What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reluctant Romantics #1
The Fall
Dallas
He was the beginning of my heart . . . and the end of it.
I was only fifteen years old when he claimed it and twenty when he took it with him.
They say what is meant to be will find a way. But when you have changed to the point of no return, how can anything ever be the same?
Seven years later, Dean Martin waltzed back into my life in hopes of resuming what I had fought so hard to forget, but he was in for a wake-up call.
I was no longer the naïve woman he had left . . . and I was no longer his.
I met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back. I wanted to forget she ever existed.
Dean
What I thought was my pre-destined path was very much an illusion. Living seven years with regret, I realized too late that I was broken, and that I only had myself to blame.
I thought love could wait . . . but it didn’t.
We’d had it all those years ago, and then I foolishly left it behind.
She was all that mattered. She was all there ever was.
There was no life without Dallas, no reason . . . except her.
No matter how hard she tried to convince me, I knew I had to once again make her mine, to make her remember . . . the fall.
He was the beginning of my heart . . . and the end of it.
I was only fifteen years old when he claimed it and twenty when he took it with him.
They say what is meant to be will find a way. But when you have changed to the point of no return, how can anything ever be the same?
Seven years later, Dean Martin waltzed back into my life in hopes of resuming what I had fought so hard to forget, but he was in for a wake-up call.
I was no longer the naïve woman he had left . . . and I was no longer his.
I met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back. I wanted to forget she ever existed.
Dean
What I thought was my pre-destined path was very much an illusion. Living seven years with regret, I realized too late that I was broken, and that I only had myself to blame.
I thought love could wait . . . but it didn’t.
We’d had it all those years ago, and then I foolishly left it behind.
She was all that mattered. She was all there ever was.
There was no life without Dallas, no reason . . . except her.
No matter how hard she tried to convince me, I knew I had to once again make her mine, to make her remember . . . the fall.
344 pages
First published November 28, 2015
About the author
Kate Stewart
50 books13k followersUSA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things ’80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- Email-authorkatestewart@gmail.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/79348...
Newsletter signup:
http://www.katestewartwrites.com/cont...
Website-www.katestewartwrites.com
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorkatest...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blueridge
Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as
well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate’s title, Drive, was
named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and
Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards
for best contemporary romance of 2017. The Ravenhood Trilogy,
consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, has become an
international bestseller and reader favorite. Her holiday release, The Plight
Before Christmas, ranked #6 on Amazon’s Top 100. Kate’s works have
been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News,
Huffington Post and translated into a dozen languages.
Kate is a lover of all things ’80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
Contact Kate- Email-authorkatestewart@gmail.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/79348...
Newsletter signup:
http://www.katestewartwrites.com/cont...
Website-www.katestewartwrites.com
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorkatest...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
November 28, 2015
*****FIVE+++++++++"WAY TO GO MARTIN STARS"*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author in Exchange For an Honest Review}
This was my second Beta for the lovely Kate Stewart!!
I feel so blessed that she entrusts me with her works of art!
This BOOK!! OMG! I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ IT!!!!
I have a new book boyfriend and his name is DEAN!
Sorry, I'm gonna have to knock someone off my name because he is getting added! This man is GORGEOUS. A sharp dresser!! And a MASTER at the SEXY TIMES!!! All I kept thinking was how much I wanted to live in the pages of this book and make Dean my own!!
Well I decided HE's MINE!!!!
This is a story of friends who turn into lovers, but then life gets in the way, which ultimately tears them apart. And after all the pain and regret, can two people who were always meant to be, overcome their insecurities and get that second chance at love?
Dallas and Dean meet while in High School. She is a freshman, and he is a senior. From the moment they lay eyes on each other, they feel a strong connection. This is definitely a case of love at first sight, but Dean thinks their three year age difference is too much at that point in their lives, so he decides to become Dallas' best friend instead.
When they both end up at the same college a few years later, things get serious between the two. Dean can no longer hide his feelings for Dallas and after a bit of angst the two seem to be inseparable and heading towards a promising future. I must say that there's some pretty amazing sexy times here and I wanted so desperately to be Dallas! Dean is half Spanish and ladies when he starts speaking in his native tongue, I melted into a puddle every time!!
Towards the end of their first year together as a couple, Dean is graduating and going off to NYC, to med school. Dallas, in my opinion, makes a big mistake here and so starts the heart break and what seems to be the end of their relationship.
This story is told from the present day where both Dallas and Dean are doctors and will end up crossing paths again, seven years after having broken up. But we do get many flashbacks so we become fully invested in these two characters and you can't help but root for them to find their way back to each other. Wow the angst, it was at times unbearable. BUT, I am a sucker for angst, so this fed my addiction perfectly!!
Did I mention already how incredibly STEAMY the sex gets??!!! Well let's just say Dean gets even better in the sex department when the two meet up years later. I was fanning myself, and definitely in need of a long cold shower as well!!
What I love about Kate's writing style is that she's also great at creating some amazing secondary characters. I loved Dallas' parents, whom you will meet in her book titled Room 212, and her younger sister, Rose along with her boyfriend, Grant. I am so excited to get to their book!!
The first time I read this book, I was out at the laundromat, and I got to a part so horribly heart breaking, that I was crying big fat ugly tears, and I didn't care if anyone saw me! I was destroyed!! Seriously didn't see that coming and let me tell you, I don't cry often while reading, so when a book invokes those kinds of emotions from me, well, then I am THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED!!!
I really don't want to go too much into detail about this one because I want you all to be able to enjoy it. I have to warn there is a cheating element, but it never bothered me because I knew that Dean and Dallas were ALWAYS meant to belong to each other.
I loved Kate's last book, Loving The White Liar, but I gotta say this one right here, is HANDS DOWN, her BEST book so far!!! I am not even embellishing a little. I seriously am in love with this story! I begged Kate to get this baby published as soon as possible because I feel that this has to be out there for all of you to read!
I think you all may have just a short month to wait for this bad boy to go LIVE!! When it does, I hope you will one click!!!
IT's LIVE!!!! Go on and one click!!
AMAZON US
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Reluctant-...
AMAZON UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fall-Reluctan...
{ARC Generously Provided by Author in Exchange For an Honest Review}
This was my second Beta for the lovely Kate Stewart!!
I feel so blessed that she entrusts me with her works of art!
This BOOK!! OMG! I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ IT!!!!
I have a new book boyfriend and his name is DEAN!
Sorry, I'm gonna have to knock someone off my name because he is getting added! This man is GORGEOUS. A sharp dresser!! And a MASTER at the SEXY TIMES!!! All I kept thinking was how much I wanted to live in the pages of this book and make Dean my own!!
Well I decided HE's MINE!!!!
This is a story of friends who turn into lovers, but then life gets in the way, which ultimately tears them apart. And after all the pain and regret, can two people who were always meant to be, overcome their insecurities and get that second chance at love?
Dallas and Dean meet while in High School. She is a freshman, and he is a senior. From the moment they lay eyes on each other, they feel a strong connection. This is definitely a case of love at first sight, but Dean thinks their three year age difference is too much at that point in their lives, so he decides to become Dallas' best friend instead.
When they both end up at the same college a few years later, things get serious between the two. Dean can no longer hide his feelings for Dallas and after a bit of angst the two seem to be inseparable and heading towards a promising future. I must say that there's some pretty amazing sexy times here and I wanted so desperately to be Dallas! Dean is half Spanish and ladies when he starts speaking in his native tongue, I melted into a puddle every time!!
Towards the end of their first year together as a couple, Dean is graduating and going off to NYC, to med school. Dallas, in my opinion, makes a big mistake here and so starts the heart break and what seems to be the end of their relationship.
This story is told from the present day where both Dallas and Dean are doctors and will end up crossing paths again, seven years after having broken up. But we do get many flashbacks so we become fully invested in these two characters and you can't help but root for them to find their way back to each other. Wow the angst, it was at times unbearable. BUT, I am a sucker for angst, so this fed my addiction perfectly!!
Did I mention already how incredibly STEAMY the sex gets??!!! Well let's just say Dean gets even better in the sex department when the two meet up years later. I was fanning myself, and definitely in need of a long cold shower as well!!
What I love about Kate's writing style is that she's also great at creating some amazing secondary characters. I loved Dallas' parents, whom you will meet in her book titled Room 212, and her younger sister, Rose along with her boyfriend, Grant. I am so excited to get to their book!!
The first time I read this book, I was out at the laundromat, and I got to a part so horribly heart breaking, that I was crying big fat ugly tears, and I didn't care if anyone saw me! I was destroyed!! Seriously didn't see that coming and let me tell you, I don't cry often while reading, so when a book invokes those kinds of emotions from me, well, then I am THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED!!!
I really don't want to go too much into detail about this one because I want you all to be able to enjoy it. I have to warn there is a cheating element, but it never bothered me because I knew that Dean and Dallas were ALWAYS meant to belong to each other.
I loved Kate's last book, Loving The White Liar, but I gotta say this one right here, is HANDS DOWN, her BEST book so far!!! I am not even embellishing a little. I seriously am in love with this story! I begged Kate to get this baby published as soon as possible because I feel that this has to be out there for all of you to read!
I think you all may have just a short month to wait for this bad boy to go LIVE!! When it does, I hope you will one click!!!
IT's LIVE!!!! Go on and one click!!
AMAZON US
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Reluctant-...
AMAZON UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fall-Reluctan...
December 28, 2015
5 stars!!!
Kate Stewart excels at writing love stories that are raw and real. Lets face it, love isn’t always pretty and it isn’t always easy. I love her books so much because they portray the more realistic side of love yet still make my romance loving heart happy. The Fall is a fantastic friends to lovers story (the past) and it’s also a beautiful, yet at times angsty, second chance romance (the present).
Dallas and Dean meet in high school. You can tell that they are attracted to each other, but because Dallas is a few years younger than Dean, he won’t go there. Not yet. They become close friends, and Dallas falls more and more in love with Dean as the years pass. Once in college, they reconnect. It’s a beautiful time for them. They’re happy, in love, and nothing could tear them off this cloud. Or so they think. The timing is never quite right for these two in their younger years.
In the present, Dallas is working hard to open her own medical practice with her sister, Rose. She is happily dating a chef named Josh. Then the Dean Martin comes back in her life and turns everything to chaos. I spent so much time wondering what really tore these two apart? What caused them to be apart all these years, and most importantly, could they ever get back what they once had? While reading about Dallas and Dean, I couldn’t help but to think of that Tarryn Fisher quote from the Opportunist “You can only give your heart away once; after that, everything else will chase your first love.” I felt that this couple was meant to be and had to find a way to make it work, even with all the obstacles. Because truly, neither of them was going to find that kind of love again.
Once again, Stewart wrote a heroine that stole my heart. Yes, you read that right, heroine. For some reason, I connect with the woman in her stories strongly. Dallas is a spitfire. She’s passionate, determined, fiery, ambitious and stubborn. And she was my favorite character in the book (sorry Dean!). Don’t get me wrong, I did grow to love Dean, but it took some time ;) What I did love about Dean is that he made mistakes, but he owned up to them all, he tried to make up for them and move past what had happened. He was determined in his own right as well.
Kate is one of those authors who always hits me in the feels. I’m not going to sugar coat it, this book will hit you and it will hit you hard! I found myself in tears more than once while reading. Even though the second chance romance troupe has been done over and over again, Kate has a way of making Dallas and Dean’s story unique and special. These two are meant to be and defy the odds to make it.
This book might stress you out. It will make you cry. It’s got it’s angsty, heartbreaking and down right devastating moments. BUT it’s also beautifully written, heartfelt, gorgeous and all consuming. I didn’t want to put it down. If you are a fan of second chance romances, this is a must read!
Kate Stewart excels at writing love stories that are raw and real. Lets face it, love isn’t always pretty and it isn’t always easy. I love her books so much because they portray the more realistic side of love yet still make my romance loving heart happy. The Fall is a fantastic friends to lovers story (the past) and it’s also a beautiful, yet at times angsty, second chance romance (the present).
Dallas and Dean meet in high school. You can tell that they are attracted to each other, but because Dallas is a few years younger than Dean, he won’t go there. Not yet. They become close friends, and Dallas falls more and more in love with Dean as the years pass. Once in college, they reconnect. It’s a beautiful time for them. They’re happy, in love, and nothing could tear them off this cloud. Or so they think. The timing is never quite right for these two in their younger years.
In the present, Dallas is working hard to open her own medical practice with her sister, Rose. She is happily dating a chef named Josh. Then the Dean Martin comes back in her life and turns everything to chaos. I spent so much time wondering what really tore these two apart? What caused them to be apart all these years, and most importantly, could they ever get back what they once had? While reading about Dallas and Dean, I couldn’t help but to think of that Tarryn Fisher quote from the Opportunist “You can only give your heart away once; after that, everything else will chase your first love.” I felt that this couple was meant to be and had to find a way to make it work, even with all the obstacles. Because truly, neither of them was going to find that kind of love again.
“We got it right the first time. We just fucked up a little along the way. We weren’t perfect- never have been- but we were beautiful. Still are.”
Once again, Stewart wrote a heroine that stole my heart. Yes, you read that right, heroine. For some reason, I connect with the woman in her stories strongly. Dallas is a spitfire. She’s passionate, determined, fiery, ambitious and stubborn. And she was my favorite character in the book (sorry Dean!). Don’t get me wrong, I did grow to love Dean, but it took some time ;) What I did love about Dean is that he made mistakes, but he owned up to them all, he tried to make up for them and move past what had happened. He was determined in his own right as well.
Kate is one of those authors who always hits me in the feels. I’m not going to sugar coat it, this book will hit you and it will hit you hard! I found myself in tears more than once while reading. Even though the second chance romance troupe has been done over and over again, Kate has a way of making Dallas and Dean’s story unique and special. These two are meant to be and defy the odds to make it.
This book might stress you out. It will make you cry. It’s got it’s angsty, heartbreaking and down right devastating moments. BUT it’s also beautifully written, heartfelt, gorgeous and all consuming. I didn’t want to put it down. If you are a fan of second chance romances, this is a must read!
The best part of falling in love was the fall itself.
February 10, 2019
4 Stars
Excuse me for a second…
I loved this book. Hard. I literally devoured it.
The writing is great. The story is hot and butterfly-inducing. You can literally cut the sexual tension with a knife. You can almost taste the pull, the first infatuation, the attraction and the chemistry between Dallas and Dean.
I love Dallas despite her indecisiveness. She is strong, book smart, sarcastic and full of pride. Dean's little spitfire.
And Dean. The best description gives us the author herself.
I won't go into plot details. I will only say this: I’ve read tons of books with the similar storyline but this book totally consumed me. The last third of the book literally sucked me in, chewed me up and spit me out. I mean, I cried like a baby and sobbed for an hour for God’s sake! Ms. Stewart, you broke my heart and put it back together again.
But don’t worry, you’ll be smiling and feel happy in the end.
Overall rating: 4 stars
Writing style: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Flow of the story: 4 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 4 stars
Emotion evoking: 5 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 4 stars
Effect on me: 4 stars
Excuse me for a second…
I loved this book. Hard. I literally devoured it.
The writing is great. The story is hot and butterfly-inducing. You can literally cut the sexual tension with a knife. You can almost taste the pull, the first infatuation, the attraction and the chemistry between Dallas and Dean.
I love Dallas despite her indecisiveness. She is strong, book smart, sarcastic and full of pride. Dean's little spitfire.
And Dean. The best description gives us the author herself.
His confidence was unbeatable and charisma oozed from every pore in his body. His appearance screamed sex.
I won't go into plot details. I will only say this: I’ve read tons of books with the similar storyline but this book totally consumed me. The last third of the book literally sucked me in, chewed me up and spit me out. I mean, I cried like a baby and sobbed for an hour for God’s sake! Ms. Stewart, you broke my heart and put it back together again.
But don’t worry, you’ll be smiling and feel happy in the end.
Overall rating: 4 stars
Writing style: 5 stars
Story: 4 stars
Flow of the story: 4 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Secondary characters: 4 stars
Tone/mood of the book: 4 stars
Emotion evoking: 5 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 4 stars
Effect on me: 4 stars
December 5, 2015
4.75 stars!
“You are the other half of me. Tell me how to fight for you, baby. Tell me what to do. I’ll do whatever you want. Don’t take my life away from me. Forgive me.”
Dean and Dallas were best friends in high school and then lovers in college. After a whirlwind romance for one year, their breakup ended in devastation for the both of them.
Now seven years later Dean has returned to Texas from New York to get Dallas back. But Dallas doesn't trust Dean and she'll do anything to protect herself from being hurt again.
“You used to look at me that way. I’d give anything to have that look back. I want you with every single breath I take. Familiar or not, I want all of you.”
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I binge read three of Kate Stewart's books this week and can honestly say that this one is my favorite by her. Such a gut-wrenching romance that had me feeling like my heart was going to pop out of my chest like a jack-in-the-box. Calling all angst whores out there like me! This book is for you!!!
I love both main characters and I loved the romance between these two characters, every choice and action was believable. I didn't always agree, but the drama wasn't over the top and logic was understandable. The dual point of view helped the reader understand both characters and I was rooting for each one of them to get what they wanted.
Kate also broke my dang heart near the end of this book with some side characters, I was actually really upset about it. Hopefully more will come from that in the next book about Rose, sister of Dallas. Many of the side characters caught my heart and led to many feels, not just the main characters. And boy did the main characters bring on all of the feels.
I highly recommend to everyone who loves angst and second chance romance stories. Both are present and extremely well done.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I’ll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has.”
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“You are the other half of me. Tell me how to fight for you, baby. Tell me what to do. I’ll do whatever you want. Don’t take my life away from me. Forgive me.”
Dean and Dallas were best friends in high school and then lovers in college. After a whirlwind romance for one year, their breakup ended in devastation for the both of them.
Now seven years later Dean has returned to Texas from New York to get Dallas back. But Dallas doesn't trust Dean and she'll do anything to protect herself from being hurt again.
“You used to look at me that way. I’d give anything to have that look back. I want you with every single breath I take. Familiar or not, I want all of you.”
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. I binge read three of Kate Stewart's books this week and can honestly say that this one is my favorite by her. Such a gut-wrenching romance that had me feeling like my heart was going to pop out of my chest like a jack-in-the-box. Calling all angst whores out there like me! This book is for you!!!
I love both main characters and I loved the romance between these two characters, every choice and action was believable. I didn't always agree, but the drama wasn't over the top and logic was understandable. The dual point of view helped the reader understand both characters and I was rooting for each one of them to get what they wanted.
Kate also broke my dang heart near the end of this book with some side characters, I was actually really upset about it. Hopefully more will come from that in the next book about Rose, sister of Dallas. Many of the side characters caught my heart and led to many feels, not just the main characters. And boy did the main characters bring on all of the feels.
I highly recommend to everyone who loves angst and second chance romance stories. Both are present and extremely well done.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I’ll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has.”
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
December 8, 2015
I know I am in the minority with this book, but I found myself very frustrated with the heroine for a huge part of this story. Even though I realize that she was hurt by her "soul mate" when they were younger, and she had a lot more "issues" that happened in her past...I found her behaviour a lot of the times made it so that I just couldn't empathize with her. I realize I am being cryptic; but the bottom line is I do not like posting spoilers and this story has a lot that happens in it..so I wish to keep my "venting" vague! LOL
This was a friends to lovers kind of story; plus a second chance romance...It also has a ton of angst, so if that is your pleasure than this is a must read! I was very impressed with the writing, and I do look forward to reading more of this author's work. My biggest issue I am coming to find with a lot of romance books today is how for a huge part of the story the couple is spent apart. What ever happened to the romance and the falling in love parts in these stories we love to read? I find more and more books are focusing on the arguments and the troubles of the couples; rather than the "dance" of what it was like to fall in love, and the passion. I am missing that in a large percentage of my reads lately, and I am becoming frustrated. I read books to get away from my "Real Life.' Reading is an escape for me...I don't want to become stressed out for my characters that I come to love!!! Angst when done right can make a story more exciting; but when it becomes the focus of the relationship; I find that the magic of falling in love becomes lost. Just my opinion, but one I'm finding more and more that I feel more passionately about.
I don't mean to draw a negative light onto this story, as I do believe that most readers that do read this one have loved it very much. It was just something that I have been noticing in a lot of books lately, and it was prominent in this particular one too. I would have really enjoyed to see more of the couple being together and getting along, rather than hearing about the hero being a manslut in his time away from his "love of his life." I would really enjoy a read where the hero is dedicated to his love, and he stopped looking at other women ever since he laid eyes on her! Unrealistic?? Maybe, but that would be why I read! Life has too many stresses and woes...I want love,devotion, great sex, and Happily ever afters! That is why I read romance! LOL
Sorry....rant over!!
I am very excited to read this! Thank you to the author and to "Wrapped up in Reading" for gifting me a copy!!!
This was a friends to lovers kind of story; plus a second chance romance...It also has a ton of angst, so if that is your pleasure than this is a must read! I was very impressed with the writing, and I do look forward to reading more of this author's work. My biggest issue I am coming to find with a lot of romance books today is how for a huge part of the story the couple is spent apart. What ever happened to the romance and the falling in love parts in these stories we love to read? I find more and more books are focusing on the arguments and the troubles of the couples; rather than the "dance" of what it was like to fall in love, and the passion. I am missing that in a large percentage of my reads lately, and I am becoming frustrated. I read books to get away from my "Real Life.' Reading is an escape for me...I don't want to become stressed out for my characters that I come to love!!! Angst when done right can make a story more exciting; but when it becomes the focus of the relationship; I find that the magic of falling in love becomes lost. Just my opinion, but one I'm finding more and more that I feel more passionately about.
I don't mean to draw a negative light onto this story, as I do believe that most readers that do read this one have loved it very much. It was just something that I have been noticing in a lot of books lately, and it was prominent in this particular one too. I would have really enjoyed to see more of the couple being together and getting along, rather than hearing about the hero being a manslut in his time away from his "love of his life." I would really enjoy a read where the hero is dedicated to his love, and he stopped looking at other women ever since he laid eyes on her! Unrealistic?? Maybe, but that would be why I read! Life has too many stresses and woes...I want love,devotion, great sex, and Happily ever afters! That is why I read romance! LOL
Sorry....rant over!!
I am very excited to read this! Thank you to the author and to "Wrapped up in Reading" for gifting me a copy!!!
December 1, 2015
4.5 Bring On The Feels Stars
“I’ll still love you,” I said softly. “I’ll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I’ll still love you for the rest of my life.
Even hours after finishing this wonderful story, I'm still a hot mess. There are times I need a book to make me feel and damn if this book didn't deliver the quality angst.
I’d met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back.
I wanted to forget she existed.
It would just have to hurt.
The love story that is Dallas and Dean's begins at the ages of 15 and 18 respectively, but the beginning of the book has these two now Doctors, having not seen each other in years, meeting for dinner to catch up. You know, for old times sake. Ummm hmmm. The tension, both emotional and sexual, is palpable from the beginning and I was immediately drawn into their story. What the hell happened to drive these two apart?
“You used to look at me that way,” he said, his voice full of remorse, his face filled with longing. “I’d give anything to have that look back. I want you with every single breath I take. Familiar or not, I want all of you.”
I love an emotionally charged book that doesn't rely on gimmicks to bring the emotion. No one cheats, makes a stupid decision because they think they're not good enough for the other or lies to protect anyone. Yes, there are choices both characters made that had me scratching my head, but they were always understandable and realistic. If I'm being honest, Dallas and her emotional walls hit close to home and I love the way older Dean didn't give up on her.
The Fall, in the simplest terms, is the story of two people who find themselves falling in love at the wrong place and time. The dual POV made both Dean and Dallas relatable to the point I found myself rooting for their older, more established selves to find a way to make it work. Their past is told through a series of flashbacks and while that can sometimes drive me up a wall, it absolutely worked here.
The mix of YA unrequited love, NA new and frantic emotionally charged sexy love and two adults finally dealing with the ramifications of all of that worked for me in a big way. This is my first Kate Stewart book but it definitely won't be my last.
“I’ll still love you,” I said softly. “I’ll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I’ll still love you for the rest of my life.
Even hours after finishing this wonderful story, I'm still a hot mess. There are times I need a book to make me feel and damn if this book didn't deliver the quality angst.
I’d met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back.
I wanted to forget she existed.
It would just have to hurt.
The love story that is Dallas and Dean's begins at the ages of 15 and 18 respectively, but the beginning of the book has these two now Doctors, having not seen each other in years, meeting for dinner to catch up. You know, for old times sake. Ummm hmmm. The tension, both emotional and sexual, is palpable from the beginning and I was immediately drawn into their story. What the hell happened to drive these two apart?
“You used to look at me that way,” he said, his voice full of remorse, his face filled with longing. “I’d give anything to have that look back. I want you with every single breath I take. Familiar or not, I want all of you.”
I love an emotionally charged book that doesn't rely on gimmicks to bring the emotion. No one cheats, makes a stupid decision because they think they're not good enough for the other or lies to protect anyone. Yes, there are choices both characters made that had me scratching my head, but they were always understandable and realistic. If I'm being honest, Dallas and her emotional walls hit close to home and I love the way older Dean didn't give up on her.
The Fall, in the simplest terms, is the story of two people who find themselves falling in love at the wrong place and time. The dual POV made both Dean and Dallas relatable to the point I found myself rooting for their older, more established selves to find a way to make it work. Their past is told through a series of flashbacks and while that can sometimes drive me up a wall, it absolutely worked here.
The mix of YA unrequited love, NA new and frantic emotionally charged sexy love and two adults finally dealing with the ramifications of all of that worked for me in a big way. This is my first Kate Stewart book but it definitely won't be my last.
December 4, 2015
4.75 Stars
It made me cry! Dear lord, it made me cry!
Kate Stewart broke my cynical, sarcastic heart into a million little pieces & then glued it all back together again ... and dammit, I loved it!
Although Dean drew me in at the prologue, it took me a few chapters to bond with Dallas. I wasn't sure that I liked her, (as Dean points out later on) she's not an easy woman to love. But I did warm up to her. In fact, I grew to love Dallas. An aptly nick-named Spitfire, she's defiant and defensive. She puts on a pretty thick outer layer, attempting to hide her vulnerability. Witnessing her self-realization & her self-acceptance, gave me the connection I was looking for. By the end I was not only routing for Dallas, I was yelling at my Kindle in support of her.
Now, let's talk Dean! YES! I've fallen in love with another fictional man, my husband will be so pleased. But, sincerely ... Dean is more than just a sexy hunk of Spanish man meat. I found his character so easy to love. He's humorous and intelligent. Honest and devoted. I love how respectable he acts, even as he (openly) tries to steal another man's woman. I did not once fault him for any of his minor indiscretions. Were they supposed to bother me? I guess I was too busy being seduced.
I loved the tumultuous back and forth of Dean and Dallas. It was like watching two magnets try to stay apart. I loved their backstory & the way the author unfolded it piece by piece, like a trail of breadcrumbs.
There is some angst. Okay, there's a lot of angst. But, in this book it actually works really well. I was completely captivated by the drama.
And, despite having an inevitably obvious ending, there were some shocking and unforeseen twists that had me reeling.
The elements of this book all aligned to create an incredible story.
It's not quite a full 5 Stars for me ... primarily because I felt at a (very slight) disadvantage, not having read Room 212. I know, I know! I'm working on it!
Despite all of that, this is still one of the best books I've read this year. And I truly cannot wait for the next book! Rose has my full attention.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Available on AMZON: http://amzn.to/1jwcE7u
It made me cry! Dear lord, it made me cry!
Kate Stewart broke my cynical, sarcastic heart into a million little pieces & then glued it all back together again ... and dammit, I loved it!
Although Dean drew me in at the prologue, it took me a few chapters to bond with Dallas. I wasn't sure that I liked her, (as Dean points out later on) she's not an easy woman to love. But I did warm up to her. In fact, I grew to love Dallas. An aptly nick-named Spitfire, she's defiant and defensive. She puts on a pretty thick outer layer, attempting to hide her vulnerability. Witnessing her self-realization & her self-acceptance, gave me the connection I was looking for. By the end I was not only routing for Dallas, I was yelling at my Kindle in support of her.
Now, let's talk Dean! YES! I've fallen in love with another fictional man, my husband will be so pleased. But, sincerely ... Dean is more than just a sexy hunk of Spanish man meat. I found his character so easy to love. He's humorous and intelligent. Honest and devoted. I love how respectable he acts, even as he (openly) tries to steal another man's woman. I did not once fault him for any of his minor indiscretions. Were they supposed to bother me? I guess I was too busy being seduced.
I loved the tumultuous back and forth of Dean and Dallas. It was like watching two magnets try to stay apart. I loved their backstory & the way the author unfolded it piece by piece, like a trail of breadcrumbs.
There is some angst. Okay, there's a lot of angst. But, in this book it actually works really well. I was completely captivated by the drama.
And, despite having an inevitably obvious ending, there were some shocking and unforeseen twists that had me reeling.
The elements of this book all aligned to create an incredible story.
It's not quite a full 5 Stars for me ... primarily because I felt at a (very slight) disadvantage, not having read Room 212. I know, I know! I'm working on it!
Despite all of that, this is still one of the best books I've read this year. And I truly cannot wait for the next book! Rose has my full attention.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Available on AMZON: http://amzn.to/1jwcE7u
November 29, 2015
******5 Beautiful Stars*****
(ARC kindle provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I fell for Dean and Dallas' love story. Fell for the beauty of the words in this novel. And lastly, I fell for the way Kate Stewart gave life to these characters and through their great pain and immense love she put me inside of the story, making me able to feel it all.
Dean and Dallas met when they were both in high school and quickly became best friends. Dallas had a big crush on him and so did he but their age difference was something Dean couldn't get over so he kept things on the friend zone.
A few years later they both end up at the same university, also both trying to become doctors. The chemistry between them was as strong as it ever was in the past if not more, so this time around they decide to give love a try but just when everything is going great, life turns upside down and a terrible heartbreak will be inevitable.
Seven years later, Dean still feels the pain in his heart by just hearing Dallas's name. He became the successful doctor he had set out to be, in the city he wanted to live in, but even after seven years, he still feels a big void inside his heart and so he goes back to look for the one that got away, Dallas.
Dallas has a job she loves, big plans with her sister to open up her own practice and a hot boyfriend. Life is good for her. But the moment Dallas sets eyes on Dean again, her world comes crumbling down and she remembers what it was like to belong to him, to be loved by him, and also to be left by him.
Dean proposes a friendship, they were always good at that. Truth is, no matter how much time has passed or how much heartache has separated them, they can't turn their backs on each other. A loyal friendship is the one thing that will never disappear between them.
Friendship is the link that takes them into something more, a love that was so painful and is surrounded by so many secrets. Will these lovers be courageous enough to confront the truth that broke them apart and left their hearts bleeding all those years ago? And more importantly can they survive a second chance?
The funny banter, the steamy sex, the unbreakable love, was just some kind of wonderful. I was hooked on this story and just like every other reader had said, I simply couldn't put it down. I cried, I yelled and I swooned with these characters as they fought their way through to their happy ending.
If you are a hopeless romantic, who likes well written novels by all means do not waste any time, and pick up this book today! Dean's enchanting and soft Spanish words will make you fall and dream of him for days to come.
Kate Stewart added a gorgeous playlist at the end of the book that totally enhances the readers experience, be sure to check it out on Spotify. Here are some of my favorite songs from her music list:
*Jealous by Labrinth
*I'm On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
*Trust Issues by Beatrice Eli
*Explosions by Elle Goulding
*All We ever Do is Say Goodbye
*High by James Blunt
(ARC kindle provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I fell for Dean and Dallas' love story. Fell for the beauty of the words in this novel. And lastly, I fell for the way Kate Stewart gave life to these characters and through their great pain and immense love she put me inside of the story, making me able to feel it all.
Dean and Dallas met when they were both in high school and quickly became best friends. Dallas had a big crush on him and so did he but their age difference was something Dean couldn't get over so he kept things on the friend zone.
A few years later they both end up at the same university, also both trying to become doctors. The chemistry between them was as strong as it ever was in the past if not more, so this time around they decide to give love a try but just when everything is going great, life turns upside down and a terrible heartbreak will be inevitable.
Seven years later, Dean still feels the pain in his heart by just hearing Dallas's name. He became the successful doctor he had set out to be, in the city he wanted to live in, but even after seven years, he still feels a big void inside his heart and so he goes back to look for the one that got away, Dallas.
Dallas has a job she loves, big plans with her sister to open up her own practice and a hot boyfriend. Life is good for her. But the moment Dallas sets eyes on Dean again, her world comes crumbling down and she remembers what it was like to belong to him, to be loved by him, and also to be left by him.
Dean proposes a friendship, they were always good at that. Truth is, no matter how much time has passed or how much heartache has separated them, they can't turn their backs on each other. A loyal friendship is the one thing that will never disappear between them.
Friendship is the link that takes them into something more, a love that was so painful and is surrounded by so many secrets. Will these lovers be courageous enough to confront the truth that broke them apart and left their hearts bleeding all those years ago? And more importantly can they survive a second chance?
The funny banter, the steamy sex, the unbreakable love, was just some kind of wonderful. I was hooked on this story and just like every other reader had said, I simply couldn't put it down. I cried, I yelled and I swooned with these characters as they fought their way through to their happy ending.
If you are a hopeless romantic, who likes well written novels by all means do not waste any time, and pick up this book today! Dean's enchanting and soft Spanish words will make you fall and dream of him for days to come.
Kate Stewart added a gorgeous playlist at the end of the book that totally enhances the readers experience, be sure to check it out on Spotify. Here are some of my favorite songs from her music list:
*Jealous by Labrinth
*I'm On Fire by Bruce Springsteen
*Trust Issues by Beatrice Eli
*Explosions by Elle Goulding
*All We ever Do is Say Goodbye
*High by James Blunt
December 4, 2015
4.5 "Ojos estrellados" STARS
This was a second chances, angst-ridden and at times, difficult read for me. I love Kate Stewart's stories and this was no exception although I had my moments with both Dallas and Dean. I vacillated back and forth as to whose team I was on. I had many moments where I wanted to shake them silly for their selfishness and hardheadedness but through it all, I knew their love was true and I so desperately wanted them to have a HEA.
The timing is never right for these two. They meet in high school when Dallas is a freshman to Dean’s senior and have one great year together where a deep and beautiful friendship is yet formed. Yet through that year, Dallas yearns for more and hopes that Dean will make a move. But he doesn't because he feels despite his connection to Dallas and the undeniable fact that he wants her, she's too young. So instead, he sleeps his way through the female population. Okay, I exaggerate...
Then they end up at the same college. Again the three year difference puts them in different places in life yet Dallas is bold and makes a move that Dean simply can’t resist. These two together were like fireworks on the fourth of July! Awesome, sizzling, bigger than life but over just as they got started.
Again circumstance and their own stupidity (IMHO) tears them apart for a long time....7 years to be exact. While I was more understanding of Dallas's side, neither of them are saints in this. They both contributed to the hurt, they both walked away and they both broke each other's trust (and no, it has nothing to do with cheating).
“We got it right the first time. We just fucked up a little along the way. We weren’t perfect – never have been – but we were beautiful. We still are.”
I was thrilled that this was sort of a spin-off from Kate's Room 212, if you haven't read it, you should. Dallas is one of the H/h's children. And I also love that there's more stories to come from this series...just thinking about Rose, Dallas's sister, makes my heart hurt.
I highly recommend this book if you love romance that is unforgettable and worth travelling a rocky road, you need to read this!
**ARC generously provided by Kate Stewart in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
This was a second chances, angst-ridden and at times, difficult read for me. I love Kate Stewart's stories and this was no exception although I had my moments with both Dallas and Dean. I vacillated back and forth as to whose team I was on. I had many moments where I wanted to shake them silly for their selfishness and hardheadedness but through it all, I knew their love was true and I so desperately wanted them to have a HEA.
The timing is never right for these two. They meet in high school when Dallas is a freshman to Dean’s senior and have one great year together where a deep and beautiful friendship is yet formed. Yet through that year, Dallas yearns for more and hopes that Dean will make a move. But he doesn't because he feels despite his connection to Dallas and the undeniable fact that he wants her, she's too young. So instead, he sleeps his way through the female population. Okay, I exaggerate...
Then they end up at the same college. Again the three year difference puts them in different places in life yet Dallas is bold and makes a move that Dean simply can’t resist. These two together were like fireworks on the fourth of July! Awesome, sizzling, bigger than life but over just as they got started.
Again circumstance and their own stupidity (IMHO) tears them apart for a long time....7 years to be exact. While I was more understanding of Dallas's side, neither of them are saints in this. They both contributed to the hurt, they both walked away and they both broke each other's trust (and no, it has nothing to do with cheating).
“We got it right the first time. We just fucked up a little along the way. We weren’t perfect – never have been – but we were beautiful. We still are.”
I was thrilled that this was sort of a spin-off from Kate's Room 212, if you haven't read it, you should. Dallas is one of the H/h's children. And I also love that there's more stories to come from this series...just thinking about Rose, Dallas's sister, makes my heart hurt.
I highly recommend this book if you love romance that is unforgettable and worth travelling a rocky road, you need to read this!
**ARC generously provided by Kate Stewart in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
December 7, 2015
5 It Will Always Be You Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
"I'll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I'll still love you for the rest of my life."
This is the story about two soulmates who are destined to be together, but find each other at the wrong time in their lives. Dallas Whitaker finds the other half of her heart in Dean Martin when she is only 15. She's a freshman in high school, & he's a senior. They both fall hard for one another, but the timing is never right. Dean won't act on his feelings because of her age, so they become the best of friends always longing for more. He leaves for college & they are separated for three years until Dallas graduates high school. Once they are reunited at college they are inseparable. Dallas is now 18 & they can finally confess their feelings & act on them. They have one magical year together that's everything they've both been dreaming of, & then Dean leaves again, this time for medical school in New York. They both make promises to stay together, but their goals take them in different directions.
Seven years later Dean is still in New York & Dallas is still in Texas. They've never fully been able to give their heart to another because they each gave it away years ago when they were teenagers. They have both felt empty & broken for years. Dean is drowning in a fate he created. He put his career first & has worked his whole life to become a doctor. He has now accomplished all his goals, but realizes that without Dallas in his life, it all means nothing. He has many regrets, & wishes he could go back in time & do things differently. He decides to take action & finally go after what he wants.
Dallas Whitaker is starting her second year residency at Dallas Memorial Hospital & finally getting her life in order when the man who completely shattered her heart seven years ago shows up out of the blue. They haven't spoken in years, but her traitorous heart loves him as if no time has passed. Dean doesn't waste any time making his intentions clear & letting Dallas know he's back to stay & he wants to win her back. He's returned to claim the other half of his heart, & will do whatever it takes.
Dallas is terrified to let Dean back into her heart. He was the love of her life, but she feels it's too late & so much has changed. She isn't the same young girl, & she doesn't think she could survive that kind of heartbreak a second time. She has a life she is content with, & she doesn't want to put her trust in Dean again, just to be let down. Loving Dean nearly destroyed her the first time around.
Dean & Dallas continue to be around one another & they just can't control their pull toward each other. What they feel is this all consuming love that is so intense & so powerful, they can't deny it any longer. They are simply meant to be. This was such a beautiful story about second chance romance. It was my first book by this author & I can't wait to read more by her! This book just makes you feel EVERYTHING & reminds you we don't always get another chance, so when you find love, hold on and never let go! & of course I MUST mention the gorgeous, sexy Dr. Dean Martin! Oh my lord, this is one hot, delicious, Spanish swoon worthy man!!! Enjoyed every single minute of Dean sexy time! THANK YOU Kate Stewart!!! ;))
-"Being his, with him, it was the best time of my life."
-"He made me feel loved and beautiful and wanted."
-"We just fit and neither of us could stay away."
-"The best I have ever felt in my life is when I lose myself in my love for you."
-"I know when I'm speaking to the other half of me. I've always known, my love."
(ARC provided by author)
"I'll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I'll still love you for the rest of my life."
This is the story about two soulmates who are destined to be together, but find each other at the wrong time in their lives. Dallas Whitaker finds the other half of her heart in Dean Martin when she is only 15. She's a freshman in high school, & he's a senior. They both fall hard for one another, but the timing is never right. Dean won't act on his feelings because of her age, so they become the best of friends always longing for more. He leaves for college & they are separated for three years until Dallas graduates high school. Once they are reunited at college they are inseparable. Dallas is now 18 & they can finally confess their feelings & act on them. They have one magical year together that's everything they've both been dreaming of, & then Dean leaves again, this time for medical school in New York. They both make promises to stay together, but their goals take them in different directions.
Seven years later Dean is still in New York & Dallas is still in Texas. They've never fully been able to give their heart to another because they each gave it away years ago when they were teenagers. They have both felt empty & broken for years. Dean is drowning in a fate he created. He put his career first & has worked his whole life to become a doctor. He has now accomplished all his goals, but realizes that without Dallas in his life, it all means nothing. He has many regrets, & wishes he could go back in time & do things differently. He decides to take action & finally go after what he wants.
Dallas Whitaker is starting her second year residency at Dallas Memorial Hospital & finally getting her life in order when the man who completely shattered her heart seven years ago shows up out of the blue. They haven't spoken in years, but her traitorous heart loves him as if no time has passed. Dean doesn't waste any time making his intentions clear & letting Dallas know he's back to stay & he wants to win her back. He's returned to claim the other half of his heart, & will do whatever it takes.
Dallas is terrified to let Dean back into her heart. He was the love of her life, but she feels it's too late & so much has changed. She isn't the same young girl, & she doesn't think she could survive that kind of heartbreak a second time. She has a life she is content with, & she doesn't want to put her trust in Dean again, just to be let down. Loving Dean nearly destroyed her the first time around.
Dean & Dallas continue to be around one another & they just can't control their pull toward each other. What they feel is this all consuming love that is so intense & so powerful, they can't deny it any longer. They are simply meant to be. This was such a beautiful story about second chance romance. It was my first book by this author & I can't wait to read more by her! This book just makes you feel EVERYTHING & reminds you we don't always get another chance, so when you find love, hold on and never let go! & of course I MUST mention the gorgeous, sexy Dr. Dean Martin! Oh my lord, this is one hot, delicious, Spanish swoon worthy man!!! Enjoyed every single minute of Dean sexy time! THANK YOU Kate Stewart!!! ;))
-"Being his, with him, it was the best time of my life."
-"He made me feel loved and beautiful and wanted."
-"We just fit and neither of us could stay away."
-"The best I have ever felt in my life is when I lose myself in my love for you."
-"I know when I'm speaking to the other half of me. I've always known, my love."
December 12, 2015
3.5 - 4 ★'s
Bad Timing...that's the gist of this relationship. When we first meet Dean and Dallas, he's eighteen and she's fifteen and he just can't bring himself to go there and then he's off to college. Fast forward a few years and he's a senior at college and she's a freshman. Finally, they can have a relationship and what a relationship it is. Unfortunately, like all good things, it goes by too fast and Dean has to make a critical decision...one that has lasting consequences.
Be prepared for a whole lotta angst with this book and unfortunately for me, it seemed really d-r-a-g-g-e-d out. Obviously, the big reason is wanting them to be together but not really having a chance ~or~ much time. It was frustrating.
Luckily, seven years after they had a relationship, Dean gets his act together but of course, there's another roadblock...Dallas is in a relationship. Dean's not about to let that stop him...much - especially since Dean transferred to Dallas' hospital where she's now a resident and he's a doctor.
My heart really went out to Dallas. She's always known that Dean was the one but she couldn't force him to be with her or stay with her and really, she was the one that wanted him to go off to medical school. The problem is Dean promised something and didn't deliver and now Dallas just can't allow herself to go back there.
The situation with Dallas' boyfriend isn't a huge factor, however, it's still a problem. There were some situations that happened and I felt bad for him.
The story is told in the past(s) and the present and in the beginning alternates with Dallas' and Dean's POVs. Sadly, we don't get Dean's POV as the story progresses and I really missed that. I really wanted his side regarding the promise and his fiancé!
There are some great secondary characters in this book, namely Dallas' sister, Rose. She gets put through the ringer, however, and I was not a happy camper. I really didn't like how things played out. Oh well.
Dallas' mom and dad are pretty great too. There's some quotes in this book from a Laura from Room 212, Laura just happens to be Dallas' mom! I wish I would have known that before I started and read that book first!
There's some more drama but the story ends up nicely...the epilogue is really sweet and I loved how everything came together.
Next up is a novella and a book for Rose. The novella is going to be heart breaking! It's called The Mind coming out Spring 2016 and The Heart comes out sometime in 2016.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I want all of you, Dallas. Every single piece. Even the ones I broke.”
♥ "You are a lifetime girl."
Bad Timing...that's the gist of this relationship. When we first meet Dean and Dallas, he's eighteen and she's fifteen and he just can't bring himself to go there and then he's off to college. Fast forward a few years and he's a senior at college and she's a freshman. Finally, they can have a relationship and what a relationship it is. Unfortunately, like all good things, it goes by too fast and Dean has to make a critical decision...one that has lasting consequences.
Be prepared for a whole lotta angst with this book and unfortunately for me, it seemed really d-r-a-g-g-e-d out. Obviously, the big reason is wanting them to be together but not really having a chance ~or~ much time. It was frustrating.
Luckily, seven years after they had a relationship, Dean gets his act together but of course, there's another roadblock...Dallas is in a relationship. Dean's not about to let that stop him...much - especially since Dean transferred to Dallas' hospital where she's now a resident and he's a doctor.
My heart really went out to Dallas. She's always known that Dean was the one but she couldn't force him to be with her or stay with her and really, she was the one that wanted him to go off to medical school. The problem is Dean promised something and didn't deliver and now Dallas just can't allow herself to go back there.
The situation with Dallas' boyfriend isn't a huge factor, however, it's still a problem. There were some situations that happened and I felt bad for him.
The story is told in the past(s) and the present and in the beginning alternates with Dallas' and Dean's POVs. Sadly, we don't get Dean's POV as the story progresses and I really missed that. I really wanted his side regarding the promise and his fiancé!
There are some great secondary characters in this book, namely Dallas' sister, Rose. She gets put through the ringer, however, and I was not a happy camper. I really didn't like how things played out. Oh well.
Dallas' mom and dad are pretty great too. There's some quotes in this book from a Laura from Room 212, Laura just happens to be Dallas' mom! I wish I would have known that before I started and read that book first!
There's some more drama but the story ends up nicely...the epilogue is really sweet and I loved how everything came together.
Next up is a novella and a book for Rose. The novella is going to be heart breaking! It's called The Mind coming out Spring 2016 and The Heart comes out sometime in 2016.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I want all of you, Dallas. Every single piece. Even the ones I broke.”
♥ "You are a lifetime girl."
November 27, 2015
This is a second chance romance story...
"I'd met the love of my life and my soulmate when I was fifteen. I knew that, he knew that. He wanted that girl back. I wanted to forget she existed."
Full review and thoughts to come after release day.
***BETA read for Ms. Kate Stewart***
"I'd met the love of my life and my soulmate when I was fifteen. I knew that, he knew that. He wanted that girl back. I wanted to forget she existed."
Full review and thoughts to come after release day.
***BETA read for Ms. Kate Stewart***
February 2, 2017
4.5 stars
I suspected Kate Stewart was a talented writer when I read Loving the White Liar, but reading The Fall has made me a true believer. It's a second chance love story that well exceeded my expectations.
The story switches between the past and the present, and it spans a period of over a decade. Dallas and Dean first meet in high school, and what begins as friendship turns into a slow burn romance of epic proportions. It’s the type of delayed gratification that I adore, and the payoff is so worth it. They are young and in love; naïve and ambitious. Promises are made, hearts are broken, and the two separate. You know that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”? In the present (seven years later), with all his career goals met, Dean finally realizes how empty his life is. He returns home determined to earn back Dallas’s love. One problem: Dallas has moved on with another man.
Dallas and Dean are complex and aggravating characters at times; however, I fell in love with both of them. They are magnetic in their chemistry, their love is palpable, and Kate Stewart gifts them with countless heart-melting quotes.
The Fall stirred up a wide range of emotions in me: tenderness, frustration, heartbreak, and joy. Why not five stars? The pacing drags in the second half as Dallas battles indecisiveness for—in my opinion—an overly extended period of time. Still, I highly recommend this one.
** ARC kindly received from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
I suspected Kate Stewart was a talented writer when I read Loving the White Liar, but reading The Fall has made me a true believer. It's a second chance love story that well exceeded my expectations.
The story switches between the past and the present, and it spans a period of over a decade. Dallas and Dean first meet in high school, and what begins as friendship turns into a slow burn romance of epic proportions. It’s the type of delayed gratification that I adore, and the payoff is so worth it. They are young and in love; naïve and ambitious. Promises are made, hearts are broken, and the two separate. You know that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”? In the present (seven years later), with all his career goals met, Dean finally realizes how empty his life is. He returns home determined to earn back Dallas’s love. One problem: Dallas has moved on with another man.
“You are the other half of me. Tell me how to fight for you, baby. Tell me what to do. I’ll do whatever you want. Don’t take my life away from me. Forgive me.”Here’s what I love about Kate Stewart. She isn’t a lazy writer. She’s patient in her storytelling, unpredictable, and she takes the difficult—and sometimes painful—path to revealing her characters’ authenticity. Nobody is the villain here. There is no right or wrong. Dallas’s new boyfriend treats her well, he has a great career, and even the sex is good. Of course I was rooting for Dean and Dallas to get together, but the decisions aren’t cut and dry.
Dallas and Dean are complex and aggravating characters at times; however, I fell in love with both of them. They are magnetic in their chemistry, their love is palpable, and Kate Stewart gifts them with countless heart-melting quotes.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I’ll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has.”The story is rounded out by Dallas and Dean’s interesting and entertaining family members. I’m really looking forward to reading about Dallas’s sister, Rose, in the next book in the series.
The Fall stirred up a wide range of emotions in me: tenderness, frustration, heartbreak, and joy. Why not five stars? The pacing drags in the second half as Dallas battles indecisiveness for—in my opinion—an overly extended period of time. Still, I highly recommend this one.
** ARC kindly received from the author in exchange for an honest review. **
December 4, 2015
Timing is every thing and for Dean and Dallas it has never been their time. The Fall begins with us meeting Dean in present time and he is still in love with the girl he left back home. He decides to finally go back home and immediately reconnects with Dallas, but it isn’t that easy. Dallas may have never quit loving Dean, but she hasn’t been waiting for him either.
I love and admire that fact that Kate writes her story. The Fall may not be all hearts and flowers, but it's genuine and real. Dallas and Dean’s story pulled me in immediately and I wasn’t able to put it down. I love how I could feel their regret, unconditional love and hopes.
The story is told in dual POV and alternates between their past and present. I loved seeing all the different POVs and knowing their history. I felt like the reflections were worked in perfectly to deliver a complete story. The Fall brought me to tears and days later I was still thinking about the story and characters. While Dallas and Dean’s story is over, I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.
I love and admire that fact that Kate writes her story. The Fall may not be all hearts and flowers, but it's genuine and real. Dallas and Dean’s story pulled me in immediately and I wasn’t able to put it down. I love how I could feel their regret, unconditional love and hopes.
The story is told in dual POV and alternates between their past and present. I loved seeing all the different POVs and knowing their history. I felt like the reflections were worked in perfectly to deliver a complete story. The Fall brought me to tears and days later I was still thinking about the story and characters. While Dallas and Dean’s story is over, I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.
November 29, 2015
Being a doctor or a doctor’s partner doesn’t seem so glamorous anymore.
I started The Fall with a warning from Kate Stewart…it’s filled with angst. Hmmm, that’s not something that generally has me jumping for joy. I read and loved Kate Stewart’s Loving the White Liar, so I told myself to suck it up buttercup and started it with my stress ball and box of tissues within easy reach.
The Fall takes us on a journey through the lives of Dean Martin (I’ve been humming That’s Amore all weekend) and Dallas from the time they are in high school. The YA year bump in the journey was because Dallas is three years younger than Dean, and he’s not willing to go to jail to follow through on his lustful thoughts. The angst starts from the beginning with Dallas feeling unrequited love and Dean using other girls to distract him from the one he really wants, but can’t have. We then have our next bump in College when they finally have a chance to be together. Smooth, smooth, smooth sailings, until it’s time for Dean to move to then next stage of his studies and away from Dallas. This bump becomes Mt Everest and the safety ropes can’t stop the plummet and end of their relationship. The NOW has bumps, boulders and chasms to pass, but this couple must use all their strength, love and support to take that peak and fly their HEA flag.
So, as you can see their journey was not an easy one and I used up quite a stash of tissues before the end. For all the people who NEED to know whether there is cheating .
At times I was not happy with either of the characters in this story and felt they were selfish. To some extent, you have to be selfish to want to be a doctor. Between the long hours of study to get to the position and being “on-call” if you work in a hospital, your focus needs to be centred on your career. That’s not very appealing to me. I wouldn’t cope with the job if I didn’t have enough time to recharge or turn off. To face sick and sometimes dying people daily would not be an easy job and my admiration for doctors increased peeking into their lives. I did enjoy this story, but it was a bit of a hard slog for me. Both Dean and Dallas have traits that I loved, but also ones I disliked. I really enjoyed both characters families as well. Between Dallas’ parents and siblings and Dean’s mother, I couldn’t pick one over the other who I loved more. Beatrice, a nurse, was also a favourite.
This story does have a bit of time jumping as we see what the NOW Dean and Dallas have to overcome. While it’s not a favourite type of story for me, it was essential to really get the feel of the characters, what they have lived through and managed to overcome. To be honest, by the end I had a lot of sympathy for Dallas and went from “Just forgive him already” to “Mr Martin, you’re lucky she doesn’t knee you every time she sees you”. A lot of growth was needed by both characters to see that they were meant for each other.
The Fall has a lot of love and a lot of tragedy. It also showed us the valuable lesson of making the most of everyday. Sometimes it’s easy to become too busy and not stay in touch enough to know when a loved one is suffering. I’m glad I read this story and was happy to see the couple’s journey come to a rewarding end. I will definitely be reading more by Kate Stewart in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author for an honest review.
To buy The Fall from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1NiQIIY
I started The Fall with a warning from Kate Stewart…it’s filled with angst. Hmmm, that’s not something that generally has me jumping for joy. I read and loved Kate Stewart’s Loving the White Liar, so I told myself to suck it up buttercup and started it with my stress ball and box of tissues within easy reach.
The Fall takes us on a journey through the lives of Dean Martin (I’ve been humming That’s Amore all weekend) and Dallas from the time they are in high school. The YA year bump in the journey was because Dallas is three years younger than Dean, and he’s not willing to go to jail to follow through on his lustful thoughts. The angst starts from the beginning with Dallas feeling unrequited love and Dean using other girls to distract him from the one he really wants, but can’t have. We then have our next bump in College when they finally have a chance to be together. Smooth, smooth, smooth sailings, until it’s time for Dean to move to then next stage of his studies and away from Dallas. This bump becomes Mt Everest and the safety ropes can’t stop the plummet and end of their relationship. The NOW has bumps, boulders and chasms to pass, but this couple must use all their strength, love and support to take that peak and fly their HEA flag.
So, as you can see their journey was not an easy one and I used up quite a stash of tissues before the end. For all the people who NEED to know whether there is cheating .
At times I was not happy with either of the characters in this story and felt they were selfish. To some extent, you have to be selfish to want to be a doctor. Between the long hours of study to get to the position and being “on-call” if you work in a hospital, your focus needs to be centred on your career. That’s not very appealing to me. I wouldn’t cope with the job if I didn’t have enough time to recharge or turn off. To face sick and sometimes dying people daily would not be an easy job and my admiration for doctors increased peeking into their lives. I did enjoy this story, but it was a bit of a hard slog for me. Both Dean and Dallas have traits that I loved, but also ones I disliked. I really enjoyed both characters families as well. Between Dallas’ parents and siblings and Dean’s mother, I couldn’t pick one over the other who I loved more. Beatrice, a nurse, was also a favourite.
This story does have a bit of time jumping as we see what the NOW Dean and Dallas have to overcome. While it’s not a favourite type of story for me, it was essential to really get the feel of the characters, what they have lived through and managed to overcome. To be honest, by the end I had a lot of sympathy for Dallas and went from “Just forgive him already” to “Mr Martin, you’re lucky she doesn’t knee you every time she sees you”. A lot of growth was needed by both characters to see that they were meant for each other.
The Fall has a lot of love and a lot of tragedy. It also showed us the valuable lesson of making the most of everyday. Sometimes it’s easy to become too busy and not stay in touch enough to know when a loved one is suffering. I’m glad I read this story and was happy to see the couple’s journey come to a rewarding end. I will definitely be reading more by Kate Stewart in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author for an honest review.
To buy The Fall from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1NiQIIY
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2015
TITLE: The Fall
SERIES: (The Reluctant Romantics, #1)
AUTHOR: Kate Stewart
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: November 28th, 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
Will finish up my review tomorrow
I am FINALLY after one clicking this on release day going to start it tonight..
I've not read anything by this author before but saw a blogger that I shamelessly stalk rate this 5 stars so I can't wait to see what's install for me..
This genre has become one of my all time favorites this year, childhood sweet hearts, second chance romance, hopefully this is filled with emotional angst, heartbreak, rekindled love..
This zips from the present to the past flawlessly, the past with these two is heartbreakingly raw, the line of just friends is continuosly clouded, I'm loving the connection I'm getting with Dallas, she's fiesty, funny, tough and just wants him to give her his all..
SERIES: (The Reluctant Romantics, #1)
AUTHOR: Kate Stewart
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: November 28th, 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
Will finish up my review tomorrow
I am FINALLY after one clicking this on release day going to start it tonight..
I've not read anything by this author before but saw a blogger that I shamelessly stalk rate this 5 stars so I can't wait to see what's install for me..
This genre has become one of my all time favorites this year, childhood sweet hearts, second chance romance, hopefully this is filled with emotional angst, heartbreak, rekindled love..
This zips from the present to the past flawlessly, the past with these two is heartbreakingly raw, the line of just friends is continuosly clouded, I'm loving the connection I'm getting with Dallas, she's fiesty, funny, tough and just wants him to give her his all..
February 16, 2016
I'm so in the minority here, at least amongst my friends, but this didn't really work for me. It's no secret I adore friends to lovers. LOVE THEM. I'll read anything where two people who've had a platonic relationship discover they want...MORE. I love that, just love it. This definitely seemed up my alley, however, it didn't quite create that magic I was looking for.
What worked:
This was well written. I loved Dean's characterization. He was a sexy, smart and charming guy. The ending was satisfying and the epilogue, sweet. I liked Dallas's work persona. Her aspirations to be an oncologist and her approach to her patients was wonderful and helped ease my otherwise distaste of her.
What didn't work:
My biggest issue with this book was Dallas. I found her to be a bit annoying and sometimes erratic. She became increasingly frustrating with her refusal to give Dean a second chance. Don't get me wrong, I completely empathized with her reasons for doubting Dean. What she went through was horrible and traumatizing. What bothered me was that despite many indications to the contrary, she still lived in denial. She acted immature and petty when all she needed to do was stop and focus.
Easier said than done? Perhaps. Or, maybe Dallas was too stubborn for her own good. Aside from the fact that she , Dallas needed to grow up. I know other people interpret her behavior differently, and I get it. But putting aside her well founded reasons for being reluctant, she dragged the inevitable to a place I found tedious and overdone.
The other issues I had weren't as bothersome. There was a lack of contractions in this book. People don't speak formally like that. It took away from the story, making it unbelievable and that became very distracting for me. My last issue was just the overall 'feel' of the book. It didn't work for me. It had components I loved like friends to lovers and second chances, it was also very hot, but as a whole I was disappointed. It wasn't even the separation of the H/h for the majority of the book, or being with other people during the interim that bothered me...Idk. I love angst, so it had that of course, but it almost felt forced at times. Anyways, we can't love them all, but this seems to be a winner for a lot of people, minus me.
Thanks for the rec, A! I would have read this anyways had I come across it on my own ;)).
What worked:
This was well written. I loved Dean's characterization. He was a sexy, smart and charming guy. The ending was satisfying and the epilogue, sweet. I liked Dallas's work persona. Her aspirations to be an oncologist and her approach to her patients was wonderful and helped ease my otherwise distaste of her.
What didn't work:
My biggest issue with this book was Dallas. I found her to be a bit annoying and sometimes erratic. She became increasingly frustrating with her refusal to give Dean a second chance. Don't get me wrong, I completely empathized with her reasons for doubting Dean. What she went through was horrible and traumatizing. What bothered me was that despite many indications to the contrary, she still lived in denial. She acted immature and petty when all she needed to do was stop and focus.
Easier said than done? Perhaps. Or, maybe Dallas was too stubborn for her own good. Aside from the fact that she , Dallas needed to grow up. I know other people interpret her behavior differently, and I get it. But putting aside her well founded reasons for being reluctant, she dragged the inevitable to a place I found tedious and overdone.
The other issues I had weren't as bothersome. There was a lack of contractions in this book. People don't speak formally like that. It took away from the story, making it unbelievable and that became very distracting for me. My last issue was just the overall 'feel' of the book. It didn't work for me. It had components I loved like friends to lovers and second chances, it was also very hot, but as a whole I was disappointed. It wasn't even the separation of the H/h for the majority of the book, or being with other people during the interim that bothered me...Idk. I love angst, so it had that of course, but it almost felt forced at times. Anyways, we can't love them all, but this seems to be a winner for a lot of people, minus me.
Thanks for the rec, A! I would have read this anyways had I come across it on my own ;)).
December 14, 2015
5 Hard Fallen Stars
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! It was a second chance love story that was filled with right person but the wrong time moments and enough self-sacrificing grandstands to set up the most epic forever love tale. For the lovers of angst and struggle to grasp onto what the heart truly wants this book will rock you!
Kate Stewart has a unique way of creating somewhat flawed characters in that they are so complex and layered that not every peel and discovery is likeable. She makes you fall into her stories by both cheering and cursing those whom you are reading. It was no surprise that Dean Martin and Dallas Whitaker were no different. Falling for Dean, at 18, was a given and thus starts a slow building crush for a 15 year old girl, who settles on a best friendship. While both were smart beyond their high school years, only Dean harbored the knowledge that their age difference was too much to overcome.
Finally when age was nothing but a number, the upcoming future still would not be kind, especially when the end goal of professional success would leave hearts broken on the journey… For Dean Martin though, his heart had been claimed, so how could it possibly ever really beat without its other half?
What a journey of stay and go, wait and move, love and leave. The feels are amazing as the grief of a love lost...a future course altered...a couple denied is all consuming. When it is finally time to surface from the drowning hurt and piece the heart back together, it is a passionate fight for every touch and moment! If you are a fan of a man in love, be prepared for Dean Martin and his quest to take back his other half. Nothing sexier than him staking claim on Dallas’s body and soul!
I truly love a good second chance love story and what a doozy Kate Stewart delivered. There is shock at seeing the one you want, anger at a past lost, and most of all struggle to trust again. There is no shortage of passion, heat, and pure need for one another. Reading this story was having something hurt so good…two forces of fury destined to be together while fighting the elements of past. Dean and Dallas were like bright and powerful lightning streaking in the sky…beautiful and brilliant but often destructive. I LOVED every moment of their story! Take The Fall and experience the fabulous talent if this author!
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! It was a second chance love story that was filled with right person but the wrong time moments and enough self-sacrificing grandstands to set up the most epic forever love tale. For the lovers of angst and struggle to grasp onto what the heart truly wants this book will rock you!
Kate Stewart has a unique way of creating somewhat flawed characters in that they are so complex and layered that not every peel and discovery is likeable. She makes you fall into her stories by both cheering and cursing those whom you are reading. It was no surprise that Dean Martin and Dallas Whitaker were no different. Falling for Dean, at 18, was a given and thus starts a slow building crush for a 15 year old girl, who settles on a best friendship. While both were smart beyond their high school years, only Dean harbored the knowledge that their age difference was too much to overcome.
Finally when age was nothing but a number, the upcoming future still would not be kind, especially when the end goal of professional success would leave hearts broken on the journey… For Dean Martin though, his heart had been claimed, so how could it possibly ever really beat without its other half?
What a journey of stay and go, wait and move, love and leave. The feels are amazing as the grief of a love lost...a future course altered...a couple denied is all consuming. When it is finally time to surface from the drowning hurt and piece the heart back together, it is a passionate fight for every touch and moment! If you are a fan of a man in love, be prepared for Dean Martin and his quest to take back his other half. Nothing sexier than him staking claim on Dallas’s body and soul!
I truly love a good second chance love story and what a doozy Kate Stewart delivered. There is shock at seeing the one you want, anger at a past lost, and most of all struggle to trust again. There is no shortage of passion, heat, and pure need for one another. Reading this story was having something hurt so good…two forces of fury destined to be together while fighting the elements of past. Dean and Dallas were like bright and powerful lightning streaking in the sky…beautiful and brilliant but often destructive. I LOVED every moment of their story! Take The Fall and experience the fabulous talent if this author!
December 18, 2015
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
“Best love story I have ever heard. Not one of them is perfect, not one of them is easy, but the good ones are always worth it.”- Room 212
The Fall. I have fallen in love once again with Kate Stewart and her words. And in her newest release The Fall, Ms. Stewart will sets hearts racing as readers are immersed in one unforgettable emotional charged palpable love story of two friends. The Fall is unlike any book that I have read so far because this story highlights two friends who at a certain point in their lives fell in love but it wasn't the right time and place. And what happens years later, when these two friends find themselves ready to fall in love and give each other's hearts?
Dean Martin has always been in love with his friend, Dallas. But the only problem was that she was 15 years old and he was 18 years old. He could never tell her and so he tried to hide his feelings for her through his friendship with Dallas. He may be falling in love with Dallas, but he was scared to say anything to blur their friendship. As they enter college, their friendship still remained intact as they both pursue dreams of becoming a doctor. Both of them remained silent on their unyielding love for one another that is until they could no longer deny their feelings.
Their love was beautiful. Breathtaking. All-consuming. It was a love that made you believe in happily ever afters. But as they got closer to fulfilling their dreams and ambitions, they had to make a choice. Choices that would set precedence as to what is important to them. Separation was inevitable. Hearts were broken. Promises were shattered. An ending to a love story that remained unanswered...
Seven years has passed and Dallas thought she was happy. She was a doctor and was ready to set up practice with her younger sister. She had a successful boyfriend who loved her. She was on track with her career. But was she happy and in love? Was she in a relationship for the sake up being in a relationship? So when Dean Martin reappears back in her life, these buried feelings that she had for the man who was her best friend and soul mate begins to reignite. As they tried to piece back their friendship, feelings that could no longer be hidden begin to resurface and it was inevitable till they finally had to make a choice for their hearts. Are they willing to take that chance to really fall.....fall in love the second time around?
Falling in love is like a storm. You can't predict the aftermath, but you can always see signs of it before it completely falls. And for Dean Martin and Dallas, meeting each other and falling in love was an inevitable fate. Their past, friendship, and intense connection was a flashing neon sign that was directing them to each other. No matter of the time and distance, there was a reason as to why they couldn't forget one another. Meeting each other was fate. Becoming friends was a choice, but falling in love with each other was beyond their control.
“Some dreams you were born with, some dreams you grow into, and some dreams have to be unveiled.”
Dean Martin. Oh Dean. You have officially stole my heart. I adore your unyielding LOVE for Dallas. I love how your love never wavered. It was true. Honest. Raw. It was a love that left me breathless and speechless. It was the kind of love that consumes you to the bones. Dean was the fictional book boyfriend that will set hearts ablaze for romance aficionados.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I'll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has. I had to learn, Dallas. It took some time. Please, just let go, forgive me, and let me love you.”
The Fall was simply beautiful. The gorgeous prose and heartfelt raw emotions were consuming. This book is no ordinary second chance romance since this book really highlight sometimes it's not that two people aren't right for each other. It's more like the timing wasn't right. And for Dean and Dallas, this sentiment couldn't be more true. But seven years later, their moment came. And this time, they were both at the place and time in their lives to fall. They say that you can fall in love only once, but for Dean Martin this is not true because every time he sees Dallas, he falls in love with her all over again. So if you are ready to read a story where people who are meant to be together find their way back, they may have taken a few detours in life but aren't never lost, then I highly recommend The Fall.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kate Stewart
“Best love story I have ever heard. Not one of them is perfect, not one of them is easy, but the good ones are always worth it.”- Room 212
The Fall. I have fallen in love once again with Kate Stewart and her words. And in her newest release The Fall, Ms. Stewart will sets hearts racing as readers are immersed in one unforgettable emotional charged palpable love story of two friends. The Fall is unlike any book that I have read so far because this story highlights two friends who at a certain point in their lives fell in love but it wasn't the right time and place. And what happens years later, when these two friends find themselves ready to fall in love and give each other's hearts?
Dean Martin has always been in love with his friend, Dallas. But the only problem was that she was 15 years old and he was 18 years old. He could never tell her and so he tried to hide his feelings for her through his friendship with Dallas. He may be falling in love with Dallas, but he was scared to say anything to blur their friendship. As they enter college, their friendship still remained intact as they both pursue dreams of becoming a doctor. Both of them remained silent on their unyielding love for one another that is until they could no longer deny their feelings.
Their love was beautiful. Breathtaking. All-consuming. It was a love that made you believe in happily ever afters. But as they got closer to fulfilling their dreams and ambitions, they had to make a choice. Choices that would set precedence as to what is important to them. Separation was inevitable. Hearts were broken. Promises were shattered. An ending to a love story that remained unanswered...
Seven years has passed and Dallas thought she was happy. She was a doctor and was ready to set up practice with her younger sister. She had a successful boyfriend who loved her. She was on track with her career. But was she happy and in love? Was she in a relationship for the sake up being in a relationship? So when Dean Martin reappears back in her life, these buried feelings that she had for the man who was her best friend and soul mate begins to reignite. As they tried to piece back their friendship, feelings that could no longer be hidden begin to resurface and it was inevitable till they finally had to make a choice for their hearts. Are they willing to take that chance to really fall.....fall in love the second time around?
Falling in love is like a storm. You can't predict the aftermath, but you can always see signs of it before it completely falls. And for Dean Martin and Dallas, meeting each other and falling in love was an inevitable fate. Their past, friendship, and intense connection was a flashing neon sign that was directing them to each other. No matter of the time and distance, there was a reason as to why they couldn't forget one another. Meeting each other was fate. Becoming friends was a choice, but falling in love with each other was beyond their control.
“Some dreams you were born with, some dreams you grow into, and some dreams have to be unveiled.”
Dean Martin. Oh Dean. You have officially stole my heart. I adore your unyielding LOVE for Dallas. I love how your love never wavered. It was true. Honest. Raw. It was a love that left me breathless and speechless. It was the kind of love that consumes you to the bones. Dean was the fictional book boyfriend that will set hearts ablaze for romance aficionados.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I'll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has. I had to learn, Dallas. It took some time. Please, just let go, forgive me, and let me love you.”
The Fall was simply beautiful. The gorgeous prose and heartfelt raw emotions were consuming. This book is no ordinary second chance romance since this book really highlight sometimes it's not that two people aren't right for each other. It's more like the timing wasn't right. And for Dean and Dallas, this sentiment couldn't be more true. But seven years later, their moment came. And this time, they were both at the place and time in their lives to fall. They say that you can fall in love only once, but for Dean Martin this is not true because every time he sees Dallas, he falls in love with her all over again. So if you are ready to read a story where people who are meant to be together find their way back, they may have taken a few detours in life but aren't never lost, then I highly recommend The Fall.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Kate Stewart
February 9, 2017
The Fall is the story of Dallas and Dean. Two friends turned lovers who spent the first few years of their friendship fighting their feelings and the last seven as strangers. But for that year in between, it was perfection. It was beautiful.
Kate brings us this story of second chance with dual points of views and timeline jumps between present day as the past is slowly revealed throughout the story. I adored this story. I was riding the high of Room 212 (which is the story of Dallas’s parents) and was a bit worried I would not survive this rollercoaster. And although there was angst in The Fall, it was not debilitating. I think Dean’s drive to get what he lost back put me more at ease than I had originally expected. Dean, well he was pretty much perfect – expect for those seven years. But I can forgive him those. He was sexy, dominant and not willing to back down. I loved that he did not shy away from how he felt about her as he tried to win her back. And although Dallas took longer to get to love her, once her full story was known, it was impossible not to love her.
But where the angst might have been turned down a bit, the emotions were turned up. Way up. There are parts of this story that came out of nowhere and hit me like a truck. I found myself curled up in bed with my kindle clutching tissues. I could not help but be drawn in by each character as we met them and I loved that although this was their story, they shared the pages with the others.
I also enjoyed getting a chance of seeing Laura and Seth as older characters, as parents, still stubborn and in so much love with one another. Is it any wonder that Dallas loved so hard with those two as an example?
If you have not yet read any of Kate’s work – I recommend that you change that. She’s the kind of author that once you finish reading one book, you immediately go one-click all the others.
Kate brings us this story of second chance with dual points of views and timeline jumps between present day as the past is slowly revealed throughout the story. I adored this story. I was riding the high of Room 212 (which is the story of Dallas’s parents) and was a bit worried I would not survive this rollercoaster. And although there was angst in The Fall, it was not debilitating. I think Dean’s drive to get what he lost back put me more at ease than I had originally expected. Dean, well he was pretty much perfect – expect for those seven years. But I can forgive him those. He was sexy, dominant and not willing to back down. I loved that he did not shy away from how he felt about her as he tried to win her back. And although Dallas took longer to get to love her, once her full story was known, it was impossible not to love her.
But where the angst might have been turned down a bit, the emotions were turned up. Way up. There are parts of this story that came out of nowhere and hit me like a truck. I found myself curled up in bed with my kindle clutching tissues. I could not help but be drawn in by each character as we met them and I loved that although this was their story, they shared the pages with the others.
I also enjoyed getting a chance of seeing Laura and Seth as older characters, as parents, still stubborn and in so much love with one another. Is it any wonder that Dallas loved so hard with those two as an example?
If you have not yet read any of Kate’s work – I recommend that you change that. She’s the kind of author that once you finish reading one book, you immediately go one-click all the others.
October 18, 2015
4.5 Way to Go Stars
or
4.5 The Doctor is In Stars
So when I know Kate Stewart is writing a new book, I get kinda antsy. If I see her on FB, I'm ready to tell her to get off and go back to writing. When the book is getting close to finished....
And reading The Fall.....
If only life had a DVR button. You know, the way you can pause your show while you go use the bathroom or refill your wine. Don't you wish you could pause life sometimes? Or rewind to see what you missed when you were apart from the ones you love.
Dallas' life didn't pause. It kept going. From high school to college to med school. She didn't get a pause button.
Dallas can't remember a time when Dean wasn't starring in her life. She met him when she was 15. He was her best friend even when she wanted more. But she was 15. Then Dean left for college. Leaving her in high school.
I'd met the love of my life and my soulmate when I was fifteen. I knew that, he knew that. He wanted that girl back.
I wanted to forget she existed.
Dallas is driven. She has life goals. She wants to be a doctor. She sets herself on the path that will make that happen. College. Med School.
Dean knew he was in love with Dallas back when he was 18. But he knew Dallas wasn't ready for him. She was young. She had ambition as did he.
But what happens when you met all your goals, but lose your way?
I had no destination and that was the problem. I'd done everything I'd set out to do. I had no more compass.
Dean's dream was to go to Columbia Medical School. In New York. A long way from Texas and the girl he made so many promises to.
New York was a whisper away, but Dallas, Dallas was here.
Dallas and Dean find themselves separated by more than geography. Their age difference means they are moving at different speeds. When they overlap, when they are together....they are great. They are complete. But like interlocking gears, they must separate as their lives move forward.
Does it feel good to see me like this? Completely fucking ruined that he gets to touch you when I can't?
Yes, as life moves forward there are other guys, other girls. I loved that they were not so naive as to think that they could always be roses and honey. They both are ambitious. They won't give up their dreams or let the other person give up theirs.
The Fall is told in present time and flashbacks. We get don't get the whole story up front. We find out bits and pieces about their past, their decisions, their reasons for being so stubborn. So reluctant. So cautious. I wanted them to not be so cautious. But when you finally get the whole story, you are as heartbroken as they are. Maybe more. Dallas has had time to process. You have not.
I want to trust you, I want to trust me.
Ms Stewart gives us a epic love story. The heartbreak is deep and the hot scenes are HAWT. Like oh yeah baby HAWT. Ms Stewart also gives us great side characters. You will love the family. They are not just filler characters. They are as full and fleshed out as the main characters.
Here's what I loved about the story.....Dallas is a strong woman who won't give up her dreams for a boy. She wants to be happy but she knows she won't be happy if she defers her ambition for his. I love that. She takes the good and the bad. She moves forward. Well, stumbles forward sometimes. But it is movement.
This is the story of two people who are kept apart by the thing that they admire the most in each other. Their dreams. Their ambition. Will they be on the same page in the same place at the same time? Only time will tell. But "time" is so long. And so many things can happen in that "time".
Take the time to read this one. You will cheer for them, cry with them, and occasionally want to smack one or the other.
or
4.5 The Doctor is In Stars
So when I know Kate Stewart is writing a new book, I get kinda antsy. If I see her on FB, I'm ready to tell her to get off and go back to writing. When the book is getting close to finished....
And reading The Fall.....
If only life had a DVR button. You know, the way you can pause your show while you go use the bathroom or refill your wine. Don't you wish you could pause life sometimes? Or rewind to see what you missed when you were apart from the ones you love.
Dallas' life didn't pause. It kept going. From high school to college to med school. She didn't get a pause button.
Dallas can't remember a time when Dean wasn't starring in her life. She met him when she was 15. He was her best friend even when she wanted more. But she was 15. Then Dean left for college. Leaving her in high school.
I'd met the love of my life and my soulmate when I was fifteen. I knew that, he knew that. He wanted that girl back.
I wanted to forget she existed.
Dallas is driven. She has life goals. She wants to be a doctor. She sets herself on the path that will make that happen. College. Med School.
Dean knew he was in love with Dallas back when he was 18. But he knew Dallas wasn't ready for him. She was young. She had ambition as did he.
But what happens when you met all your goals, but lose your way?
I had no destination and that was the problem. I'd done everything I'd set out to do. I had no more compass.
Dean's dream was to go to Columbia Medical School. In New York. A long way from Texas and the girl he made so many promises to.
New York was a whisper away, but Dallas, Dallas was here.
Dallas and Dean find themselves separated by more than geography. Their age difference means they are moving at different speeds. When they overlap, when they are together....they are great. They are complete. But like interlocking gears, they must separate as their lives move forward.
Does it feel good to see me like this? Completely fucking ruined that he gets to touch you when I can't?
Yes, as life moves forward there are other guys, other girls. I loved that they were not so naive as to think that they could always be roses and honey. They both are ambitious. They won't give up their dreams or let the other person give up theirs.
The Fall is told in present time and flashbacks. We get don't get the whole story up front. We find out bits and pieces about their past, their decisions, their reasons for being so stubborn. So reluctant. So cautious. I wanted them to not be so cautious. But when you finally get the whole story, you are as heartbroken as they are. Maybe more. Dallas has had time to process. You have not.
I want to trust you, I want to trust me.
Ms Stewart gives us a epic love story. The heartbreak is deep and the hot scenes are HAWT. Like oh yeah baby HAWT. Ms Stewart also gives us great side characters. You will love the family. They are not just filler characters. They are as full and fleshed out as the main characters.
Here's what I loved about the story.....Dallas is a strong woman who won't give up her dreams for a boy. She wants to be happy but she knows she won't be happy if she defers her ambition for his. I love that. She takes the good and the bad. She moves forward. Well, stumbles forward sometimes. But it is movement.
This is the story of two people who are kept apart by the thing that they admire the most in each other. Their dreams. Their ambition. Will they be on the same page in the same place at the same time? Only time will tell. But "time" is so long. And so many things can happen in that "time".
Take the time to read this one. You will cheer for them, cry with them, and occasionally want to smack one or the other.
December 7, 2015
4.5 'Way to go Martin' stars!
Ok..this is a FANTASTIC 2nd chance love story.
I tend to get anxious over 2nd chance stories because I fear there is only so many times it can be retold. Well..... holy cow! this was amazing, beautiful, gut-wrenching and at times a down right angst overload.
I FELL head over heels for Dr's Dean Martin and Dallas Whitaker. They fell in love at an early age but fought against it for many (rational) reasons. When they finally ended up together in college it was every girls dream relationship. The way he loved her was perfect.
of course, fate's agenda sucked...their timing was off, and they both went 7 years fighting memories of pure bliss that ended in total devastation.
I cried for their loss... I often wanted Dallas to run in to Dean's arms and forget her guarded heart. I wanted to shake her and scream at her to stop protecting herself from this wonderful man who adores her and STOP blaming him....
In true KS (AG) fashion she threw a few twist that left me speechless. At one point I was ugly crying....each time I thought that I could finally be happy, KS trampled my already shattered heart. In the end, she saved me....she put my little cold heart back together even better than before, and.... with this book, I am reminded that not everything happens on our timeline, there are lessons to be learned in not getting everything right on the 1st try. People change but true love never dies, and damn it when a hot as fuck Dr refuses to give up on you, YOU LOVE HIM BACK!!
Thank you so much Kate Stewart for this precious ARC in exchange for my review! **fist pump**
Ok..this is a FANTASTIC 2nd chance love story.
I tend to get anxious over 2nd chance stories because I fear there is only so many times it can be retold. Well..... holy cow! this was amazing, beautiful, gut-wrenching and at times a down right angst overload.
I FELL head over heels for Dr's Dean Martin and Dallas Whitaker. They fell in love at an early age but fought against it for many (rational) reasons. When they finally ended up together in college it was every girls dream relationship. The way he loved her was perfect.
of course, fate's agenda sucked...their timing was off, and they both went 7 years fighting memories of pure bliss that ended in total devastation.
I cried for their loss... I often wanted Dallas to run in to Dean's arms and forget her guarded heart. I wanted to shake her and scream at her to stop protecting herself from this wonderful man who adores her and STOP blaming him....
In true KS (AG) fashion she threw a few twist that left me speechless. At one point I was ugly crying....each time I thought that I could finally be happy, KS trampled my already shattered heart. In the end, she saved me....she put my little cold heart back together even better than before, and.... with this book, I am reminded that not everything happens on our timeline, there are lessons to be learned in not getting everything right on the 1st try. People change but true love never dies, and damn it when a hot as fuck Dr refuses to give up on you, YOU LOVE HIM BACK!!
Thank you so much Kate Stewart for this precious ARC in exchange for my review! **fist pump**
May 17, 2016
5 The FEELS stars!!!!!!
All of my friends love Kate Stewart. I swear I see that name pop up EVERYWHERE. When I first read the summary of The Fall, I thought to myself, oh my goodness, this is filled with angst.
This is my problem with angst, we do not get along. Angst is like the abusive boyfriend that I can’t say no to. I try so many angst filled books and I end up getting slapped in the face and feeling used. Also, when I read the summary and realized Dean’s parts were in the past … I questioned if I could mentally take this book on.
Just goes to show, really good writing. It’s really rare I find an angst filled book with flash backs that I love, but I swear on all the yummy cupcakes in the world, The FALL is really really really good. It’s addictive, it’s emotional and it’s a roller-coaster of drama. I could not get enough.
Dallas and Dean are high school best friends. They are four years apart, so Dallas is a freshman and Dean is a senior. Dallas has a major crush on Dean, but she’s a baby right? I REALLY loved Dallas and Dean’s history. The story starts in the present and throughout the book we get the past through Dean’s POV which is perfect in my opinion.
Since Dean is way older he can never see Dallas in anything but a friend, his best friend. He dates girls and keeps Dallas at a romantic arm’s length but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want her. It’s wrong and so taboo and so yummy to read.
Its years later and both are doctors at the same hospital. You know where this is going. Dean wants Dallas, but Dallas wants nothing to do with Dean. We don’t know what happened between the two, but we know it’s enough for Dallas to push Dean away and believe me the tension and chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts hot.
This book is really well written and I can’t explain enough what the feelings you will feel for this book. I love how well developed the characters were and I loved how messed up they were too. It’s the kind of love where you can’t-eat-can’t-live-without-each-other kind of read. It’s passionate, raw and completely gripping.
Kate Stewart you are going on my author’s favorite list baby!
Read on Kindle Unlimited
The Fall #1 AMAZON
The Mind #1.5 AMAZON
The Heart #2 AMAZON
All of my friends love Kate Stewart. I swear I see that name pop up EVERYWHERE. When I first read the summary of The Fall, I thought to myself, oh my goodness, this is filled with angst.
This is my problem with angst, we do not get along. Angst is like the abusive boyfriend that I can’t say no to. I try so many angst filled books and I end up getting slapped in the face and feeling used. Also, when I read the summary and realized Dean’s parts were in the past … I questioned if I could mentally take this book on.
Just goes to show, really good writing. It’s really rare I find an angst filled book with flash backs that I love, but I swear on all the yummy cupcakes in the world, The FALL is really really really good. It’s addictive, it’s emotional and it’s a roller-coaster of drama. I could not get enough.
Dallas and Dean are high school best friends. They are four years apart, so Dallas is a freshman and Dean is a senior. Dallas has a major crush on Dean, but she’s a baby right? I REALLY loved Dallas and Dean’s history. The story starts in the present and throughout the book we get the past through Dean’s POV which is perfect in my opinion.
Since Dean is way older he can never see Dallas in anything but a friend, his best friend. He dates girls and keeps Dallas at a romantic arm’s length but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want her. It’s wrong and so taboo and so yummy to read.
Its years later and both are doctors at the same hospital. You know where this is going. Dean wants Dallas, but Dallas wants nothing to do with Dean. We don’t know what happened between the two, but we know it’s enough for Dallas to push Dean away and believe me the tension and chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts hot.
“She was breathtaking and perfect and I was more determined than ever to make her mine.”
“I’d met the love of my life and my soul mate when I was fifteen. I knew that; he knew that. He wanted that girl back.”
This book is really well written and I can’t explain enough what the feelings you will feel for this book. I love how well developed the characters were and I loved how messed up they were too. It’s the kind of love where you can’t-eat-can’t-live-without-each-other kind of read. It’s passionate, raw and completely gripping.
“I want all of you, Dallas. Every single piece. Even the ones I broke.”
“The truth is, I’m afraid of me when I’m with you. When I love you, I’m toxic. I don’t want to go down that road again.”
Kate Stewart you are going on my author’s favorite list baby!
Read on Kindle Unlimited
The Fall #1 AMAZON
The Mind #1.5 AMAZON
The Heart #2 AMAZON
February 4, 2016
5 Spitfire Stars!
YES!! Another FANTASTIC friends to lovers/second chance romance that I absolutely loved! This was my first Kate Stewart book, but by no means will it be my last. I'm late to the Kate Stewart fan club, but I'm here now.
Dallas and Dean went to the same high school. They both have feelings for one another, but she's only fifteen and he's eighteen, so he can't act on those feelings. Instead they become best friends.
Dallas and Dean both want to be doctors, so when they end up at the same college years later it's no surprise. As they reconnect they now have the opportunity to act on their feelings. Things become hot and heavy between them. But Dean has always dreamed of going to Columbia and the time has come. He has to leave and in doing so he's leaving Dallas behind.
Years later and meeting with an old friend brings Dallas to the forefront of his thoughts. New York was where he always thought he should be, but now he realizes it's time to go back home. With any luck he may just get the girl of his dreams.
Dallas is practicing medicine and has been dating someone for a year. Her world is instantly turned upside down when she walks into an appointment to be greeted by Dean. Dean Martin! They are now both working at the same hospital. He's on a mission to win her back, so he makes a point to show up everywhere she turns.
Dallas doesn't trust him though, so Dean is going to have to bring his "A" game. It's obvious that she still has feelings for him. And when he starts speaking Spanish to her...I melted. How can you not fall for him and his wooing words and his three piece suits. YUM!
This story was about Dallas and Dean, but the rest of the characters played such a huge part in their story too. I love their parents, but I absolutely loved Rose and Grant. Kate Stewart gave us a little story within a story with these two. I love the special bond between Dallas and Rose. Their drive to both become doctors and open their own practice was so touching. I'm dying now to read The Mind.
YES!! Another FANTASTIC friends to lovers/second chance romance that I absolutely loved! This was my first Kate Stewart book, but by no means will it be my last. I'm late to the Kate Stewart fan club, but I'm here now.
Dallas and Dean went to the same high school. They both have feelings for one another, but she's only fifteen and he's eighteen, so he can't act on those feelings. Instead they become best friends.
Dallas and Dean both want to be doctors, so when they end up at the same college years later it's no surprise. As they reconnect they now have the opportunity to act on their feelings. Things become hot and heavy between them. But Dean has always dreamed of going to Columbia and the time has come. He has to leave and in doing so he's leaving Dallas behind.
Years later and meeting with an old friend brings Dallas to the forefront of his thoughts. New York was where he always thought he should be, but now he realizes it's time to go back home. With any luck he may just get the girl of his dreams.
“I’ll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I’ll still love you for the rest of my life.”
Dallas is practicing medicine and has been dating someone for a year. Her world is instantly turned upside down when she walks into an appointment to be greeted by Dean. Dean Martin! They are now both working at the same hospital. He's on a mission to win her back, so he makes a point to show up everywhere she turns.
Dallas doesn't trust him though, so Dean is going to have to bring his "A" game. It's obvious that she still has feelings for him. And when he starts speaking Spanish to her...I melted. How can you not fall for him and his wooing words and his three piece suits. YUM!
"I need you to forgive me for being an idiot, my love. I need to hear you say those words, you're killing me."
This story was about Dallas and Dean, but the rest of the characters played such a huge part in their story too. I love their parents, but I absolutely loved Rose and Grant. Kate Stewart gave us a little story within a story with these two. I love the special bond between Dallas and Rose. Their drive to both become doctors and open their own practice was so touching. I'm dying now to read The Mind.
Read
December 1, 2015I love Kate Stewart's Loving the White Liar. My love for Kate is like 'love at first read'. So, I didn't even really pay attention to the blurb of The Fall before I jumped in.
Dean and Dallas. Their story started when they are in high school, continue in college and resume in their adulthood. Their relationship was filled with a lot of teenage angst due to their age difference when they were younger. Although I have to suffer through reading them being with other people, there is actually no cheating. Anyway, my heart was not exactly warm and mushy while reading them being apart and with other people.
This is really the case is me, not the book. I'm not a fan of angst. I downright hated it and will usually never read the book if someone warned me about it.
As I didn't finish the book, I decided to refrain from rating. But from what my GR friends' were saying, the angst was delicious and it was a tearjerker.
Dean and Dallas. Their story started when they are in high school, continue in college and resume in their adulthood. Their relationship was filled with a lot of teenage angst due to their age difference when they were younger. Although I have to suffer through reading them being with other people, there is actually no cheating. Anyway, my heart was not exactly warm and mushy while reading them being apart and with other people.
This is really the case is me, not the book. I'm not a fan of angst. I downright hated it and will usually never read the book if someone warned me about it.
As I didn't finish the book, I decided to refrain from rating. But from what my GR friends' were saying, the angst was delicious and it was a tearjerker.
January 7, 2016
“We got it right the first time. We just fucked up a little along the way. We weren't perfect— never have been— but we were beautiful. We still are.”
3.5 stars
This is an intense second-chance romance, and a rollercoaster read. Honestly, I struggled with this book at the beginning and it took me a while to get into it. I had some heroine issues, and wasn't feeling it as much as I wanted to, but it sucked me in, and dayum!
It’s the story of Dean and Dallas. Best friends in high school, they both had feelings for each other, but Dean is three years older than Dallas and he wasn’t prepared to cross any lines with her. When they meet up again in college, however, everything is different – the feelings are still very much there and now Dallas is all grown up and isn’t prepared to let Dean push her away anymore and it’s all on!
Phew, you go girl!!!
The main part of the story is actually set ten years after their blissful year-long college relationship fell apart. Dean and Dallas are both successful doctors, she is still in their home town in Texas, he is in New York. He assumes she’s moved on and married, and when he learns that she hasn’t he decides to move back home to get back the girl he’s never gotten over.
This is a really intense relationship. We don’t know what happened to tear them apart, we just know that they shared an incredible love, their parting was devastating for them both and Dean never got over it. Meanwhile, Dallas has been living her life and working hard to realize her dreams of becoming a doctor and opening her own practice with her younger sister. She’s in a relationship with a great guy, and life is going well until Dean unexpectedly shows up and tilts her world on its axis.
From their first encounter in the present, the friendship and genuine affection for each other is evident. Dallas’ initial reaction to seeing Dean is joy and they instantly fall back into their easy camaraderie. But very quickly we see that there is SO much more there and despite the fact that he knows she’s involved with somebody else, Dean makes no secret of the fact that he wants her back.
Oh my God, the angst in this book is painful! I don’t mind a bit of angst, and these two have it in overload! The fact that Dallas is in a relationship is only part of the issue, and honestly, I could have done without that storyline because I really don’t like the way it was handled and there is enough going on with these two without throwing in a love triangle! There is SO much to Dean and Dallas’ story and as the past slowly unfolds through flashbacks and devastating revelations, my heart broke for both of them.
The beauty of this story is in Dean’s incredible and unwavering love for Dallas, and her slow but eventual acceptance of everything that happened between them, and their fight to move forward together. And once they actually started to sort through their crap, that’s when I really became involved in the story.
Dallas is a really strong heroine, and though I had some issues with how she handled everything , once they dealt with their issues, I started to really like her. And Dean’s determination to make up for his mistakes and win his girl back was absolutely amazing. I swear to God, almost everything out of the man’s mouth, every gesture, and every heartfelt look was either incredibly romantic or devastatingly sexy, and OMG the swoon is off the charts! He accepted his mistakes and wanted nothing more than to make up for the past and finally claim his HEA with the woman he has loved his whole life.
The romance is an absolute swoonfest, and incredibly passionate with lots of sexy time that is both emotional and ridiculously hot. But there is a lot more to this book than just the love story, with Dallas and Dean’s families and friends playing a big part, and though I predicted different elements of the story, I was still incredibly shaken by events and yes, I read with big, fat tears rolling down my face – more than once.
So this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I wish I had been able to feel it more, and I admit I did think about putting it down when I wasn’t finding myself connecting to the story (this wasn't helped by Dean's constant switch to Spanish to make secret declarations - I know that it was kind of their thing, but it breaks into the flow of a book when you have to keep running to Google translate to figure out what the hell he's saying to her!), but I’m really glad I carried on with it because I was eventually sucked into the intensity of it all, and loved watching it all unfold as Dean and Dallas recapture all that they had lost. Angsty, intense and beautifully romantic, the story ends at a really good place, with an epilogue to finish it all off.
I didn't love it, but still a great read - 3.5 stars.
3.5 stars
This is an intense second-chance romance, and a rollercoaster read. Honestly, I struggled with this book at the beginning and it took me a while to get into it. I had some heroine issues, and wasn't feeling it as much as I wanted to, but it sucked me in, and dayum!
It’s the story of Dean and Dallas. Best friends in high school, they both had feelings for each other, but Dean is three years older than Dallas and he wasn’t prepared to cross any lines with her. When they meet up again in college, however, everything is different – the feelings are still very much there and now Dallas is all grown up and isn’t prepared to let Dean push her away anymore and it’s all on!
“You aren’t a girl to just screw, Dallas. You are a girl to fall in love with. I have always thought that about you, but I couldn’t be with you the way I wanted to.”
“Oh please, that was just an excuse for you to be able to sleep around. Newsflash, I’m no longer innocent and haven’t been for some time. I don’t need you to marry me. I need you to take me upstairs.”
…
“You can’t handle what I have to give to you,” I growled as I studied her.
“Try me,” she said coyly as she gripped me firmly through my pants.
Phew, you go girl!!!
The main part of the story is actually set ten years after their blissful year-long college relationship fell apart. Dean and Dallas are both successful doctors, she is still in their home town in Texas, he is in New York. He assumes she’s moved on and married, and when he learns that she hasn’t he decides to move back home to get back the girl he’s never gotten over.
“I’ll still love you … I’ll still love you in a week, in a month, and in three years. I’ll still love you for the rest of my life. You did that to me, and you can’t change it. No matter where you go or what you do, I will still love you.”
This is a really intense relationship. We don’t know what happened to tear them apart, we just know that they shared an incredible love, their parting was devastating for them both and Dean never got over it. Meanwhile, Dallas has been living her life and working hard to realize her dreams of becoming a doctor and opening her own practice with her younger sister. She’s in a relationship with a great guy, and life is going well until Dean unexpectedly shows up and tilts her world on its axis.
From their first encounter in the present, the friendship and genuine affection for each other is evident. Dallas’ initial reaction to seeing Dean is joy and they instantly fall back into their easy camaraderie. But very quickly we see that there is SO much more there and despite the fact that he knows she’s involved with somebody else, Dean makes no secret of the fact that he wants her back.
“You have the other half of my heart and I can’t live without it.” He gripped my shoulders, his forehead to mine. “You are the other half of me. Tell me how to fight for you, baby. Tell me what to do. I'll do whatever you want. Don't take my life away from me. Forgive me.”
Oh my God, the angst in this book is painful! I don’t mind a bit of angst, and these two have it in overload! The fact that Dallas is in a relationship is only part of the issue, and honestly, I could have done without that storyline because I really don’t like the way it was handled and there is enough going on with these two without throwing in a love triangle! There is SO much to Dean and Dallas’ story and as the past slowly unfolds through flashbacks and devastating revelations, my heart broke for both of them.
“I can’t imagine a worse kind of hell than seeing you in front of me again and not being able to touch you.”
“You thought what we had was beautiful. I did, too, except while you were gone, I made it ugly.”
The beauty of this story is in Dean’s incredible and unwavering love for Dallas, and her slow but eventual acceptance of everything that happened between them, and their fight to move forward together. And once they actually started to sort through their crap, that’s when I really became involved in the story.
“I want all of you, Dallas. Every single piece. Even the ones I broke.”
Dallas is a really strong heroine, and though I had some issues with how she handled everything , once they dealt with their issues, I started to really like her. And Dean’s determination to make up for his mistakes and win his girl back was absolutely amazing. I swear to God, almost everything out of the man’s mouth, every gesture, and every heartfelt look was either incredibly romantic or devastatingly sexy, and OMG the swoon is off the charts! He accepted his mistakes and wanted nothing more than to make up for the past and finally claim his HEA with the woman he has loved his whole life.
“I loved you then. I love you now. I'll love you tomorrow. And if you walk away from me, not one damn woman in the world will ever take your place. No one ever has. I had to learn, Dallas. It took some time. Please, just let go, forgive me, and let me love you.”
The romance is an absolute swoonfest, and incredibly passionate with lots of sexy time that is both emotional and ridiculously hot. But there is a lot more to this book than just the love story, with Dallas and Dean’s families and friends playing a big part, and though I predicted different elements of the story, I was still incredibly shaken by events and yes, I read with big, fat tears rolling down my face – more than once.
So this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I wish I had been able to feel it more, and I admit I did think about putting it down when I wasn’t finding myself connecting to the story (this wasn't helped by Dean's constant switch to Spanish to make secret declarations - I know that it was kind of their thing, but it breaks into the flow of a book when you have to keep running to Google translate to figure out what the hell he's saying to her!), but I’m really glad I carried on with it because I was eventually sucked into the intensity of it all, and loved watching it all unfold as Dean and Dallas recapture all that they had lost. Angsty, intense and beautifully romantic, the story ends at a really good place, with an epilogue to finish it all off.
I didn't love it, but still a great read - 3.5 stars.
November 28, 2015
OMG! this book was freaking amazing. I cannot express how much i loved this tale. Dean and Dallas took me on a wild-and very emotional-ride.
I love the author's work so much and she so rocked this one! This is a second chance romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.
What started as a friendship will turn into a deep love story, but as always, several things will get in the way.
Dallas sees Dean again after years of their break up, but they both know that their feelings for each other are still there and still very strong. They seem to have moved on with their careers and lives, but that so not true. When they see each other again it is like they were never apart...but their lives are different.
I loved this romance so much! The chemistry was there and strong! Dean makes an amazing book boyfriend, trust my words.
Kate Stewart always creates relatable characters and I think she did an excellent job with every character in this book. I also really loved those flashbacks. They really made the story for me. We get a lot insight from them.
There is love, passion and angst! I totally recommend this book.
Do not miss it.
+++++5 Stars from me+++++
I kindly received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love the author's work so much and she so rocked this one! This is a second chance romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.
What started as a friendship will turn into a deep love story, but as always, several things will get in the way.
Dallas sees Dean again after years of their break up, but they both know that their feelings for each other are still there and still very strong. They seem to have moved on with their careers and lives, but that so not true. When they see each other again it is like they were never apart...but their lives are different.
I loved this romance so much! The chemistry was there and strong! Dean makes an amazing book boyfriend, trust my words.
Kate Stewart always creates relatable characters and I think she did an excellent job with every character in this book. I also really loved those flashbacks. They really made the story for me. We get a lot insight from them.
There is love, passion and angst! I totally recommend this book.
Do not miss it.
+++++5 Stars from me+++++
I kindly received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2016
I read The White Liar and was just as much on the fence with that one as I am with this one. Please be aware that this is my own personal opinion and in the grand scheme of life and reviews for books it really doesn’t mean a lot.
The blurb had me and the beginning of the book was entertaining as well. But I get lost along the way. I have some really strong and mixed feelings on this one and well I don’t really know how to describe them but I’ll try to break them down.
So I was happy with the beginning when we meet Dean Martin at the beginning of the book and that he is in New York fulfilling his dream of being a doctor and bumps into an old college friend who tells him about his one true love and that she is looking grand as ever. Memories came flooding back.
Dallas
”I’ll still love you. I’ll still love you in a week, in a month and in three years. I’ll still love you for the rest of my life.”
Dean
I had done nothing…nothing to deserve her loyalty and yet in my racing heart she still belonged to me.
So I thought, damm straight skippy you screwed up. But it always takes two to tango and I found that out at the end.
Dallas and Dean have been friends since she was and he was 18. They have been it for one another for a very long time but circumstances and lack of communication are overrated. We had flashbacks to the past (of their friendship) and that Dean was back in Dallas to win Dallas back BUT she had a boyfriend and held onto that notion for about 60 % of the book. There were some scenes that Josh her boyfriend caught them in intimate positions. I would have dumped the cow but is just me. I think that they kissed twice though.
Then after she ends her relationship with Josh after a month she finally realises that they are meant to be? She annoyed me a lot.
Dallas can hold a mean grudge and a really mean grudge. They both suffered with their past and she held on to everything too much. Dean wasn’t much better but he did come and he did try and I actually felt sorry for him. I don’t get Dallas though.
One thing that peeves me though is that the way all the blokes acted around her and the way she treated some of them you’d think that she’d have a golden vajay imbedded with rubies or something just as precious. She is a major PITA. Oh and with her mood swings she could have been bipolar.
The ending felt rushed and what with what happened to Rose, Beatrice, Helena but I did get an epilogue.
I not that I didn’t like the book as I’ve given it 4 Stars and I will read the others in the series. It’s just I don’t know really. It is hard to put in to words.
Book supplied by
An exchange for a honest review
Satus update 05.12.2015
March 21, 2016
Have you ever encountered a Tornado? That thick mobile vortex of swirling cloud that churns and funnels its way giving no thought for the path it takes or the destruction it leaves behind.
Dean Martin was her tornado since he swirled into her life at 15 and left behind a destructive path by the time she was 20. Broken - Dallas Whitaker swore that no man would ever hurt her again.
7 years later that Tornado was back this time this time stronger and once again crashing into her life but this time Dallas had built impenetrable walls ensuring that the Tornado would not cause her to fall. She had moved on and she was no longer that young girl and of course she now had Josh......and Dean was engaged to Hannah......but Tornado's have indestructible power and determination and no matter how much barrier's you put in their way they manage to swirl through breaking everything in its path.
The Tornado was coming for her - she felt its eminence and its path was clear - it wanted her and no matter how fast she ran from its path it would get her but which angry vortex would make her fall this time? The boy who took half of her heart at 15 or the man who held it now?
this is the 5th Kate Stewart read for me and each book has just got better and better. This story had so much, it was well written and I loved the characters. Such an emotional read and I had to get the tissues out but for me it was an epic love story. It was also great to re-connect with the characters from room 212 - Dallas's parents.
"Tu tienes la otra mitad de mi corazon, y no puedo vivir sin ella"
"You have the other half of my heart and I can't live without it"
I absolutely loved it.
Dean Martin was her tornado since he swirled into her life at 15 and left behind a destructive path by the time she was 20. Broken - Dallas Whitaker swore that no man would ever hurt her again.
7 years later that Tornado was back this time this time stronger and once again crashing into her life but this time Dallas had built impenetrable walls ensuring that the Tornado would not cause her to fall. She had moved on and she was no longer that young girl and of course she now had Josh......and Dean was engaged to Hannah......but Tornado's have indestructible power and determination and no matter how much barrier's you put in their way they manage to swirl through breaking everything in its path.
The Tornado was coming for her - she felt its eminence and its path was clear - it wanted her and no matter how fast she ran from its path it would get her but which angry vortex would make her fall this time? The boy who took half of her heart at 15 or the man who held it now?
this is the 5th Kate Stewart read for me and each book has just got better and better. This story had so much, it was well written and I loved the characters. Such an emotional read and I had to get the tissues out but for me it was an epic love story. It was also great to re-connect with the characters from room 212 - Dallas's parents.
"Tu tienes la otra mitad de mi corazon, y no puedo vivir sin ella"
"You have the other half of my heart and I can't live without it"
I absolutely loved it.
December 11, 2015
Struggled with this read. Dallas' back and forth, push and pull angst of "i want you/i hate you" latest too long. Dean was sweet at times, but found him frustrating during the past flashbacks. Regardless, it was well written, but just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews