Gravity

by Tracey Poueu-Guerrero

Eva Michaels has been groomed for greatness on the field and on the court. Her four brothers have trained her and molded her into one of the top female athletes in California. Oblivious to her beauty, she hides behind the tomboy persona. She’s happy with her routine. Until the day she meets the emerald-eyed Dream-Boy who saves her from a hazing at the hands of the neighborhood bully. Colton Banks never looks back when his mother moves him across the states. He meets the Michaels, the family next door. He quickly becomes part of the family and the only friend that Eva Michaels has ever had. He is captivated by her. He's never met anyone like her. As kids, being friends was easy because Eva's brothers were always around as a buffer. As teenagers, they fight hard to suppress their attraction as they struggle to maintain, at times, an awkward friendship.College changes everything. They both accept scholarships to Stanford and for the first time in her life, Eva is living life without the security blanket she grew up with. Her brothers. At first, they try to keep things simple and remain "just friends." But the temptation becomes too great. Their passion undeniable. The harder they try to fight it; the more powerful becomes the pull towards each other. Colton longs to take their relationship to the next level but fears he may push Eva away for good. Eva is besieged with longing and aches to be Colton's. She can’t quite come to grips with how strong her desire for him truly is. Unable to resist the pull any longer, they finally surrender to everything, the force being too great to keep them simply … friends. But how long can their happiness last? Someone from the past surfaces and Eva is left with a choice, the outcome of which can affect both of their lives. Can the secret she keeps ruin their future together? While Colton is convinced Eva is the one for him, will his own fears be their undoing? Staying together becomes harder when tragedy hits and the strength of their love is put to the ultimate test. Can they withstand the outside influences that continually threaten to tear them apart? Can one of them sacrifice their own happiness so that the other can fulfill their dream?This is a coming of age love story. (YA) Recommended for ages 15+ due to language and sexual situations.

569 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2013

About the author

I am a true NorCali'n, born and raised in the same place I still live in. I love everything about Sonoma County. Went to college, law school, worked too many years behind a desk helping others make millions at the sacrifice of my own happiness.
Now ...it's me time. (Sorta). My life and love consist of my family, sports, music and of course ... reading. My days are so crazy I can't keep track of what just happened the day before ...[smh]...it's true...#realtalk.

I was born to Tupotu and Joyce Poueu, have (surprisingly only) two siblings (Sheri and Sam) and have an amazing long line of family ties that span across the world. Very proud of my Samoan/Tokelauan background but I am a true blue American mixed with so much more.

I am married to my high school sweetheart (Dannie) and mother to four amazingly blessed children (Tanielu, Talia, Tiare and TeHani). I grew up an athlete loving all sports, now I enjoy watching my own children play various sports, help run a non-profit youth sports program with an amazing group of people, and coach high school softball. Love the idea of adding "author" to my list. I speak from the heart and hope to write heart-wrenching, angst-filled, fabulous love stories that will always have a sprinkle of my cultural background.

If you love my book - I'd love to hear from you ...would love to chat about what your favorite parts were and how it made you feel (if anything). If you didn't love my book ........ uhm, sorry.

I am a hopeless romantic - loving even the worst movies or books so long as there is a good love story ... uuhmmm, well, maybe that's a stretch. Actually...come to think of it ... it's probably accurate; considering my sister and I can find a lead man in most Romance movies [not so attractive] at the beginning and by the end of it, develop a mad-cougar-like-crush-of-a-century on the poor guy because now he is the most awesome boyfriend character ever made ... at least until the next goofy romance movie we go watch. I laugh the loudest when I'm watching a funny movie. I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers. I enjoy my numerous YA (even Sci-Fi/paranormal) list of TV shows/books but am an even bigger SOA fan then my husband likes (#TeamJax #TeamCharlie ~ but for realz #TeamDannie first ~ that one is for you honey).

I think I'm related to the Rock (but then again ...what Samoan doesn't think that? hahahaha) which may be awesome if he wasn't so H.O.T. I miss my annual vacations in Hawaii. I wish I had an awesome super power. I'm a member of Olivia Pope's Gladiator team, and love to eat sweet delicious desserts of any kind. [That was the funnest paragraph I have ever written].

Book Links: http://www.amazon.com/Gravity-Michael...


Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alofa-...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co

Rating: House/Well Damn good introduction to a family you need to meet.

Where are all my 'thick' ladies? This is for us! Gravity combines the awkwardness of growing up as the only girl in a family of boys, a heroine that is big, bold, self-conscious, athletic, and God-fearing (if you still say "gosh, gawsh, ghaa or gawd" because you won't take the Lord's name in vain, and you never cursed in front of your parents, you're going to LOVE Eva) with the perspective of the boy that grows up along with her.

You're not his girlfriend what the heck is wrong with you Eva? He can talk to whomever he wants to. He can like whomever he wants to like. Then my mind imagined a view of Colton and Lisa holding hands at school. Dang it. Then one of Lisa wrapped in Colton's arms. Ugh stupid! Then of his lips on hers. Son of a biscuit!
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 709-713). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

The HEA comes at 50%.  You know if boy and girl end up together, but you're only half way through the book, there is bound to be drama. Eva and Colton play out their awkward courtship to finally proclaim their true feelings for each other. This whole build up is full of humor and "been there" moments that you can relate to.

Shut your mouth Colton Banks!!  If looks could kill ... slap or punch ... I had punched Colton about fifty times already.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 846-847). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

The romance was heavy and sweet all at once. Colton was charming while Eva was honest. You can really sense the two characters growing up before you; seeing their struggles with lust versus love. Their maturity was dead-on and this helped make the story so believable.

He was my world and keeper of my soul …who could make me smile in my deepest rage, make me laugh at myself when I was being too serious, help me see myself as beautiful on all the days of my self-loathing … the person I trusted with my heart and the one who trusted me with his. And now I was about to break it …no, not break it; obliterate it so it no longer functioned.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 8835-8838). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

Poueu-Gerrero did an awesome job of summarizing all the years that Eva and Colton had known each other into snapshots of life-altering moments that they both shared. You know that these two are destined for each other, but you are dying for more so you keep following along. And since the Michael's family is filled to the brim with older brothers, there are plenty of supporting stories to keep you interested.

I couldn’t take this anymore. I couldn’t sit here and pretend that everything would someday be ok when it was a line of crap. I didn’t believe a word of it when Jordan lie in the hospital and I did not believe it now.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 8779-8781). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

The fob or Samoan/English that the Samoan characters used was typed out phonetically and this was a little difficult at times, but it helped define the characters.  It took me back to the years when I lived in HI and deciphered pigeon while the trying not to be the typical haole.

I did love him and the rest of my brothers. But these were the moments I wondered why I was so different from all of them. They were all so direct, straightforward and were never afraid to speak their mind. I, on the other hand, was a passive-aggressive coward who resorted to assaulting people with chocolate milk shakes.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 1238-1240). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

So why 'thick'?  Over and over again Eva's features are described, by herself and Colton, as 'thick', but used both positive and negatively.  Not until Colton lays it all out there, that she is perfect with her dark skin, curly hair and 'thick' thighs (which are accompanied by a generous bum, nicknamed Selenassss) then Eva is able to become more comfortable in her own skin.  The girl works out 24/7 and it's impossible to accept that she is "overweight".  Colton helps depict every feature of Eva, positively.

That's it!  I grabbed my two piece and went for a swim!  If Eva can do it, so can I.

There were a few grammatical errors, which I am sure have been cleaned up since the author gave me a copy to review.  The book also clocks in at 587 pages, which is probably why I felt like I was putting it down all the time, but I NEEDED to finish it.  Also, I "skimmed" the sports jargon, although I played softball as a kid and could follow along.  However, I don't know how you can eliminate this from the book since "sports" is a third, supporting character.  I am truly in love with these characters and look forward to book two coming out Summer 2104.

More fantastic QUOTES:

I fell to my knees in complete embarrassment. I cannot believe the good Lord chose this moment in my life to teach me a little humility....
Another do over for today please Dear God! I didn’t know how much more of this humiliation I could take. Can it just be tomorrow already?
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 538-539). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

I excused myself so I could go to the bathroom. That’s when I saw Eva sitting on the back of the truck outside talking to Tristan Young. I felt like all the blood had shot right to my face. What the hell did he want? Why is it so hot in here?
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 2481-2483). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

What the flagnog is he talking about?
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Location 4108). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

I'm right on top of that rose... this was our saying whenever we really weren't going to do what the other person wanted us to do.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 4295-4296). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

Is it hot in here?? Oh wait …we’re outside… darn it
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Location 4399). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

I got five years in the Majors before I hurt my shoulder but Carla left me the night I got the call up. I couldn’t blame her. My [life] had become baseball and she had become the lady I lived with who had a child. Grant it, my child but I was stupid and young and cold heartedly selfish that I let her leave with Colton and didn’t give it a second thought.
Poueu-Guerrero, Tracey (2013-07-25). Gravity (The Michaels Family) (Kindle Locations 8079-8081). Tracey Poueu-Guerrero. Kindle Edition.

[BookLovin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am seriously at a loss for words for this ending. Really though? Nearly 600 pages long and that's what I get? Oh...My... Word!
If it wasn't for Colton and the Michaels brothers then I probably would have quit this book a long time ago so thank g'ness the boys are super awesome. As far Eva..yeah, not so much! No, that's a lie. Eva was pretty awesome throughout most of the book, but there were some parts where she frustrated the heck out of me. I don't know how many times this book made me want to throw my kindle across the room!
I liked it, then I loved it, then I super loved it then got annoyed by it, then I hated it, then I fell in like, in lust and in love with it all over again!
So how does one go about rating this??
Let's see...
It definitely wasn't what I expected.
It stole my heart.
It broke my heart.
The FEELS...ohhhh, the FEELS!
So I guess a good 4-4.5 stars..something like that! :)

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book and had a difficult time putting it down.

It was very well written, not only was it truly captivating but it was constantly evolving from the start to the end. I love the Polynesian twist to the storyline.

Well done to the author on an amazing excellent debut novel!! I will anxiously be on the edge of my seat awaiting the sequel!!

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this one up as it was the book of choice for the WOMEN OF COLOR IN ROMANCE BOOK CLUB this past week. It reads more like a person telling you a story about her actual family, rather than a novel. The book covers multiple years in the life of Eva Michaels, a part Polynesian, part white California girl who is growing up the youngest kid, and only girl, in a family of four brothers and a dad (mom died shortly after her birth). The novel covers Eva's life from 12 to her junior year in college, and focuses primarily on her relationship with neighbor, best friend, and eventually boyfriend and lover Colton.

I was intrigued by the idea of a sporty girl who grew up in a family of boys. But we don't end up getting much depiction of Eva's sports life, nor of her feelings about it. Does she love it? Hate it but plays because everyone else in her family does? Even after reading the entire novel, I'm not sure.

Melodrama is the name of the game here, with unexpected accidents, hospital stays, car crashes, rescues from would-be rapists, unplanned pregnancies, and a "give him up for his sake" end twist which gives the book a cliffhanger conclusion, rather frustrating after wading through 500 pages. I was intrigued by the mentions of Samoan culture (which comes from Eva's college friend; she herself has little knowledge of her mother's culture, since her mother died young), but beyond that, this reads pretty much like a YA written by someone with a lot of stories to tell, but without many of the skills needed to turn those stories into a compelling novel.

To be more specific: There is A LOT of telling, rather than showing (narrator explaining past and current events, rather than showing the reader those events happening in a scene), especially at the beginning of the book, which makes for a slow read. As does the uneven pacing; the writer doesn't use scenes which build to a climax and then push you on to the next scene, but patches scenes together willy-nilly. You'll be reading a memory, and then bang, you're put in the middle of a scene without any transition or explanation. Or you're given the "a few days later" type of transition, one that doesn't do much to explain why you're moving from one event to the next. There are also quite a few typos & grammatical errors; the book would have benefitted from a good proofreading/copyediting. And some judicious editing of repetitive phrases.

[Sanoe Marfil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book and I loved all the Polynesian references!!! Jason Mamoa (Momoa)!! Who wouldn't drool over him? The mention of his name had me giggling hoping nobody thought I was weird.

The ending broke my heart. Really it's August 2014, I'd like the second book ready please, oh author!!

Nina's character was so awesome made me think about all my friends here in Hawaii! This book was good beginning to end!! Enjoyed the entire book!! I do need to add I am a sucker for happy endings! Please!,

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this a copy of this book… and I'm so glad I did. The story was AMAZING! Tracey put so many details into the story of Eva and Colton. There were times I yelled "NO! This can't be happening" while reading this story. And others where I just had a huge happy smile on my face because Eva & Colton belong together.

I will say, I was surprised at the length of this book. It is long compared to the majority of stories I have read. That being said, when I got to the end, I was disappointed to see that there will be a part 2 coming in the summer. I thought for sure that given the length of the story and how much was covered along the way the story would have ended in one book. But yet again, this story ended with a cliffhanger.

[CM Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about a little over a month ago and wasn't able to review it. This story as stuck with me like no other as has. I absolutely loved this story and can not wait for the author to write the continuance of this story and more. The story captivates the reader and really brings them in the book. Every emotion from sadness, excitement, (and my favorite) your first kiss. The author intertwines her love with baseball and family. A true love story being told. I highly recommend this book to all audiences. I am giving it my full 5 starts.

[Trina Hoggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read!!! I can't wait for book 2!

It's not your typical boy meets girl kind of love story; where the expected is not what one would have predicted. I loved the dynamics that plays out amongst the main characters. The twists in the plot kind of sneaks up on the reader and you'll find yourself saying WTH and shake your head. Loved this story and I look forward to see what happens to Eva and Colton and the rest of the Michaels family.

[Deborah Rocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this amazing book in 3 days, I just couldn't put it down. I felt as if I know all the characters personally. I laughed and cried I got angry. most of all I loved every word. This author is one of the best I've read she had my attention from the first few lines. I can't wait for the second book. THIS IS A MUST READ!

[Margarette Verdin Ruiz-Te'o · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S AN AWESOME READ. FOR THOSE ISLAND GIRLS AND FRIENDS. something us island girls can relate to first hand. I have five brothers i'm the only girl. yes 5! I've experienced everything with these boys overprotective ugh. so all in all. I know this book touched home base with me. love love loved it! cant wait for the next book! I mean I hope there is a next one. I just cant wait!!!

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long read, while it is a little slow in the beginning, please give this book a chance because it was sooooo good. Totally loved it and cannot wait to read what comes next for Eva and Colton. You would have thought it would have bee wrapped up with this being a 550 page book, but alas now, their story has only really just begun...CANNOT WAIT for the summer! (full review to come)

[Alofa Pisi Sa'u · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWSOMMMMEEEE read. Its gotten to the point when I am desperately searching for the next book. The beginning was a bit confusing but as you keep reading you realize you can not put it down for a second.. Now if you could tell me where I can find CLARITY that would be greatly appreciated :) :) FIVE STARS for bring the Samoan culture as well as the food into this book :D

[Donna James · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning to the end this was such an amazing love story. The love between Eva & Colton is indescribable.... I laughed, cried and laughed again; great job to the author can't wait for part 2. Gravity is a must read! I loved this book. Well written.

[Tessa Wiegele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for sure a book that I will remember. (I tend to give books high reviews but then look back and not remember it.) I loved how the reader got to really experience Eva’s life- the ups and downs. I was super into her brothers. My ONLY dislike was sometimes the angst was too much for me. -Side note- This book may have sparked a new interest in books where the characters are athletes!! -Says the girl who has no athletic bone in her body! 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ A girl can dream! Eva was a badass athletic and I thought that was really cool! 😎

[Helen Gaoteote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

Enjoyed this read. The characters are relatable and the story is well written. You will find yourself laughing out loud, angry, and crying as the story develops. A fun read for any age group.

[Lisa Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all 548 pages in two days! Loved getting to know the whole Michaels family. This book will make you cry but also suck you into the dynamic between Eva and Colton. I already ordered the next book. Can’t wait to find out what happens next.

[Lsn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I couldn't put this down. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Really enjoyed how you incorporated snippets of a typical Samoan family. Malo

[Teresa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional !

Totally in love with the Michaels family story but even more so with Colton & Eva’s love story ! Looking forward to more to come...

[Tiffany Le nevez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book especially the hot male characters! I've learnt to appreciate female characters who have low self esteem or are struggling with confidence or self worth, because it's a very accurate picture of the journey that many women face. This book reminds me of what a shitty place high school can be. The Michaels family was great, amazing single father parenting all those kids who were so hard working and talented.

This book was so sad and killed off so many of my favorite characters but the writing was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the next part! It was nice to see Eva grow into a woman.

[Mari]

I might have liked this book when I was in high school but I can’t bring my 30 year old self to read beyond 51% ? I think that’s where I left off . This girls back and forth was driving me nuts . Once they finally got together I decided to stop reading and leave it at that . No extra drama needed, thank you very much