and I just couln't stop. I won't give u any spoiler because you have to read by yourself! It worth it!! This is the Story of Lauren, she is a great and a strong woman dealing with so many things in her life. Parker, Parker.... this guy, he's a poker player and he had a thing with Lauren in the past but they fell apart but now he's back and... there is a problem, Jake, the boy on Lauren's life... Anyway I just have to say Good Job and thanks for the ARC, I'm really exciting for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Fran Gray.
277 reviews11 followers
February 14, 2015
How could it end like that?!?!

❤️❤️Spoilers❤️❤️

Parker and Lauren are explosive!!
Lauren and Parker are childhood frienimies who never took the time to admit their true feelings before Parker high tailed it out of town. When brought together by meddlesome family they explode in love/lust. Still afraid to come to terms with her abandonment issues Lauren and Parker walk away this time from each other. When Lauren's anticipated future continually falls apart in front of her what can she do...but accept an offer that will bring an end to some very long running despair. She intends to just walk away at the end but will she??? Even I can't answer that yet!!!
Profile Image for Wendy Atwood.
2 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The story taking place in Michigan attracted me to the book. This is a steamy novel so if you don't like those kinds of things beware. The characters are quite lovable.


My one critique was the editing was a bit spotty and the book ended as a cliffhanger I don't like waiting to read what happens, however this story was good and I plan on definitely reading the sequel. Well done Ms.Rossi
January 29, 2014
This was a nice start to a series. It was sweet, sexy and Parker was HOT!! This first book seemed to lay the foundation of the story but the ending is where it seemed to begin. Quick and easy read, with a cliffhanger. There is to be a second book and I have a feeling that one will be the meat & potatoes of the series.
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 36 books138 followers
Read
February 3, 2014
Morally ambiguous.

I enjoyed the novella until the heroine agreed to prostitute herself to save her hotel. The hero is a slimeball, too, for his role in pushing her toward that choice. Honestly, my sympathies are with the ex-fiance. I won't be reading the sequels.
Profile Image for Dina.
41 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2016
I got this book as a freebie and so glad I did.
I loved the characters, their chemistry, and their story. It was a little predictable at times but I loved it. I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
86 reviews
February 21, 2014
It's a cliffy. Have the second book (Falling Free) ready. Good quick read for me and couldn't waste any time getting into book two. Have no idea when the 3rd book will come out so that bugs me, but definitely a great story.
1,598 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2014
Waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kimberly .
913 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2014
When's the next book?

Great short story from Annica Rossi. I'm ready for the next book to find out what happens between Parker and Lo. Vegas!!!
Profile Image for Anita.
280 reviews16 followers
February 2, 2014
Quick read. Can see the direction the relationship will go. But I'm getting tired of books ending with a cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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