What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rarity of Falling
My life was primarily about surviving and hockey. Not girls. But then again, Ava wasn’t girls. She was only one. One girl with eyes the color of sweetness and a personality that spun the same. My life was about school and my friends. Not boys. But then again, Bishop wasn’t just any boy. He was my solid ground. When forcing out smiles and hiding secrets is no longer possible, Bishop’s the unlikely force there to steady me. She wasn’t supposed to uproot my life. I wasn’t supposed to like it. He wasn’t supposed to be my strength. I wasn’t supposed to need any. It’s rare when opposites attract. He’s quiet and broody. I’m outgoing and bubbly. But when we come together, we fall. Over and over again. And nothing is ever the same… The Rarity of Falling is a sensitive and unputdownable coming of age love story by Leeann M. Shane.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2019
104 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 28, 2019
I completely loved this book, how one , maybe considered insignificant, event in your life can change everything. Strength is a driving force for these characters, ups and downs brought them together and their love and strength helped them become their best.
January 7, 2023
So it gets three stars for being a sweet and fun story. It was a simple and easy read.
However, there were a few troubling things in here, particularly surrounding the talk of anxiety and panic disorders. Obviously, I cannot speak to the author’s experience and definitely wouldn’t discredit that, but I feel some additional research would have aided in these parts. A lot of the descriptions of how they were feeling were spot on, it was just really the way it was handled.
I also was unsure that some Bishop’s situation could legally be correct. In foster care he would be a ward of the state till 18, and his foster parents wouldn’t have been able to kick him to the curb before then without possible repercussions. Seeing as how they were playing sketchy, I would guess you wouldn’t want to do something as such as this and be found out. Perhaps details were left out of the book that would have explained this.
The writing was, as I mentioned, simple and easy. Also very juvenile at times, but it’s a YA novel. I also found some of the descriptive language odd and it kind of threw me off a bit and was a definite turn off.
I did find an error, but that happens. Some things were completely unrealistic though, or way overblown. 6’3” is a tall guy, but not overly so. The language in the book made Bishop seem like a giant, and even mentioned her putting her head on him and being “below his sternum.” Is Ava epically short? I’m 5’2” and had a boyfriend who was 6’5” and I was definitely above his sternum. Honestly, the talk of his gargantuan form while he was really not that gargantuan irritated me the entire time.
I could poke at the annoyance in how they kept pushing each other way, however, having my own mental health struggles and the fact that they’re basically kids added a little more realism to the story.
I enjoyed Bishop’s personality and identified with him a lot. I also really loved Ava’s sense of humour, and how she brought out his sense of humour as well. They complemented each other super well, and the character development was great. As a side note, I really appreciated the interaction between Ava and her mom.
I also appreciated a story about teenage love in which they actively practiced sexual restraint. I think TV/media puts on a show that teenagers = sex all the time, but I don’t really think it is that way, and I liked that it was serious thing to them.
So I enjoyed the story a lot, but I would have liked to see the writing a little more refined, more consistency, and truly feel like some additional research could have really benefitted the novel.
However, there were a few troubling things in here, particularly surrounding the talk of anxiety and panic disorders. Obviously, I cannot speak to the author’s experience and definitely wouldn’t discredit that, but I feel some additional research would have aided in these parts. A lot of the descriptions of how they were feeling were spot on, it was just really the way it was handled.
I also was unsure that some Bishop’s situation could legally be correct. In foster care he would be a ward of the state till 18, and his foster parents wouldn’t have been able to kick him to the curb before then without possible repercussions. Seeing as how they were playing sketchy, I would guess you wouldn’t want to do something as such as this and be found out. Perhaps details were left out of the book that would have explained this.
The writing was, as I mentioned, simple and easy. Also very juvenile at times, but it’s a YA novel. I also found some of the descriptive language odd and it kind of threw me off a bit and was a definite turn off.
I did find an error, but that happens. Some things were completely unrealistic though, or way overblown. 6’3” is a tall guy, but not overly so. The language in the book made Bishop seem like a giant, and even mentioned her putting her head on him and being “below his sternum.” Is Ava epically short? I’m 5’2” and had a boyfriend who was 6’5” and I was definitely above his sternum. Honestly, the talk of his gargantuan form while he was really not that gargantuan irritated me the entire time.
I could poke at the annoyance in how they kept pushing each other way, however, having my own mental health struggles and the fact that they’re basically kids added a little more realism to the story.
I enjoyed Bishop’s personality and identified with him a lot. I also really loved Ava’s sense of humour, and how she brought out his sense of humour as well. They complemented each other super well, and the character development was great. As a side note, I really appreciated the interaction between Ava and her mom.
I also appreciated a story about teenage love in which they actively practiced sexual restraint. I think TV/media puts on a show that teenagers = sex all the time, but I don’t really think it is that way, and I liked that it was serious thing to them.
So I enjoyed the story a lot, but I would have liked to see the writing a little more refined, more consistency, and truly feel like some additional research could have really benefitted the novel.
September 18, 2021
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the most freaking cute and heartwarming book I’ve ever read.
First let’s go throw the tropes:
✨Sport romance
✨Ice hockey
✨High school romance
✨Grumpy male character
✨Sunshine main character
✨”Paired in class project”
The story follows Ava and Bishop, two classmates that have never liked each other, but when in Home Ev they are paired to do a project as a “married couple”, they’ll have to get over themselves and work together. The more they hangout they start to realize who they really are…something might happen between them if they let themselves fall.
So this was so freaking cute,tho it ached my heart so bad. The whole foster child thing DOES NOT SET WELL TO ME. It hurt me so bad. But the whole tome they where so freaking cute, from the beginning they had their moments, and when the sparkle started flowing I was so heart warm. It’s just too cute. And it does not have ANY spice or steam, but I didn’t care, the butterfly scenes where enough for me.
The only reason I didn’t give it a whole 5 stars rating was because I wanted to see more about them after high-school, but that’s it.
It was a quick and lovely Sport romance read. I do recommend it.
Enjoy your reading. 📚💕
This was the most freaking cute and heartwarming book I’ve ever read.
First let’s go throw the tropes:
✨Sport romance
✨Ice hockey
✨High school romance
✨Grumpy male character
✨Sunshine main character
✨”Paired in class project”
The story follows Ava and Bishop, two classmates that have never liked each other, but when in Home Ev they are paired to do a project as a “married couple”, they’ll have to get over themselves and work together. The more they hangout they start to realize who they really are…something might happen between them if they let themselves fall.
So this was so freaking cute,tho it ached my heart so bad. The whole foster child thing DOES NOT SET WELL TO ME. It hurt me so bad. But the whole tome they where so freaking cute, from the beginning they had their moments, and when the sparkle started flowing I was so heart warm. It’s just too cute. And it does not have ANY spice or steam, but I didn’t care, the butterfly scenes where enough for me.
The only reason I didn’t give it a whole 5 stars rating was because I wanted to see more about them after high-school, but that’s it.
It was a quick and lovely Sport romance read. I do recommend it.
Enjoy your reading. 📚💕
January 23, 2021
This book started out super cute but then Ava started talking about panic disorders and anxiety and capgras syndrome and okay maybe because I'm taking psych right now but that counselling session was wrong on so many levels and rushed too it completely ruined the plot of the book.
I'm not saying Ava didn't have some serious chronic conditions, I'd be more confused if she didn't but the way that part of the chapter was handled was all over the place and just WRONG, oh god it went against everything I've been learning I couldn't believe I'd actually be able to point it out lol.
So.. maybe if I was ignorant to psychology I wouldn't have been as annoyed but well that can't be undone now.
I'm not saying Ava didn't have some serious chronic conditions, I'd be more confused if she didn't but the way that part of the chapter was handled was all over the place and just WRONG, oh god it went against everything I've been learning I couldn't believe I'd actually be able to point it out lol.
So.. maybe if I was ignorant to psychology I wouldn't have been as annoyed but well that can't be undone now.
April 3, 2022
Finished this book in one sitting and all I have to say is I’m surprised I’ve never heard anyone talk about it.
Bishop? Amazing man, my new book boyfriend. The way he speaks to Ava, I love him.
It’s grumpy x sunshine & both of them have the most likeable traits ever. The banter these two had>>>
I was gushing, squealing and smiling reading this book. The communication these two had urghh.
Not to mention, Bishop is an aspiring Ice Hockey player? I was already sold. They were both just amazing. It isn’t the slowest burn BUT, it doesn’t feel forced at all. They were so cute, and they fit together so well.
Reading Bishop’s backstory, and his struggles made me emotional. I teared up a couple of times. Not going to lie. I’ve been recommending this to everyone.
It’s simple, it’s lighthearted and it’s cheesy in the best way possible.
Bishop? Amazing man, my new book boyfriend. The way he speaks to Ava, I love him.
It’s grumpy x sunshine & both of them have the most likeable traits ever. The banter these two had>>>
I was gushing, squealing and smiling reading this book. The communication these two had urghh.
Not to mention, Bishop is an aspiring Ice Hockey player? I was already sold. They were both just amazing. It isn’t the slowest burn BUT, it doesn’t feel forced at all. They were so cute, and they fit together so well.
Reading Bishop’s backstory, and his struggles made me emotional. I teared up a couple of times. Not going to lie. I’ve been recommending this to everyone.
It’s simple, it’s lighthearted and it’s cheesy in the best way possible.
June 2, 2020
Appearances can be deceiving
I loved everything about this book! Bishop was so sweet, even with all of his own problems, the way he put Ava first was heartwarming.
Avas character hit very close to home for me. I love reading about the characters who manage to put up a happy facade even when they're not ok. I've been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was 12years old and have tried to explain it to my husband using the exact words the author used: Drowning. Sometimes the only thing you can do is try to keep your head above water and hope to survive. I think the way the author handled all of the issues in this book was extremely well done.
I'll definitely read this author again! And I would love to get a book about a teenaged Zara!!
I loved everything about this book! Bishop was so sweet, even with all of his own problems, the way he put Ava first was heartwarming.
Avas character hit very close to home for me. I love reading about the characters who manage to put up a happy facade even when they're not ok. I've been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was 12years old and have tried to explain it to my husband using the exact words the author used: Drowning. Sometimes the only thing you can do is try to keep your head above water and hope to survive. I think the way the author handled all of the issues in this book was extremely well done.
I'll definitely read this author again! And I would love to get a book about a teenaged Zara!!
February 23, 2019
Feel in love with Ava and Bishop as characters!.
The characters were both a little insecure about themselves and about relationships, not only between each other but with the idea of family as well. The way they came together and gradually grew into each other's lives created a great story that developed organically. Nothing seemed formulaic out artificial. Maybe the love they came to have for each other was too intense for them to have as high schoolers, but I surely enjoyed reading about it.
The characters were both a little insecure about themselves and about relationships, not only between each other but with the idea of family as well. The way they came together and gradually grew into each other's lives created a great story that developed organically. Nothing seemed formulaic out artificial. Maybe the love they came to have for each other was too intense for them to have as high schoolers, but I surely enjoyed reading about it.
February 19, 2019
Love this author
I really like how this author writes. I liked her other book so well I would check every now and again to see if something new was out. Read this book in one day I couldn't put it down! It's definitely worth your time to check out this author... both her books are great.
I really like how this author writes. I liked her other book so well I would check every now and again to see if something new was out. Read this book in one day I couldn't put it down! It's definitely worth your time to check out this author... both her books are great.
August 28, 2021
Wow.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was REAL. It was RAW. And it was DEEP. great young adult book with deep, real themes dealt with in realistic ways. I loved how the main character wasn’t afraid of asking for help (when she needed it) but did it in a realistic way
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was REAL. It was RAW. And it was DEEP. great young adult book with deep, real themes dealt with in realistic ways. I loved how the main character wasn’t afraid of asking for help (when she needed it) but did it in a realistic way
August 27, 2022
This book was so sweet. Definitely one of my favorite YA reads. There were such amazing, swoony parts. But what I liked most about it was that both leads were dealing with some major hardships in life and their choices reflected their ages. It was incredibly realistic. First YA book I’ve read that was clean, but didn’t ignore the fact that sex with teenagers exist.
HIGHLY recommend!
HIGHLY recommend!
March 26, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
A cute, clean ya romance told from alternating view points. Hockey, foster system, divorce, anxiety and depression are all major players in this story. A bit insta-lovey and needing a good final edit (the use of the wrong word was distracting and frequent), it was not flawless but it kept me reading.
A cute, clean ya romance told from alternating view points. Hockey, foster system, divorce, anxiety and depression are all major players in this story. A bit insta-lovey and needing a good final edit (the use of the wrong word was distracting and frequent), it was not flawless but it kept me reading.
March 2, 2019
Super real, super cute
I liked the book easily, but around the halfway mark I was addicted. Very emotional, very real. I can really relate top Ava. I was taken on an emotional journey and loved it!
I liked the book easily, but around the halfway mark I was addicted. Very emotional, very real. I can really relate top Ava. I was taken on an emotional journey and loved it!
April 7, 2019
Old story
Gotta love the well-told, timeless story of true friends in tough times. Some struggles seem to present only life-changing catastrophe with no good options. And friends pull you through.
Gotta love the well-told, timeless story of true friends in tough times. Some struggles seem to present only life-changing catastrophe with no good options. And friends pull you through.
May 8, 2019
Just ok...
I read her first book and loved it. This book was just ok for me. I understand that the main characters are teenagers but they were very immature. The storyline was overall boring and depressing. I recommend reading her first book but not this one.
I read her first book and loved it. This book was just ok for me. I understand that the main characters are teenagers but they were very immature. The storyline was overall boring and depressing. I recommend reading her first book but not this one.
August 25, 2019
good thing these books arent long and hell to get through because so far, it's a no go for all the hockey contemporaries I have read.
The mental health rep + demisexuality rep was great. But this was often childish and just so unrealistic that eh.
The mental health rep + demisexuality rep was great. But this was often childish and just so unrealistic that eh.
January 25, 2020
I’m not a book critic
Why do i need to submit words along with my star rating? What if i don’t have the words? I liked the characters, they drew me in. I hurt when they hurt. Can’t i just give the book a star rating and keep my words for myself?
Why do i need to submit words along with my star rating? What if i don’t have the words? I liked the characters, they drew me in. I hurt when they hurt. Can’t i just give the book a star rating and keep my words for myself?
February 28, 2020
Brilliant and so moving
Found this a deeply engaging story with well developed characters dealing with big issues in a very real way. I really cared for them all and so glad for happy ending! So believable and hooked me from the start - had to read it in one go!
Found this a deeply engaging story with well developed characters dealing with big issues in a very real way. I really cared for them all and so glad for happy ending! So believable and hooked me from the start - had to read it in one go!
December 12, 2023
i went into it feelings skeptical but once i started i could not stop. IT WAS SO GOOD AND the story was good
there were a few parts that felt kind of repetitive but overall it was really good <3 10/10 def recommend
there were a few parts that felt kind of repetitive but overall it was really good <3 10/10 def recommend
March 9, 2019
Great story
Loved the characters. Well written. Touches on ment health. Two teenagers falling in love.no sex scenes. Just a really lovely story. Well worth a read.
Loved the characters. Well written. Touches on ment health. Two teenagers falling in love.no sex scenes. Just a really lovely story. Well worth a read.
August 31, 2019
The Rarity Of Falling was a love story about two people who relied on each other. It was extreamly boring in the middle, so I would not reccomend this book.
April 5, 2020
Definitely one of my favorite books out there. Bishop is a lovely character and I absolutely adore how it’s not all about how their relationship goes, but is also about their internal struggles.
November 11, 2021
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story was cute, but the grammatical mistakes got on my nerves.
The story was cute, but the grammatical mistakes got on my nerves.
January 16, 2022
really good
Wow! This book was so much. It’s very emotional, hitting you in the feels. Bishop & Ava are just amazing.
Wow! This book was so much. It’s very emotional, hitting you in the feels. Bishop & Ava are just amazing.
September 4, 2022
This was so good. Really sad parts for our protagonists, but beautiful healing from that sadness. One of the top YAs this year. I loved it. You will too!
December 14, 2022
2.5⭐️
Way too much teenage drama for me. Sorry, wasn’t a fan.
Way too much teenage drama for me. Sorry, wasn’t a fan.
December 8, 2025
“We all needed someone. We needed our moms, or we’d never be born. We needed them to feed us and love us and raise us. We needed our dads to toughen us up and break us so we could figure out how to put ourselves back together again. We needed our children to learn what unconditional love and sacrifice was. We needed siblings to fight with and learn what loyalty was. We needed friends to smile and break rules with. We needed love to mold our hearts, to prepare it for all the joys and abyss’s that have passed and come.”
Okay this book 🥹. I did not expect to love it as much as it did. If you are a Lynn Painter Fan (her YA) then I think you will love this it! Plus it’s all the good stuff without the F words. This story had so much goodness in it. The romance was top notch, the depth of the characters made my heart ache, and I loved the Anxiety/Depression rep. I also loved that this book gave me another view of the foster care system. We know there are lots of good things about foster care, but this showed some of the bad.
⛸️Contemporary Romance/ Romcom/YA
⛸️Closed Door/Talk of Sex
⛸️Mild Swearing (No F Words)
⛸️CW: Foster Care, Neglect, Divorce, Depression, Anxiety
Okay this book 🥹. I did not expect to love it as much as it did. If you are a Lynn Painter Fan (her YA) then I think you will love this it! Plus it’s all the good stuff without the F words. This story had so much goodness in it. The romance was top notch, the depth of the characters made my heart ache, and I loved the Anxiety/Depression rep. I also loved that this book gave me another view of the foster care system. We know there are lots of good things about foster care, but this showed some of the bad.
⛸️Contemporary Romance/ Romcom/YA
⛸️Closed Door/Talk of Sex
⛸️Mild Swearing (No F Words)
⛸️CW: Foster Care, Neglect, Divorce, Depression, Anxiety
August 3, 2022
It’s not that this was bad... it’s just that it’s exactly the kind of book I DON’T like. I didn’t hate it, but it wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews