Fall

Rise & Fall Duet #2

by Grahame Claire

I have one thing in my life more important than anything else.
Protecting my brother
Lincoln Hollingsworth is the beautiful distraction who stormed into our lives without so much as a hello.
I thought I hated him.
He’s determined to prove me wrong, earning pieces of my trust and my heart with every step.
But I should’ve paid attention.
While I was distracted, my past made a move that could cost me everything.
I’m not ready to lose Lincoln or my brother.
But I can’t keep them if I’m locked in a prison cell.

The conclusion of the Rise & Fall Duet by USA Today Bestselling Author Grahame Claire.

Genres: Audiobook, Contemporary

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

Grahame Claire is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance.

A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result...Grahame Claire.

Soulmates.

Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.

Website: https://www.grahameclaire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grahamewrites
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Graha...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grahamewrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahameclaire/


Series:

Shaken
Crash & Burn Duet

Rise & Fall Duet

Bend & Break Duet


Shattered Trilogy

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

After reading Rise, I couldn’t wait to get to the conclusion of Lexie and Lincoln’s story and Fall didn’t disappoint!

Lincoln is still dealing with his own work/business issues but now on top of that, Lexie is in her own kind of trouble. One of the things I loved most about Lincoln was how he always put Lexie and her brother Eric first. And my heart, Eric... he was truly one of the most special character I have ever read about.

Lexie and Lincoln's romance is sweet and true. This book had some suspense and I liked seeing how everything turned out for our hero and heroine. As always, I enjoyed catching up with some of my favorite characters from previous books/series. And Beau... I'm so excited to get to her duet!

If you're looking for books with amazing family/found family dynamics, a bit of suspense and a whole lot of romance, pick up this fantastic duet!

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 What a ride Stars



OMG what a ride. This book had me all over the place with all the twists and turns Grahame Claire hit me with. Lexie and Eric's backstory broke my heart. It really helped me understand were Lexie was coming from and soften me a bit towards her. Lincoln was a shining star for me. I loved all the different sides to him. Lincoln had real growth in this book. Really both Lexie and Lincoln developed a lot as the story went on. I love how deep Lexie and Lincoln's relationship goes.



Eric stole my heart in this book. I adored every single moment with Eric in it. I loved getting to catch up with past favorite couples. Beau omg Beau and Cal....... I can't wait for their book. The tension between Beau and Cal OMG. This book was really action packed. There was so much in this book that I was on the edge from page one to the end. Never a dull moment. I still can't stand Lincoln, Beau and Teague's dad. I don't know what evil scheme he was cooking up, but I'm sure we will find out in Beau's book. Overall this book was so good! I can't wait to see what Cal and Beau bring to the series.



https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was planning a full day to just read to catch up with my book challenge. Alas, I need to work from office today. So I am again behind from my reading target.
Fall is the final conclusion of Lincoln and Lexie's story. I am loving it. Miss Claire done justice to close their story.

I am not sure about the ending. I want more dramatic plot to close end the story. But hey, what Miss Claire wrote, is still very good. I got to see and understand Lincoln's character much better. He is sweet, guilt ridden and loyal hero. He proves his true character by loving Lexie. He also have courgae to faced his past with his father.

Overall, this is a very good read.

4 stars

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

Grahame Claire definitely knows how to write a conclusion. Lincoln and Lexie had me so invested in their story I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. But I was definitely not prepared for the rollercoaster that their story took me on. 

This book had so much going on I couldn't put it down. A lot of surprising moments happened, which I won't get into and spoil anything, but they helped bring Lincoln and Lexie even closer together and made me love them even more. Overall, this was a brilliant story and now I can't wait to get even more from this group of characters. 

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Fall by Grahame Claire brings the emotional conclusion of Lincoln and Lexie's love story. It was quite a rollercoaster with so many emotional twists and swoonworthy feels.

You must read the first book of this duet, Rise before reading Fall. Brooding billionaire Lincoln is attracted to his siblings' good friend Lexie. She has rocked his world with her sassiness, her sweetness for her specially abled brother and her small but amazing dog food business. But Lexie is a closed book and she keeps on pushing him. Until her past comes crashing into her present and Lincoln proves to be the man she needs.

The gear change of this story was evident from the first chapter. Specially in Lexie. She hate Lincoln without any valid reason but when her life and her brother's future are threatened and she has to take his help...she finally sees that Lincoln is a good man behind his cold and hard exterior. He is a complex man. He has too much guilt and misplaced sense of responsibility for others that stop him from enjoying life openly. He really went above and beyond to protect Lexie while dealing with his own troubles. It all worked out beautifully. A bit too smoothly for my taste. I am still not sure if I like Lexie even after her one eighty turn. But I absolutely loved Lincoln. No question. He is just too perfect. This story will give you the slowest of the slow burn so you need to be patient for all the good parts.

Fall by Grahame Claire was an emotional love story with complicated feels and an interesting plot.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just when I thought I couldn’t love Lincoln any more, this book blows all of my expectations out the water. He is more charming, sweet, affectionate and kind, albeit still aloof and blunt. He had incredible character growth and it was realistic and endearing. He deserved a happily ever after and this book definitely delivered.

Lexie was still an okay character and again, I had to warm to her. Although she was a bit annoying, she was charming in her own way and I did enjoy her wit. I just wish she had some more character growth, instead it seemed as though she did the opposite. I can’t complain too much though because at least when it counted, she did have a measure of personal growth when it came to her acceptance of Lincoln. She loved him just the way he was and that was pretty sweet.

The chemistry between Lincoln & Lexie was intensified and I loved how close their bond became. They opened up to each other a lot more which made their connection more real and even more precious. (And to think, this is actually a clean book. I wish there were more authors like this. I know this is not G.C’s usual MO but I appreciate it. This story had everything: suspense, romance, angst, a little action and it still remained chaste)

I just have to mention that I loved Lincoln’s Lawyer, Zegas. He was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. I’m still contemplating whether I hate Lincoln’s father or not. I mean I despise the man but for some reason I can’t commit 💯 because I still hope he’s not that bad and actually loves his kids in his own twisted way? 🤷🏽‍♀️ Loved seeing Pepper, Teague, Beau & Cal. Can’t wait to get to the next one especially after the kinda cliffy ending in this one.


CONTENT
Romance: Clean/chaste, Swoony kissing (one steamy make-out scene)
Language: Moderate (A**, S**t & variations)
Violence: Mild

[April ♥"LOS" ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie and Lincoln have a very tense and tumultuous relationship that grows and evolves throughout the story. Lincoln has always been somewhat of a lone wolf so it's surprising when he so easily accepts Lexie's brother, Eric, and his friendship. The more time Lincoln spends in Lexie and Eric's company the more he starts to appreciate the friendship and love that he's been missing out on.

[it.sgottabethebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to Lincoln and Lexie’s book was so good. I have been anticipating this one since the first book and Grahame Claire didn’t let me down. I adored Lincoln and his vulnerability when it came to Lexie and Seic. He is a man of little words and emotions but you could feel his emotions jump off the pages with the authors words. It was a journey that had a lot of ups and downs but when those walls were let down and we saw a glimpse of the man who had so much love to give I swooned. He is my absolute fave!

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion to Lincoln and Lexie's story was so beautifully put together. The road these two went on was so incredibly winding but when push comes to shove these two overcame to find something so beautiful

[Pitoufa's Bookish Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Slow Burn
- Touch her and ☠
- He falls harder
- Age gap

"It won't be long before my cash depletes. My assets are frozen. I can't participate in the business I love. But if I end up on the streets with nothing left, it would be okay as long as you're with me." Lincoln 😭❤

This duet was even more emotional and tear triggering than the first in the series 😭 I hate the fact that it's already over because Lincoln and Lexie are without a doubt my favorite couple and I'll miss them A WHOLE LOT! 😭💔 And that's saying something, knowing the third and last duet, which is Bow's story, happens to be a marriage of convenience 🔥 (my FAVORITE TROPE EVER!!)

Don't think I've ever said this before, but Lincoln is the best grumpy male character I've EVER read about! I truly loved everything about him. From how he shouldered the major part of his father's egocentrism and self-righteousness, to how selfless and pure hearted he could be 😭 Honestly? I felt like giving him a HUGE hug ❤ he's not perfect, but he IS husband material ❤❤❤ his relationship with Eric was so incredibly sweet, I legit am failing to describe how genuine and UNIQUE his character was 😫❤

Lexie was the picture of resilience ❤ even after all the misery her parents put her and her brother through, she never once thought about letting them win. Her life redefined the word "challenging" but her smile never faded, and that alone showed just how strong and brave she was ❤ victims of emotional abůsə are not nearly taken as seriously as they should be, and sometimes, they end up losing the battle, both against their abųsėrs and against themselves 💔 I'm happy Lexie had Eric by her side and later on Lincoln ❤

For those who haven't read the series yet, I'd suggest you get right onto it, because it's one of the best I've read in a long, long while ❤

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I really liked this one. I liked it a lot more than the first book because it gave me more answers.
I really liked our Hero in this. He was amazing especially with the heroine's brother. I melted with those two.
Overall the plot developed quickly and in the end this couple stole my heart.
I cannot wait to read more about this group.

Thank you to Social Butterfly pr and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo / Google Play

Lincoln's a man who loves deeply, yet doesn't know how to articulate it with words. When things happen, his first instinct is to push Lexie and Eric away. Not because he doesn't love them, but because he does. Unfortunately for him, he has it all backwards. Fortunately for him, he has a family who will talk him out of his more ridiculous ideas (like pushing away the loves of his life), and who are as protective of him as he is of them. AND luckily for him, Lexie and Eric adore him, and are willing to forgive him for being the stoic man who doesn't tell them what he's doing when he's doing it.



But really, Lincoln's not the only lucky one. Lexie is equally lucky that her man loves her, because he's just as amazing and strong as she is, and she deserved a partner equal in strength and heart to her. But the luckiest, most deserving of all, Eric, he's the standout of this story. If only there were more Erics in our lives - people with innocence and heart and who view the world with love. Yep, he's my favorite part of this story, with Lincoln and Lexie not far behind. I loved this emotional rollercoaster of a conclusion to Lexie, Eric and Lincoln's journey, and I cannot wait for Beau's story next. The last part of the epilogue gave just a peek at what it will be and I am so excited!

ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Elle Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful.

I was anxious and on edge during the whole book, always waiting for something to go wrong. But this story had the perfect balance between wariness and sweetness.

For every thing that didn't work out, we had a beautiful scene, a warm and cozy interaction between Lincoln, Lexie and Eric.
Lincoln and Lexie were strong, driven and closed off. They didn't trust easily and little to no one had access to the inside of their tall and strongly-built walls.
Yet they were deeply loyal, they didn't throw out idle words, whatever they said, they meant, and they loved intensely, with everything they had. Protecting the ones they loved was what drove them.

Their feelings were so beautiful and genuine, so enthralling and touching. Add to all that the purity and care that lay within Eric and not reading this book was impossible.

Now I can't wait for Beau and Cal's story.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good follow-up, a little sadder
It's a good ending, with a story always full of unpredictable twists and turns and that until the end with the announcement of the end of the story for the next book and the story of Beau.
In the previous part, the actions of Lexie's father led to her arrest. She had rescued Lincoln, now it's up to him to act to protect Lexie and her brother Eric.
This episode is still romantic, well written, but with a little more depressing side in the face of the attacks they suffer.

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

I loved the conclusion to the Rise & Fall duet! Lincoln and Lexie's story captivated me throughout their journey from beginning to end. Fall by Grahame Claire is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++++  

Two special people open his eyes to a new kind of life.  

Lexie and Eric helped him when he was handcuffed and the FBI ready to bring him in for tax evasion and securities fraud.  Now it turns out that it's Lincoln's time to help Lexie and Eric from being taken by authorities.  It's interesting seeing Lincoln panic and forget what he has to do to help them.  Suddenly remembering David gets his call, his attorney Zegas, Teague and Pepper along with Beau.  He is so desperate that he even calls his Father.  But there isn't much he'll do.  So Lincoln tries to keep Lexie at the kitchen with Eric making the dog food for the next days orders to fill.  
Lexie's nightmare is Eric being taken by the social worker. She can't have him taken and put into whatever home.  Their upbringing was so horrendous.  The mother would lock them up in dark closets and leave them there for days with no food or water or a means of using the bathroom.  The bad memories of growing up with those parents and the abuse inflicted on the two of them since they were little will never leave her.
Lexie and Beau have known each other for many many years.  They got to know each other as youngsters.  One positive thing that puts Lexie's mind at ease so that the social worker doesn't take Eric is that she asked Beau if she would take care of him if anything happened to Lexie.  So now Beau brings the documents on her phone to put the social worker in her place.  
Unfortunately for Lexie that officer gets tired of wasting time and wants to take her in.  Lincoln knows he has to follow her to be with her or at least close to the cell she is in.  The memories of the nightmares comes to her and puts her in a panic.  She can't breathe.  So much so that she passes out and hits her head on the concrete.  A hospital visit is required, she's out cold and won't come around.  Lincoln wants to hurt someone.  So much so that he wants to permanently eradicate her father for having caused her being locked up.  It hits him again that he needs to do something.  Once he has his family, Daniel and Zegas doing the things that they do working at it he calms very slightly.  Lexie is out cold with a possible concussion and having tests run in case her skull received the brunt of the fall.  Lincoln starts seeing that he can't live without her or Eric.  With the two dogs he adopted, Muffy and Millie things have never been like they were before.  His home is no long quiet and he's finding he's experiencing emotions that he never has.  He enjoys the laughter they bring him and the changes though still confused with what he's being made to feel.  
He's found he can be happy where he never was before.  He no longer trusts his father Samuel Hollingsworth.  Not that he trusted him completely.  The siblings lives growing up was not easy.  Especially after their mother was murdered.  Lincoln took it upon himself to protect Teague and Beau from their father.  After those memories are brought back to him, in one of his meeting with his attorney Lincoln is informed of who put a stop in the investigation of his mother's murder.  Plus there is a secret he kept since it happened to her.  More pieces to the puzzle coming together.  Another piece is the problem of the title to his apartment.  Again Zegas shares something with him that is an eye opener.  
In a surprise visit to his father's house, he is made aware of who is holding the liens to a lot of his properties.  Unfortunately, Lincoln still can't perform his job and all his assets haven't been released.  Then a nightmare hits when he and Eric are delivering samples of their home made dog food to prospective newcomers.  One happens to be a big danger to Eric which Lincoln blames himself with what happened.  Lexie can't help in blaming him as well.  So much so that their relationship suffers.  
Readers expect tears, laughter, love, hope, a growing relationship, familial trust and love, mystery, danger, power struggle and learning about the tendencies that people will go to.  The Rise and Fall Duet books are a must read.  Grahame Claire and crew really out did themselves in the writing of these two books.  
Fall completes things with a new start with Lincoln, Lexie, Eric, Muffy and Millie.  This is a page-turner hard to put down.  Get your box of tissues ready for the read.  Experience a surprise wedding.  Then there is an unexpected surprise for Beau that you have to wonder what is the advantage for it.  So shock will hit you.  
I loved reading this ARC of Fall.  I would have loved if it could have been longer longer, longer.  What can I say, I love Grahame Claire's books.  They've always grab the readers' attention.  They've always managed to get readers absorbed into the books with the great characters and story line.  High five guys, lots of kudos and applause.  My hope is that they keep bringing these characters with interesting story-lines.

I received an ARC of this book and also purchased it and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.  

[mary Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall starts with the tables turned for Lexie and Lincoln. Lexie finds herself as the one in handcuffs this time. She is being taken into custody for assault… the assault being the slap she gave her dad when he threatened taking Eric away from her. Lexi was fearful about Eric being alone without her. Even more so she feared where Eric would be staying if the authorities got involved. Fortunately Lexi had made previous arrangements for Beau to take care of Eric if she was unable to.

But Lincoln is with her and although he kind of studder steps he finally pulls his head together and gets the ball rolling to help free Lexi. Getting the family attorneys on it as well as reluctantly asking his dad for help to have Lexi freed. Unfortunately for Lexi, she is not able to avoid being taken in for the time being. After her passing out in the cell she was detained in she is taken to the hospital for observation. Thankfully Lincoln is able to be there with her and with his love and protectiveness she feels safe.

Here’s the thing, with Lexi and Lincoln getting closer it was never a question that he would take her home to stay with him upon her release from the hospital. But unknown to Lexi is that Eric and Beau are there too, making for a happy homecoming. Since Lexi is unable to tend to her business, Lincoln and Eric are assuming the duties of making and delivering the dog food for her. It’s here that things take an unexpected disastrous turn for the worst when Lexi’s parents show up again.

Hold onto your seats as things get starts to get crazy!! You’re going to really surprised at the turn of events as the story concludes. What’s truly amazing is seeing the change in Lincoln at the end of the book and how he looks at life now. All because of the innocence of Eric. It’s a perfect ending and will leave you with a great big smile on your face.

Might I say that I can’t wait for the next books with Beau & Cal!!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading book two in Graham Claire's Rise and Fall duet, Fall, I found that I really enjoyed finding out what happened to protagonists Lexie and Lincoln. Fall is only the second book that I've read by Graham and I definitely will continue to read her book. I enjoy the world and characters that she has created and honestly I can't wait for more books within this universe so I can see Lincoln's sister fall in love...
Graham Claire's Fall picked up right where book one, Rise, left us... It picked up with Lexie being about to be arrested for slapping her father, leaving her disabled younger brother in the custody of the state. The only lucky thing about this situation is that Eric can't be placed with their parents, who just got released from jail, and that she already had paperwork in place for Eric to stay with her friend. But when Lexie gets locked in a cell it brings back bad memories of her childhood.
Lincoln is struggling to keep himself out of jail for securities fraud and now he's also worried about keeping Lexie out of jail too. He also wants to make sure Lexie doesn't exhaust herself with everything going on in her life so Lincoln takes the time out of his busy day to help Lexie and Eric deliver their fresh homemade dog food, just adding to the stresses in his life. Just when Lincoln and Lexie think everything is going their way in their relationship both Lincoln and Lexie's dads cause trouble for them. Can Lincoln and Lexie keep themselves out of jail and themselves together?

[Trisha c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie is strong, self-assured and confident on the outside, but is broken, concerned and feels defeated on the inside. Lexie is always the protector and guardian of her brother, Eric.
Eric has downs syndrome. His childlike, positive outlook on life and effervescent personality, brings joy and happiness to everyone that surrounds him.
Eric is her only concern, to keep him safe and happy. One mistake she made can change the rest of their lives for the worst.
Lincoln Hollingsworth is a man who doesn't show his emotions, His stoic, tough exterior is hiding a gentle soul with a big heart. He has a legal battle he is fighting. How can he continue to be involved with Lexie and Eric if he is arrested?
When Lexie and Eric entered his life, his emotional walls he built around himself, start to tumble down. The electricity between him and Lexie is there, but it took time for both to trust each other to open their hearts. The more Lincoln and Eric interacted with each other, the more she let Lincoln in emotionally.
Grahame Claire's duet, Rise and Fall, is
A story of love,
A story of how to survIve even when life keeps throwing curve balls,
A story of acceptance,
A story of positivity.
I love how they included a character with disabilities. They make Eric shine. He was the one person that brought many fun, delightful moments in this story. I received an ARC and offered my honest review.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall by Grahame Claire was a rollercoaster ride of a conclusion to Lincoln and Lexie's story. This story picks up right where Fall left off and answers so many questions. Lexie is dealing with all the family drama, and Lincoln is still working through business issues. Let me tell you I fell even harder in this one for Lincoln, albeit he did have some irritating moments. Lincoln's love, dedication, and devotion to Lexie and her brother Eric were completely swoon-worthy. Seeing his character truly evolve and letting his heart love another was completely captivating! In this conclusion, we get to see Lexie and Lincoln open up to one another and strengthen their bond. Of course, they have their rocky moments, but in the end, love prevails. Plus, that Bob Ross night for Eric made my heart melt! I loved getting glimpses and catching up with the whole Hollingsworth family. That ending makes me even more excited to start Beau's duet!

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell narrate this audiobook. Joe continues to turn on the charm portraying sweet and affectionate Lincoln. Plus, Maxine's portrayal of Lexie's witty and passionate personality was amazing! I always love when these two are paired together. They always showcase the couple's attraction to each other and magnetic chemistry perfectly!

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Because I want to turn your might fall into a definitely. "
Need I say more?

This is the conclusion to Lincoln and Lexi's story -
Be prepared this one will tug at every one of those emotional strings

"She said you can't be that angry at someone you don't love. "

Lincoln, our stuffelluffagus, has met his match with Lexie.
Even as things in his life are spiraling out of control rapidly -
He can't stop himself from putting Lexi and Eric's needs first
Only it looks as though his inability to protect those he loves applies to them as well
He has never felt so helpless
Never so broken

"How the mighty have fallen."

This has all the angst smothered in the most heartfelt and emotional romance
Their relationship... sigh #relationshipgoals
The way it develops
The way Lincoln sees his world through new eyes
The depth of their connection... you can feel the truth of it bleeding off the pages
The family
Everything about them will stay with me long after I say my goodbyes

And the surprise at the end - 😳

Quick opinion moment here
I don't care if he has ulterior motives or if he thinks he is doing right by his family I do not like him nor do I think what he is doing is for the greater good especially after his revelation with Lincoln

[Sandi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Catch Me
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
In Fall by Grahame Claire, Lexie and her brother Eric are a team. Lexie has always protected her special needs brother Eric although he is her older brother. Their parents were horrible, the mother would lock both children in dark closets for hours. The father was a criminal. When they both went to prison Lexie made a life for she and Eric. She started a dog treats business. That is how she met the Hollingsworths. Lincoln Hollingsworth is Teague’s older brother whom we met in Crash. And is her friend Pepper’s boyfriend. Lincoln is pretty uptight, with good cause, he’s always been the buffer between his controlling father and his sister Beau and brother Teague. Lincoln is under scrutiny for tax evasion and securities fraud. Lexie is blindsided by her father who just got out of prison, and goes after Eric. Calling him names and treating him bad. Lexie goes off and hits her father. He of course plays it up and has her arrested. This is the story of Lincoln, Lexi, and Eric and all the hurdles they face. Please do yourself a favor and read this entire series. We see old friends and of course the dogs who are so integral to this series!

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall is the satisfying conclusion to the Rise and Fall Duet and a emotional visit to Lincoln and Lexie's world. Everyone is back, all their colorful friends and family, some great, some horrible. We learn a lot more about what made Lincoln and Lexie the people they are. We get a lot of answers too.

I enjoy these two oh-so-realistic characters. So many of us are just like them and get in our own way when it comes to happiness and our heart's desires. Lincoln is so damn stubborn, ok Lexie is too, and determined Lexie and Eric are better off without him. There were times I wanted to reach in the book and slap him! Lexie is equally stubborn and damaged but at least she's starting to see that going the hard way alone isn't really for the best. We see more of Lincoln's siblings and father and learn a lot about Lincoln's mom, her life and death. We also see Lexie and Eric's parents and find it even more amazing that these two are such genuine and good people. The book also gives a great philosophical overview of what love can mean and the many forms it can take.

I love Lincoln. He's exactly the kind of guy I'm attracted too. Sadly, in real life they don't come around the way he does. I also love Lexie's spunk, determination and all around wonderful personality. Lincoln's love for Eric alone is enough to redeem all his other character flaws. He's never even thought of using Eric to get to Lexie. He gets as much from their friendship as Eric does. The story has plenty of tension, another arrest right off the bat, for example. Lots of love and hurt and finally a happily ever after. All the elements needed to keep me turning pages.

Thanks to the author and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m here to admit, I’m eating crow with this review. Upon reading Rise, book one in the duet, I was polite, but I made it clear that I didn’t know it was part of a duet, and I needed background from Teague’s books (the duet BEFORE this one) to help me understand some of the subtext to Lincoln and his family. I also didn’t care for Lexi…like, at all.

So I owe a great big mea culpa to the writers and tell them, and anyone else who’s reading reviews, that I thoroughly enjoyed Fall. It filled in many of the blanks that were missing for me. It filled me with even more love for the decidedly non-chatty and stoic Lincoln. I was treated to the squishy love bug that is Eric. And it made me like Lexi. Yup, I succumbed to her, outside of her devotion to Eric.
I really enjoyed the intrigue included in the story, because while Rise introduced us to the characters and situations, Fall featured a fuller plot. The reader got more background, not just to Lexi and Eric’s situation but to Lincoln and the whole Hollingsworth family. Plus, it sets us Beau’s story, which looks amazing!
I am eating my earlier words and saying with complete honesty, go buy, then sit and read Rise and Fall.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to the Rise and Fall duet and boy was it a good one! It picked up right where Rise left off. Man was that a cliffhanger. Lincoln is so much more that what he shows the outside world. His idea of showing your love through actions and not words is exactly what I do. Words can become empty promises when actions don't back them up. I express my love for people through my actions as well. There is so much depth to Lincoln. I love the side that comes out of him with Eric and Lexie. I so loved Eric he was such a beautiful part of this series. He always makes me feel happy. Lincoln so deserves to have someone like Eric in his life to bring what really matters into perspective. Lexie and Eric's parents are a piece of work that need a swift visit from karma and justice served. There is more insight into the the Hollingsworth family. It's not all pretty either. I have so many more questions so it's a good thing Beau is getting a duet as well. I have a feeling it's going to be quite interesting that's for sure! This duet lived up to my expectations and had me hooked. These characters are going to have you gobbling up the pages.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall: Rise and Fall Duet, Book 2
Shaken, Book 4
By: Grahame Claire
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

What a conclusion! Grahame Claire had me on the edge with the cliffhanger from Rise, and I couldn't wait to keep going to see what would happen between Lincoln and Lexie. Picking up where we left off, not only is Linc faced with problems, but now Lexie has been arrested and the fate of Eric is at stake. Who is behind it all and where will it take this couple? I had suspicions on the ending of this, but the reasoning and directions this story took were surprising! I love Linc and Lexie together, but Eric still has my heart. He is quite the character, with is spot on comments. Plus the fun of seeing Pepper and Teague, Adelaide, Daniel and the dogs!!! Love the dogs and the feeling of family this series has. Bring on Beau's story, I am ready!

Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell finish out this duet with their fantastic narration. I am enjoying their performances together, as their chemistry is so evident. It comes through and shines with Lexie and Linc. Plus they can switch from young to old, sweet to nasty and create characters that I feel like I know. Loved it!

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Shaken Series…you can help but fall in love with the chats of characters. This is a beautiful conclusion to Lexie, Lincoln and Eric’s story.

Lincoln is a man we want to hate but gosh darn it he so loving, protective and thoughtful. I feel he puts up the tough exterior to protective himself from showing emotions. Although he’s wealthy, he has some demons from his past that keep him from being happy/content.

Lexie has had a very tough life and some truths come out in this book. Unimaginable events her and Eric have faced, however, they are determined to be happy and do what they love.

Lincoln, Lexie and Eric begin to spend a lot of time together and become very close until a couple of events push them apart. There is a HEA! :)

I love Grahame Claire’s …
story telling,
character development,
element of mystery,
how they make you love even the broody characters,
And the true life aspects of their stories.

Cannot wait for the Bend and Break duet.

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully perfect!! This book was a stunning conclusion to Lincoln and Lexie’s story. I was excited to read this one as book 1 left us on a cliffhanger and I needed answers. I got those answers as well as all the emotions that came with them! This book had me not only gripped but it also had me in tears one moment to smiling the next and then back to having my heart breaking. Lincoln and Lexie’s chemistry is stunning in this book and once again Eric shines through as well as 2 cute and mischievous dogs. Once again these ladies have a hit on their hands and I wish I could give them more than five stars for their wonderful book. This new series is addictive and I can’t wait to read the next 2 books to find out Beau and Cal’s story. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion but you seriously need to read this duet! Well done ladies, you rock and your books make my life just that little bit better, so thank you.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in July I read Rise (book 1), and I had mixed feelings about the story. I didn't vibe with Lincoln at the beginning of the book, and I was quite irritated with him. Yet as the story continued on, I was curious. I was drawn in. Lexie and Eric had me sticking around. Then the cliffhanger happened, and I found myself NEEDING to know what happened next.

And what happened next, had me loving the story. Seeing how Lincoln and Beau took care of Eric, and wrapped him up in love, friendship, and respect just pulled at my heartstrings. Seeing how Eric was determined to have Lincoln as a part of his life was amazing. Seeing how Lexie was torn up about the situation that was keeping her away from her brother just about broke me. Witnessing Eric and Lexie reunite was everything. Then there was the storyline about Lincoln's financial issues, and how all that played out had my jaw dropping. I couldn't believe that I read what I did. I didn't even mention the storyline about Lexie's situation. But how all that played out, and how it was resolved? SO GOOD.

At the end of the day, I found myself truly enjoying Fall, and in turn appreciating what I read in Rise. Now that I've read the duet, I enjoyed the story as a whole. I still say that they way Lincoln was introduced in Rise was annoying, and I didn't like him. BUT he had major character growth, and we were able to witness compassion, concern, and a desire to protect those he cares about.

[Melanie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the conclusion to Lexie and Lincoln’s romance. As expected, both Lexie and Lincoln’s legal troubles are resolved and Lexie’s parents cause trouble and try to get control of Eric back but they fail. Lincoln is such a sweetheart underneath his gruff exterior. He took in Muffy & Millie and then Lexie and Eric. I am not sure how the situation with the murder of Lincoln’s mom and his dad will be resolved but I can’t wait to find out in Beau’s books and see the three siblings happy. It is always great to have the Cameo’s from characters from the Paths to Love series and this one didn’t disappoint. I wonder if there is a bit more good in their dad than he has shown to them and if he will be redeemed in the end and who exactly killed their mom and why.

As always with a Grahame Claire book, the editing was superb.

I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.