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Falling For Finn
"When you've been burned, the heat of the moment is the scariest place to be. "
Six months after a sexual assault, Anna Jameson has decided enough is enough. She's sick of being a victim, of letting the experience have power over her. She wants her fear of physical intimacy gone, as in now.
In the quest to reclaim her sexuality, she needs a man. A man she trusts absolutely. A man like her best friend, Finn.
Finn Shaw is all about taking risks. He does it every week on his extreme sports TV show. But there's one boundary he's never pushed, and that's his friendship with Anna. When his hyper-intellectual family kicked him to the curb over his dyslexia, Anna stuck by him.
Her request to become friends with benefits throws him for a loop. He can't deny her anything, but this is a whole different ball game. Once they're skin to skin, there will be no hiding the fact that he's loved her for years.
When their chemistry burns out of control, Finn decides he's the one who's had enough. It's time to break out of the friend box-and show Anna that risking her heart is a risk well worth taking. Even if it costs him her friendship.
This book contains a strong-willed heroine who knows what she wants, a daredevil hero intent on showing her how much more she could have, sexy love scenes that'll melt your heart, and a grand gesture you'll need a tissue for.
Six months after a sexual assault, Anna Jameson has decided enough is enough. She's sick of being a victim, of letting the experience have power over her. She wants her fear of physical intimacy gone, as in now.
In the quest to reclaim her sexuality, she needs a man. A man she trusts absolutely. A man like her best friend, Finn.
Finn Shaw is all about taking risks. He does it every week on his extreme sports TV show. But there's one boundary he's never pushed, and that's his friendship with Anna. When his hyper-intellectual family kicked him to the curb over his dyslexia, Anna stuck by him.
Her request to become friends with benefits throws him for a loop. He can't deny her anything, but this is a whole different ball game. Once they're skin to skin, there will be no hiding the fact that he's loved her for years.
When their chemistry burns out of control, Finn decides he's the one who's had enough. It's time to break out of the friend box-and show Anna that risking her heart is a risk well worth taking. Even if it costs him her friendship.
This book contains a strong-willed heroine who knows what she wants, a daredevil hero intent on showing her how much more she could have, sexy love scenes that'll melt your heart, and a grand gesture you'll need a tissue for.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
18 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Ashenden
488 books976 followersJackie has been writing fiction since she was eleven years old. Mild mannered fantasy/SF/pseudo-literary writer by day, obsessive romance writer by night, she used to balance her writing with the more serious job of librarianship until a chance meeting with another romance writer prompted her to throw off the shackles of her day job and devote herself to the true love of her heart – writing romance. She particularly likes to write dark, emotional stories with alpha heroes who've just got the world to their liking only to have it blown wide apart by their kick-ass heroines.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her husband, the inimitable Dr Jax, two kids, two cats and some guppies (possibly dead guppies by the time you read this). When she's not torturing alpha males and their stroppy heroines, she can be found drinking chocolate martinis, reading anything she can lay her hands on, posting random crap on her blog, or being forced to go mountain biking with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 21, 2013
A fantasy novel where magic sex cures all, even trauma over being sexually assaulted.
This was SO not what I thought it was going to be.
This was very disappointing.
This was SO not what I thought it was going to be.
This was very disappointing.
February 24, 2013
Lee's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Review
3 Stars
This is definitely a different kind of review for me so please bare with me. It is really important to me that I give this book a fair shake, but at the same time my main concern is to provide you guys with a completely honest review. So here goes…
This was a wonderfully written story with two very emotionally charged characters. There is no doubt what-so-ever that Ms. Ashenden is a talented author and knows her way around a book. I fell in love with Finn and stayed that way throughout the entire book.
That being said, Falling for Finn is a little difficult for me to review because I never came to like the heroine, Anna. I felt for her and I can’t begin to understand how a sexual assault could make a woman feel. That concept of the story was very well written and it was obvious that this author put a lot of thought into her heroine. I just couldn’t deal with how long it took Anna to drop her guard with Finn
My heart broke for Finn over and over again when Anna would use what he gave to her then discard him every time. I just couldn’t get past feeling that she was extremely selfish. Now, before you start disagreeing with me, please understand one thing. This review is strictly my own opinion and I do not expect everyone to agree with me. And I am sure that the author didn’t intend for everyone to feel the way I do about Anna. It’s not very often I come across such an amazing story but feel such a diconnect to one of the main characters.
Despite my feelings towards Anna, this book was good enough to keep me interested till the very end and I’m glad I finished it.
Although I have some issues with Falling for Finn I think that Jackie Ashenden can definitely write a wonderful story, and I absolutely plan on reading more from her.
3 Stars
This is definitely a different kind of review for me so please bare with me. It is really important to me that I give this book a fair shake, but at the same time my main concern is to provide you guys with a completely honest review. So here goes…
This was a wonderfully written story with two very emotionally charged characters. There is no doubt what-so-ever that Ms. Ashenden is a talented author and knows her way around a book. I fell in love with Finn and stayed that way throughout the entire book.
That being said, Falling for Finn is a little difficult for me to review because I never came to like the heroine, Anna. I felt for her and I can’t begin to understand how a sexual assault could make a woman feel. That concept of the story was very well written and it was obvious that this author put a lot of thought into her heroine. I just couldn’t deal with how long it took Anna to drop her guard with Finn
My heart broke for Finn over and over again when Anna would use what he gave to her then discard him every time. I just couldn’t get past feeling that she was extremely selfish. Now, before you start disagreeing with me, please understand one thing. This review is strictly my own opinion and I do not expect everyone to agree with me. And I am sure that the author didn’t intend for everyone to feel the way I do about Anna. It’s not very often I come across such an amazing story but feel such a diconnect to one of the main characters.
Despite my feelings towards Anna, this book was good enough to keep me interested till the very end and I’m glad I finished it.
Although I have some issues with Falling for Finn I think that Jackie Ashenden can definitely write a wonderful story, and I absolutely plan on reading more from her.
February 17, 2013
This is Jackie Ashenden’s debut book and what a high impact debut it is. Falling for Finn had me engrossed on so many levels. And of course I was Falling for Finn from the first moment he stalked onto the page.
The heroine is such an intriguing mix of caution and courage and it’s obvious that Finn gets that right from the start. This is a friends to lovers story so Anna and Finn have a long history dating back to their childhood. Anna’s recent trauma has made her withdraw even from this friendship so Finn is already off balance and offside when she turns up on his doorstep.
What she asks of him will change that friendship forever. Finn knows that, but Anna hasn’t really thought it through. Thus begins a roller coaster ride of emotion as they challenge each other and test the boundaries of their friendship. And maybe even break them.
I found this book intensely engaging and am not ashamed to say I cried at some points. Both Finn and Anna are very real people in their strengths and vulnerabilities. I loved this book and there were some breakout moments that really showed the magic Jackie Ashenden is capable of delivering. I look forward to seeing more of her work.
The heroine is such an intriguing mix of caution and courage and it’s obvious that Finn gets that right from the start. This is a friends to lovers story so Anna and Finn have a long history dating back to their childhood. Anna’s recent trauma has made her withdraw even from this friendship so Finn is already off balance and offside when she turns up on his doorstep.
What she asks of him will change that friendship forever. Finn knows that, but Anna hasn’t really thought it through. Thus begins a roller coaster ride of emotion as they challenge each other and test the boundaries of their friendship. And maybe even break them.
I found this book intensely engaging and am not ashamed to say I cried at some points. Both Finn and Anna are very real people in their strengths and vulnerabilities. I loved this book and there were some breakout moments that really showed the magic Jackie Ashenden is capable of delivering. I look forward to seeing more of her work.
October 3, 2016
Re-read October 2016 Enjoyed this one again but forgot about all the fighting! Angst but great sex.
Wow, this was a great book! I loved the "sexual healing" storyline that eventually leads to two best friends expressing their lifelong love for each other.
Highly recommended if you enjoy M/F sexual healing, friends-to-lovers, angst and hot sex!
Wow, this was a great book! I loved the "sexual healing" storyline that eventually leads to two best friends expressing their lifelong love for each other.
Highly recommended if you enjoy M/F sexual healing, friends-to-lovers, angst and hot sex!
Want to read
November 20, 2012OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!
A huge THANK YOU to the AWESOME Jackie Ashenden for sending me an ARC of this book!!! I cannot wait to read it!!!! xoxoxo
A huge THANK YOU to the AWESOME Jackie Ashenden for sending me an ARC of this book!!! I cannot wait to read it!!!! xoxoxo
May 6, 2013
Jackie Ashenden's debut novel is a beautifully written story with flawed and emotionally charged characters and a very emotional trope : friends to lovers.
Anna and Finn have been best friend for as long as they can remember. They have always been there for each other. They both have childhood baggage . Finn with his dyslexia and Anna with her parents constant fighting. They know each other from the inside out. Except for one thing. Finn has always been in love with Anna. He thinks he got over it and moved on, accepting that friendship is all he ll ever get from Anna. Until Anna shows on his doorstep with a strange request for help. She has been drugged and assaulted and he is the only person who can help her overcome her fear of men. Can Finn help his best friend and, at the same time, fulfill his wildest fantasy ? It isn't as if he is still in love with her. Right ?
Wrong.
I loved the title, it is perfect. You cant help but fall for Finn. Anna, with all her denials and running away, is harder to like but you can understand where she is coming from.
Anna and Finn have been best friend for as long as they can remember. They have always been there for each other. They both have childhood baggage . Finn with his dyslexia and Anna with her parents constant fighting. They know each other from the inside out. Except for one thing. Finn has always been in love with Anna. He thinks he got over it and moved on, accepting that friendship is all he ll ever get from Anna. Until Anna shows on his doorstep with a strange request for help. She has been drugged and assaulted and he is the only person who can help her overcome her fear of men. Can Finn help his best friend and, at the same time, fulfill his wildest fantasy ? It isn't as if he is still in love with her. Right ?
Wrong.
I loved the title, it is perfect. You cant help but fall for Finn. Anna, with all her denials and running away, is harder to like but you can understand where she is coming from.
Read
August 14, 2013DNF
Finn, I love you and I can't stand the way Anna treats you. I don't want this to have a happy ending. You deserve better!
Finn, I love you and I can't stand the way Anna treats you. I don't want this to have a happy ending. You deserve better!
Read
March 2, 2013
DNF at 65%
I really liked the hero, Finn, but the heroine Anna just frustrated me to no end. At 65%, I just couldn't take it anymore...
I really liked the hero, Finn, but the heroine Anna just frustrated me to no end. At 65%, I just couldn't take it anymore...
February 24, 2016
Meh! I don't know! This whole book irritated me!
Sorry!
Sorry!
March 20, 2013
The tension in Falling For Finn was incredible. Seriously. Especially in the beginning when on the knife's edge of crossing from friends to lovers, and not being sure where that puts such a good relationship.
I have to defend Anna a little. Many reviewers called her selfish and unlikable. But as a person who guards her emotions fiercely, AND has mild OCD, I understood Anna's reasonings. Her rules and her strict definition of who Finn was to her. Because when everything is familiar and in your control, YOU are in control. The second one thing changes, you are spiraling out of control.
With her attack still fresh in her mind in the first half of the novel, I absolutely understood her refusal to change those rules. The second half of the novel (in regards to her refusal to change) read to me as her finally accepting her love for Finn that had always been there.
So yes, on the surface she comes across as INCREDIBLY frustrating and selfish. But when you realize she had to strip away not one set of personal defenses, but two, and accept the utter unknowingness that would result from it? I can sympathize with her - though of course I was irritated with her, too. I think we're supposed to be.
I also sympathized with Finn. How can you not? The man is a masochist - he must be. He was beautifully painful to read, as he gave Anna his love and let her stomp all over it time and time again.
Falling For Finn is about two very flawed people. No relationship is neat and tidy, and theirs certainly isn't. It's brutal, raw, and a confrontation of emotion. That's what I really liked about it.
I have to defend Anna a little. Many reviewers called her selfish and unlikable. But as a person who guards her emotions fiercely, AND has mild OCD, I understood Anna's reasonings. Her rules and her strict definition of who Finn was to her. Because when everything is familiar and in your control, YOU are in control. The second one thing changes, you are spiraling out of control.
With her attack still fresh in her mind in the first half of the novel, I absolutely understood her refusal to change those rules. The second half of the novel (in regards to her refusal to change) read to me as her finally accepting her love for Finn that had always been there.
So yes, on the surface she comes across as INCREDIBLY frustrating and selfish. But when you realize she had to strip away not one set of personal defenses, but two, and accept the utter unknowingness that would result from it? I can sympathize with her - though of course I was irritated with her, too. I think we're supposed to be.
I also sympathized with Finn. How can you not? The man is a masochist - he must be. He was beautifully painful to read, as he gave Anna his love and let her stomp all over it time and time again.
Falling For Finn is about two very flawed people. No relationship is neat and tidy, and theirs certainly isn't. It's brutal, raw, and a confrontation of emotion. That's what I really liked about it.
February 26, 2013
I was recommended this book by another of my favorite authors, and I am not at all surprised to find out that I LOVED this book.
I love that Ms. Ashenden shows both the H & h have made mistakes, and they both chafe against admitting to them - but in the end, their friendship and love sees them through.
I've read many books that overload the reader with too many obstacles, and while there were plenty here, they were believable and were dealt with amazingly well. The book starts off with Anna going to her life-long friend to seek a solution to her personal demons. I was lured in by the "He's a perfect guy - handsome, smart, no trouble in his life." premise, but Finn has feet of clay under that well-sculpted body.
Love scenes were tastefully done, and incredibly hot.
I laughed, I *sobbed*, I hear I have to buy stock in the tissue industry to make it through her next book.
I HIGHLY recommend giving this book a try. Hard to get more bang for your three & a half bucks.
p.s. Thanks Maisey. :-)
I love that Ms. Ashenden shows both the H & h have made mistakes, and they both chafe against admitting to them - but in the end, their friendship and love sees them through.
I've read many books that overload the reader with too many obstacles, and while there were plenty here, they were believable and were dealt with amazingly well. The book starts off with Anna going to her life-long friend to seek a solution to her personal demons. I was lured in by the "He's a perfect guy - handsome, smart, no trouble in his life." premise, but Finn has feet of clay under that well-sculpted body.
Love scenes were tastefully done, and incredibly hot.
I laughed, I *sobbed*, I hear I have to buy stock in the tissue industry to make it through her next book.
I HIGHLY recommend giving this book a try. Hard to get more bang for your three & a half bucks.
p.s. Thanks Maisey. :-)
February 17, 2013
Was so happy to read & enjoy this book.
The opening chapters are so emotionally charged, I actually had a physical reaction. The depth of emotion in the writing is top notch, and what I particularly enjoyed about this story is the characters weren’t always nice to each other. I know that’s a weird thing to like, but in real life we often hurt people when we’re hurt or scared, and so there was an extra sort of realism depicted that I particularly enjoy.
The opening chapters are so emotionally charged, I actually had a physical reaction. The depth of emotion in the writing is top notch, and what I particularly enjoyed about this story is the characters weren’t always nice to each other. I know that’s a weird thing to like, but in real life we often hurt people when we’re hurt or scared, and so there was an extra sort of realism depicted that I particularly enjoy.
February 27, 2013
LOVED THIS BOOK,FELL IN LOVE WITH FINN,FELL IN LOVE WITH GREEN EYES AKA ANNA *sigh* I got them,I understood them,I understood their anger,their love,their confusion,their sadness,their imperfections,their misery,I felt all that and more.This is a great book both are not perfect their individual imperfections is what makes them perfect for each other.
March 18, 2013
I understand the circumstances and all of how things happened but I could not overcome my growing dislike for the heroine. One of the most selfish heroine's that I've ever read about. Poor Finn put himself on the line time after time but it wasn't enough for Anna. HOWEVER the writing is pretty good so that does earn a couple stars.
February 22, 2016
After 6 months of disappearance, she came back.
She wanted Finn to help her about something.
Finn was her best friend. He was always there for her.
The favor that she needed? She wanted Finn to sleep with her.
She wanted Finn to help her about something.
Finn was her best friend. He was always there for her.
The favor that she needed? She wanted Finn to sleep with her.
August 11, 2017
Once again I'm blown away by Jackies work from 2013 !!!! The true boundaries of friendship will be tested & pushed beyond both Finn & Annas imaginations!! Gosh this was just such a hot beautiful mess of a love story... and geez .. that melt your heart ending!!Bravo!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
March 31, 2019
Finn
Great book down load and enjoy . Read all and look forward to all of the books have fun great fun
Great book down load and enjoy . Read all and look forward to all of the books have fun great fun
August 2, 2020
I didn't like the heroine, she fustrated me
March 2, 2013
perfect. It's not a book about abused women or the consequences of an assault; it's not a book about friends who fall in love. It's both; A great book and a great love story. A lot of tension between the heroes who have to fight against their fears, and want to share a lot with each other. i love it!
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article7978
Avis de Callixta
Nous ne dirons jamais assez à quel point les auteures océaniennes sont intéressantes et souvent brillantes. Cette fois, c’est une totale inconnue qui commence sa carrière qui vient de surgir. Jackie Ashenden commence une série de romance contemporaine avec un livre passionné au sujet sensible et qui séduit par sa qualité.
Le thème de départ est trompeur. Anna a subi une attaque plusieurs mois auparavant. Brutalisée, retrouvée dans une rue, en partie déshabillée, elle ne sait même pas exactement ce qu’elle a subi. Pendant six mois, elle s’est repliée sur elle même et a coupé les ponts avec ses meilleurs amis dont Finn, le plus ancien, le plus proche aussi. Au début du livre, elle fait l’effort de le retrouver même si elle sait qu’il lui en voudra mais elle a envie de reprendre les rênes de sa vie et pense que si elle peut renouer une relations sexuelle normale, elle progressera. Vers qui se tourner sinon vers son meilleur ami ? Si le plan lui semble simple et évident au départ, elle va vite comprendre que c’est bien plus compliqué que cela.
Le livre n’est pas vraiment la démonstration des difficultés pour une femme de se remettre d’une terrible agression. Toute la force du livre est de glisser de ce thème de départ vers un autre, celui d’une histoire d’amour entre un homme et une femme qui ont tous les deux des peurs profondes et anciennes. Car face à Anna, il y a le beau Finn, apparemment détendu et heureux. Avec son physique de surfeur, c’est un amateur de sports extrêmes et il anime son propre show télé et se porte comme un charme. La demande d’Anna va être comme un violent coup de poing car Finn a vécu sa relation avec Anna de façon totalement différente.
Le roman commence très fort et va rester le plus souvent un fiévreux tête-à-tête entre les deux jeunes gens. Anna est l’intello, avec un poste à responsabilité dans un cabinet d’avocat. Finn est le sportif musclé qui a dû dépasser ses problèmes intellectuels car il est gravement dyslexique. Ils se complètent à merveille, ont toujours eu une entente exceptionnelle mais Anna va tout ébranler. Toute l’histoire est la lente évolution de l’un vers l’autre car ils sont à des stades très différents du point de vue personnel et amoureux. Les dialogues sonnent juste, les scènes sont empreinte d’émotion et de force. La passion monte de page en page avec des hauts et des bas car tous deux doivent faire des efforts.
Voilà une très belle romance qui aborde des sujets graves et présente deux héros comme nous en avons souvent maintenant, blessés par la vie. Les scènes sensuelles sont belles, celles où les émotions sont les plus fortes, superbes.
Voilà une auteure à suivre et nous ne pouvons que nous réjouir de son projet de poursuivre cette série. Il y a des personnages secondaires fort discrets puisque le roman est surtout centré sur le couple mais ils devraient se déployer largement dans les prochains tomes dans des histoires de la même qualité, nous l’espérons.
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article7978
Avis de Callixta
Nous ne dirons jamais assez à quel point les auteures océaniennes sont intéressantes et souvent brillantes. Cette fois, c’est une totale inconnue qui commence sa carrière qui vient de surgir. Jackie Ashenden commence une série de romance contemporaine avec un livre passionné au sujet sensible et qui séduit par sa qualité.
Le thème de départ est trompeur. Anna a subi une attaque plusieurs mois auparavant. Brutalisée, retrouvée dans une rue, en partie déshabillée, elle ne sait même pas exactement ce qu’elle a subi. Pendant six mois, elle s’est repliée sur elle même et a coupé les ponts avec ses meilleurs amis dont Finn, le plus ancien, le plus proche aussi. Au début du livre, elle fait l’effort de le retrouver même si elle sait qu’il lui en voudra mais elle a envie de reprendre les rênes de sa vie et pense que si elle peut renouer une relations sexuelle normale, elle progressera. Vers qui se tourner sinon vers son meilleur ami ? Si le plan lui semble simple et évident au départ, elle va vite comprendre que c’est bien plus compliqué que cela.
Le livre n’est pas vraiment la démonstration des difficultés pour une femme de se remettre d’une terrible agression. Toute la force du livre est de glisser de ce thème de départ vers un autre, celui d’une histoire d’amour entre un homme et une femme qui ont tous les deux des peurs profondes et anciennes. Car face à Anna, il y a le beau Finn, apparemment détendu et heureux. Avec son physique de surfeur, c’est un amateur de sports extrêmes et il anime son propre show télé et se porte comme un charme. La demande d’Anna va être comme un violent coup de poing car Finn a vécu sa relation avec Anna de façon totalement différente.
Le roman commence très fort et va rester le plus souvent un fiévreux tête-à-tête entre les deux jeunes gens. Anna est l’intello, avec un poste à responsabilité dans un cabinet d’avocat. Finn est le sportif musclé qui a dû dépasser ses problèmes intellectuels car il est gravement dyslexique. Ils se complètent à merveille, ont toujours eu une entente exceptionnelle mais Anna va tout ébranler. Toute l’histoire est la lente évolution de l’un vers l’autre car ils sont à des stades très différents du point de vue personnel et amoureux. Les dialogues sonnent juste, les scènes sont empreinte d’émotion et de force. La passion monte de page en page avec des hauts et des bas car tous deux doivent faire des efforts.
Voilà une très belle romance qui aborde des sujets graves et présente deux héros comme nous en avons souvent maintenant, blessés par la vie. Les scènes sensuelles sont belles, celles où les émotions sont les plus fortes, superbes.
Voilà une auteure à suivre et nous ne pouvons que nous réjouir de son projet de poursuivre cette série. Il y a des personnages secondaires fort discrets puisque le roman est surtout centré sur le couple mais ils devraient se déployer largement dans les prochains tomes dans des histoires de la même qualité, nous l’espérons.
March 8, 2014
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
This book was all kinds of awesome. There's something so fun about the passionate, soap opera books. These characters can change emotions on a dime. They finish having sex and one of them literally runs out of the room.
It tugged on my heart and I felt so much for Finn and Anna. They had a lot of issues to work through and the author did a great job of writing each character so passionately that you feel everything they're going through.
Anna was drugged and sexually assaulted six months before this book starts and she's just starting to come out from the cave of dealing with it. It feels like she's so innocent and naive: to believe that your best male friend would just automatically help you overcome the terror of being touched by having sex with you. You completely feel for her that she just can't even wrap her mind around what life is like apart from living with this fear. She can't see anything beyond “Finn helps me with everything, so obviously he'll help me with this”.
Finn is tough and physical but also really vulnerable. It's not very often you find a romance hero who's been pining for the heroine and pretty much the instance he has a chance, he's actually honest about it. He doesn't beat around the bush or pretend he's not in love. When they finally do have sex, you see how much he wants more and the anguish of not getting it right then.
And I loved how these two actually talked. No lack of communication keeping them apart. Their conflict is completely based on their emotional issues. By the end, they were both able to accept and own their ways of sabotaging themselves and deal with them. They took risks and owned up to their lack. I was really satisfied with how they worked through things and accepted each other.
There was a lot of yelling and anger and frustration, but never any angry sex. When they did have sex, it was hot and sweet. The emotions related to them having sex are huge and grandiose. Think starbursts and almost telepathic connections. I love reading books like that, with emotions that draw you so close to the moment.
This was nearly a single sitting book for me. I could barely put it down the first night and there was no way I was putting it down the second night. I will definitely look for more by this author.
**This review is archived on my blog: The Theory of Lieto Fine
This book was all kinds of awesome. There's something so fun about the passionate, soap opera books. These characters can change emotions on a dime. They finish having sex and one of them literally runs out of the room.
It tugged on my heart and I felt so much for Finn and Anna. They had a lot of issues to work through and the author did a great job of writing each character so passionately that you feel everything they're going through.
Anna was drugged and sexually assaulted six months before this book starts and she's just starting to come out from the cave of dealing with it. It feels like she's so innocent and naive: to believe that your best male friend would just automatically help you overcome the terror of being touched by having sex with you. You completely feel for her that she just can't even wrap her mind around what life is like apart from living with this fear. She can't see anything beyond “Finn helps me with everything, so obviously he'll help me with this”.
Finn is tough and physical but also really vulnerable. It's not very often you find a romance hero who's been pining for the heroine and pretty much the instance he has a chance, he's actually honest about it. He doesn't beat around the bush or pretend he's not in love. When they finally do have sex, you see how much he wants more and the anguish of not getting it right then.
And I loved how these two actually talked. No lack of communication keeping them apart. Their conflict is completely based on their emotional issues. By the end, they were both able to accept and own their ways of sabotaging themselves and deal with them. They took risks and owned up to their lack. I was really satisfied with how they worked through things and accepted each other.
There was a lot of yelling and anger and frustration, but never any angry sex. When they did have sex, it was hot and sweet. The emotions related to them having sex are huge and grandiose. Think starbursts and almost telepathic connections. I love reading books like that, with emotions that draw you so close to the moment.
This was nearly a single sitting book for me. I could barely put it down the first night and there was no way I was putting it down the second night. I will definitely look for more by this author.
**This review is archived on my blog: The Theory of Lieto Fine
February 22, 2013
Jackie Ashenden's debut release packs a helluva punch!
Even though it took Anna some time to fall for Finn, I fell for him almost immediately. Yes, he's good looking -- okay, he's hot! -- but he's also extremely patient and thoughtful. What woman wouldn't want a man who pushed her to be a better person? It's clear how much he cares for Anna and their relationship made my heart swell -- even though they had their explosive moments (boy did they!).
There were times when Anna frustrated the hell out of me and I just wanted to give her a good shake because she was so clueless about how lucky she was to have a guy like Finn. However, it was these same quirks that made her character flawed and three-dimensional. As someone who'd went through a traumatic experience, her willingness and strength to try to take back her life was admirable and I respected her for that.
It's been a while since a book made me cry, but parts of the story were so emotional that I couldn't help it -- the on-air scene, for example. Even with the waterworks turned on I kept on reading while sniffling. In fact, I didn't stop reading and in a matter of hours I had finished the entire book!
This is a strong start to Ms. Ashenden's author career. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
Even though it took Anna some time to fall for Finn, I fell for him almost immediately. Yes, he's good looking -- okay, he's hot! -- but he's also extremely patient and thoughtful. What woman wouldn't want a man who pushed her to be a better person? It's clear how much he cares for Anna and their relationship made my heart swell -- even though they had their explosive moments (boy did they!).
There were times when Anna frustrated the hell out of me and I just wanted to give her a good shake because she was so clueless about how lucky she was to have a guy like Finn. However, it was these same quirks that made her character flawed and three-dimensional. As someone who'd went through a traumatic experience, her willingness and strength to try to take back her life was admirable and I respected her for that.
It's been a while since a book made me cry, but parts of the story were so emotional that I couldn't help it -- the on-air scene, for example. Even with the waterworks turned on I kept on reading while sniffling. In fact, I didn't stop reading and in a matter of hours I had finished the entire book!
This is a strong start to Ms. Ashenden's author career. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
March 14, 2013
More of a 2.5 stars, I suppose. I think the author has some promise and the prose is smooth enough but neither the situation nor the emotional logic of the characters and their actions make sense. I notice that other commenters have said that they find the heroine too unsympathetic and here's the thing - I can get down with a difficult heroine, if I can understand her, and if it seems like through the course of the story she comes to understand herself. And that nominally happens here, but.
I dunno, maybe if we got more of a sense of what the h/h's friendship was like when it was functional (if not completely honest).
Also, I do like the idea of treating the fallout from sexual violence as something difficult but survivable, and this might sound weird but normal (which is the sad but true fact of things). And sure, the premise here that she wants to have sex with her BFF as a way to move past her trauma is totally Romancelandian in nature, I could have found it more believable if the supposed trust between these two were actually evident when she makes the request, i.e. if it didn't happen during their first conversation in six months when he has just learned of the assault.
I dunno, maybe if we got more of a sense of what the h/h's friendship was like when it was functional (if not completely honest).
Also, I do like the idea of treating the fallout from sexual violence as something difficult but survivable, and this might sound weird but normal (which is the sad but true fact of things). And sure, the premise here that she wants to have sex with her BFF as a way to move past her trauma is totally Romancelandian in nature, I could have found it more believable if the supposed trust between these two were actually evident when she makes the request, i.e. if it didn't happen during their first conversation in six months when he has just learned of the assault.
January 1, 2014
Needing a NZ Author to discover ? Wanting a Contemporary romance with an Edgy side to it ? Check out NZ Author Jackie Ashenden with her novel "Falling for Finn". The novel starts with Six Months Later and Anna is knocking on Finn's door asking for help. The thing is that she has not talked to him - her best friend and anyone else for that matter in the last six months. One day, she went cold turkey and cut everyone out of her life. Now in her mind she is ready to move on with her life and to do that she needs the help of Finn. The thing is we discover is that six months ago, Anna was attacked and she lost everything from her fiance and friends. Now she cannot handle even the touch of anyone especially that of males. She needs Finn to sleep with her as out of anyone , he is the one she trusts. The thing is that Finn has feelings for Anna and he declines, she then eventually talks him into doing a no-strings but as the novel goes on we read as Anna starts to fall for Finn and can the pair of them turn their relationship into just that a proper relationship ?
Find out in this NZ Author novel set in the heart of Auckland .
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February 20, 2013This was a wonderfully written story with two very emotionally charged characters. There is no doubt what-so-ever that Ms. Ashenden is a talented author and knows her way around a book. I fell in love with Finn and stayed that way throughout the entire book.
This review is strictly my own opinion and I do not expect everyone to agree with me. And I am sure that the author didn’t intend for everyone to feel the way I do about Anna. It’s not very often I come across such an amazing story but feel such a diconnect to one of the main characters.
Despite my feelings towards Anna, this book was good enough to keep me interested till the very end and I’m glad I finished it.
Although I have some issues with Falling for Finn I think that Jackie Ashenden can definitely write a wonderful story, and I absolutely plan on reading more from her.
See my full review at http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
This review is strictly my own opinion and I do not expect everyone to agree with me. And I am sure that the author didn’t intend for everyone to feel the way I do about Anna. It’s not very often I come across such an amazing story but feel such a diconnect to one of the main characters.
Despite my feelings towards Anna, this book was good enough to keep me interested till the very end and I’m glad I finished it.
Although I have some issues with Falling for Finn I think that Jackie Ashenden can definitely write a wonderful story, and I absolutely plan on reading more from her.
See my full review at http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
June 29, 2013
This was a sweet story, but some parts fell flat for me. Finn and Anna were definitely hot together, but I thought Anna's request of Finn was unrealistic AND unfair. I also thought Anna cutting Finn (and her best friend) out of her life for six months after a life-changing experience -- while still living in the same city -- was unrealistic. If they were that close -- Finn and Anna had been friends for 20 years -- would Finn really not have tracked her down to figure out WTF?
And once Finn gave in to her request, knowing how he felt about her, how did she really think he'd be able to compartmentalize everything? And how horrible for Finn that she would just get up and run away afterward? I got kind of tired of that as well as Finn's responses of anger. Every single time. And there were multiple times.
I still enjoyed the story, and I felt for both of the characters, it was just those couple of things that bugged me.
And once Finn gave in to her request, knowing how he felt about her, how did she really think he'd be able to compartmentalize everything? And how horrible for Finn that she would just get up and run away afterward? I got kind of tired of that as well as Finn's responses of anger. Every single time. And there were multiple times.
I still enjoyed the story, and I felt for both of the characters, it was just those couple of things that bugged me.
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August 10, 2016I've said this time and time again on my book reviews 'I am not one for domestic violence or any type of violence' but, violence done towards fictional characters maybe outside of this realm? I wanted to slap Anna so many times, she was a coward- theres no justification in that. I could understand the first time she went AWOL and left without a clue for six months, but doing it three, no wait four or more times is just plain upsetting. Almost didn't finish the book because Anna was just damn too depressing, ever heard of the saying MISERY LOVES COMPANY ?? Well, Anna's the poster girl for it.
Back to Finny.. Our lovely Finn, he deserves better. Im not entirely sure if that 'better' could come from a different 'someone' but he definitely deserves to be treated so much more than empty words and being left behind. . . .
Back to Finny.. Our lovely Finn, he deserves better. Im not entirely sure if that 'better' could come from a different 'someone' but he definitely deserves to be treated so much more than empty words and being left behind. . . .
January 17, 2014
Jackie Ashenden's debut book is intense and passionate.
Best friends, one who has gotten hurt and hidden away, the other who has loved from afar and given up hope. Can they hope to help each other without getting burnt? Will their friendship ever be the same again?
Well developed characters, intense dialogue, steamy sex scenes are mixed with vulnerability, secrets and misunderstandings all finished off with a grand gesture to beat all gestures to create an unforgettable read.
Disclosure: I did want to smack characters heads together at different stages. This made the characters very real for me, as I have often have the same feelings towards my friends!
For more reviews, check out my blog www.musingbookworm.com
Best friends, one who has gotten hurt and hidden away, the other who has loved from afar and given up hope. Can they hope to help each other without getting burnt? Will their friendship ever be the same again?
Well developed characters, intense dialogue, steamy sex scenes are mixed with vulnerability, secrets and misunderstandings all finished off with a grand gesture to beat all gestures to create an unforgettable read.
Disclosure: I did want to smack characters heads together at different stages. This made the characters very real for me, as I have often have the same feelings towards my friends!
For more reviews, check out my blog www.musingbookworm.com
November 28, 2022
I am a huge fan of Jackie Ashenden and I've read about 40 of her books. I am still catching up with her back catalogue and this book was one I won on the author's FB page.
I enjoyed it and thought all the things that she does so brilliantly - great characters, superb plotting, delicious prose and dynamic dialogue were all in evidence here but ---- (sorry!), I found it difficult to totally like the heroine. I didn't hate her, but I certainly got irritated at times with the way she gave Finn such a hard time. I thought the story was riveting and emotionally engaging but I've knocked a star off because of Anna. I adored Finn - super delicious!
I enjoyed it and thought all the things that she does so brilliantly - great characters, superb plotting, delicious prose and dynamic dialogue were all in evidence here but ---- (sorry!), I found it difficult to totally like the heroine. I didn't hate her, but I certainly got irritated at times with the way she gave Finn such a hard time. I thought the story was riveting and emotionally engaging but I've knocked a star off because of Anna. I adored Finn - super delicious!
April 16, 2013
If this is a debut novel then I know we can look forward to many more books by this talented author as this book was wonderfully written... I totally fell in love with Finn and even though Anna was a little bit "difficult/stubborn" she grew on me in the end....
I also love the fact that the book is set in N.Z as you don't see too many authors these days setting their books anywhere other than the States... And as a fellow kiwi myself, we do live in a stunning country, so why not let some wonderful fictional characters reside here...
Great Read and I recommend to all!!!
I also love the fact that the book is set in N.Z as you don't see too many authors these days setting their books anywhere other than the States... And as a fellow kiwi myself, we do live in a stunning country, so why not let some wonderful fictional characters reside here...
Great Read and I recommend to all!!!
June 9, 2014
This was an exquisite little gem. Finn is protective, risky, the big brother every girl should have and a vulnerable hunk. Anna is strong, tragic, damaged. They've been friends forever and in a heart beat the rules will change and they will never be the same again. How they navigate the alterations and shifting sands on which they are standing is the key element of the story. It isn't easy and Jackie Ashenden whips up all the angst involved in laying oneself bare into a tasty read. Worth staying up late to devour in one hit.
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