Falling Harder

Undeserving of Love #2

by W.H. Vega

When you lose everything and everyone you ever loved, how do you keep on living?

Nadia Faber is a survivor. After losing both her parents at age 12 and being thrust abandoned into the despicable foster care system, Nadia never lost hope. She never gave up. Not even after Trace, the love of her life, was arrested and taken away for trying to protect her from their sexually abusive foster dad.

Now she's a fancy associate lawyer working for one of the best law firms in Chicago, locking up criminals and cleaning up the streets one piece of shit at a time.

Trace O'Connor hasn't been the same ever since he went away to county. After being released from prison he enlists in the Marine Corps--to serve his country, to pay his debts, to prove to himself that he is a good person.

It's been ten years since they last laid eyes on one another but the raw passion and yearning desire still burns stronger than ever between Trace and Nadia. They're completely different people in completely different places in life, and Trace is still running with the wrong crowd. Nadia is forced to make a decision that could jeopardize everything she has built for herself. Will the love they once had for each other resurface? And will it be enough to bring them together at last?

This 80,000 word novel is for mature adults only - contains sexual content and adult themes.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Abuse

242 pages, ebook

First published October 6, 2013

About the author

W.H. Vega gave up her career of educating small minds so she could stay home with her children and write the spicy romance novels she always loved to read. When she isn’t writing, she loves spending time with her precocious toddler, traveling the world with her husband, having a glass of wine with her girlfriends and indulging in online shopping. W.H. Vega grew up in Baltimore, but now resides in Delaware with her family.

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Falling Harder is a new adult romance that starts in the past and works it's way forward. Nadia ended up in foster care when her parents were killed by a drunk driver. Fate places her in a home with 3 other teenagers. Trace, a young man set to turn 18 soon, and Nadia, sixteen, fall in love and plan their future only to have it ripped apart when their foster father attacks Nadia and Trace beats him to death. Trace ends up in juvie and enlists when he is released. Nadia is sent away and ends up becoming a crusading prosecutor for crimes against children. Trace finds her when he is discharged and they discover they love they shared as children never died.

I enjoyed the first half. Vega does well addressing the problems in foster care and the emotional tolls it takes on children. The character development is prime. Part two loses it's structure and both protagonists are faded shells compared to part one. I also wasn't happy with the vague open ending. I'm supposing there will be a second book but I wish there had been some warning.

[Saskia 'follow my shoes' Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

At push i gave this 2 stars, its taken me a good 8 weeks to actually push myself to finish this book, its not a patch on book 1, which was rather good! I dont know whats happened It is Very emotional story line, about the POV of two teenage foster kids, Nadia and Trace dealing with life and the horrors of the foster care system. The book then moved forward to the future, 10 years later, where they meet up again in Chicago hes an ex marine shes a big time lawyer, then from here onward the story just falls apart. Its repetitive from book 1, It lack depth and focus and at times it seems rushed there was no resolution or real focus and i lost that connection with the characters. One thing I do despise is an unclear open ending, a writer should give a good clear ending at the end of their storyline; for me i was like wtf? I wont be buying any more books by this author, sorry.

[Mandee Migliaccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy shit what was that ending... Or lack there of!! I'm really praying there is another book. I really enjoyed it up until the last page but, then I was like.. It ended...like THAT! WTF!

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought the book was good but it was lacking considering it was short there was so much more that could have been add to the story like what happened to Conway do the get arrested is career in shambles etc the premise of the book was good but there was so much more that could have been added. i really hope the author makes a sequel to address more of an ending

[Luthermilla Ecole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man The end of this book was too abrupt to my taste, I feel like a continuation is coming. Anyway it was a nice read.

[Lyndsey O'Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling Harder starts off with a pretty devastating blow to protagonist Nadia Faber. Her parents are both killed and with no other family anywhere, she is forced to go into the foster system, moving from home to home. She has a terrible time in her new ‘homes’ but when she moves once more, she thinks this may finally be her chance for a proper family. But, she soon realises that her new ‘parents’ are drunks and abusive. The other children there though take Nadia under their wings and keep her out of the way as much as possible.

This is a book that doesn’t shy away from the harsh conditions that can be seen within the foster system. Nadia is put through some terrible things but she finds peace in her new family, Conway, Garrick and Trace. The more time she spends with Trace, the closer she gets to him. He’s her constant rock in a broken home. But, when the foster parents get too much, and try to take advantage, Trace steps in to protect both Nadia and Conway. Obviously, not all foster homes are like this but W.H.Vega focuses on some of the worst situations possible and is very graphic in their descriptions. While some things were pretty hard to read, it all felt incredibly real and also made me feel so much for the characters involved.

I also really enjoyed the developing romance between Nadia and Trace. She’s never been a girly girl and hasn’t had boyfriends before. Compared with Trace who has been there and done it all, Nadia is such an innocent. However, she’s not annoying with it and I really liked watching her grow up with him. The romance between these two characters was sweet and careful, because of their situation, but I was routing for them both all of the time. The chemistry between them was great but it was also never over the top at any point.

While I really enjoyed the first half of the book, I wasn’t as much of a fan of the second half. After Trace goes to prison, Nadia doesn’t see him again, nor does she have any contact with him even though she thinks of him constantly. Nadia is now a successful lawyer and does her best to help out kids in situations similar to hers as a child. One day though, Trace comes knocking on her door and she can’t believe her eyes. The second part of the book was extremely rushed and I no longer felt the connection between Nadia and Trace. I felt as though too much had happened in between them seeing each other again and not enough time getting to know this. They just jumped back into things without much talking or anything and this bugged me.

I wish this book had been split into two and more time taken in the reunion of Nadia and Trace. The first part of the book was so believable and real that it was ruined by the second half a little bit. However, it was still mostly a good read.

[Lisa Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first got this book, the reviews were not so great on good reads. However I got this book anyways because I figured I will make my own judgement as to what I thought. The story is about a girl that lost her parents because in a car accident. She was 12 years old and placed in the foster system. Luckily or as lucky as one could be in foster, she got a good case worker. When Nadia had trouble at a home she was immediately taken out and placed somewhere else. This happened quite often as is the case with foster kids. Then she got placed in the Daniels home along with another girl Conway and two boys Garrick and Trace. Now this is where the story gets sad, even though the foster parents are assholes and really are just collecting the checks for being foster parents the kids become a family. Garrick gravitates towards Conway and Trace towards Nadia. They protect each other and even though their foster parents could care less and abuse them physical and emotionally they don't report it. Mainly for fear of being separated. These four just want to survive the system. Until one night when the foster dad Paul attacks Nadia and Trace prevents him from following through with his attempted rape. Trace kills him and from there the everyone gets split up. Trace and Garrick take the punishment while the girls get placed in new homes.

Fast forward ten years and their lives collide again. The passion that Trace and Nadia had when younger is still just as strong. Except now Nadia is a big time lawyer and working on a case involving a drug lord. Trace and Garrick remained best friends and have just reentered the states from being away fighting the war. Only Trace is trying to go the straight and narrow while Garrick went back to his old way of dealing. Even though it was justice to get back on his feet, decision will cost him and Trace more than they bargained for. No it is Nadia who needs to decide whether or not to risk her career for Trace the man she still loves. I think the last few pages we get an idea of what she is willing to do for him.

The book leaves you hanging so you will have to get the next book to continue on.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nadia Faber is a survivor. After losing both her parents at age 12 and being thrust abandoned into the despicable foster care system, Nadia never lost hope. She never gave up. Not even after Trace, the love of her life, was arrested and taken away for trying to protect her from their sexually abusive foster dad.

I really liked the first part of the book. The characters where great and I loved the dynamics between the four of them. Nadia was a great character. She was tough, sweet and easy to connect to. Trace was greatly written as well. It was refreshing to read how nervous he was around Nadia. Usually in New Adult/Young Adult the love interest is cocky and knows he'll get the girl. So reading how Trace stammered when he first met Nadia was cute.

It's the second half I didn't like at all. It felt rushed and forced. I would have liked if we could have read what happened to Nadia after the boys went away. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I had in the first part. Also, that ending was annoying! It was abrupt and rushed. I'm not sure if I'll read the second one.

Overall, the romance was sweet if not a little rushed but nonetheless I enjoyed reading this story.

3.5/5

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Foster care homes aren't always great places. Both Nadia and Trace have lived in a number of them, obviously some worse than others. When they end up together, they become close friends and eventually fall in love. When the Foster Dad tries to rape Nadia, Trace saves her life but in the process takes another. So they are separated and don't think they'll see each other again. Ten years pass before they see each other again. Trace ends up having to spend time in jail and then joins the Marines for three tours. During this time, Nadia becomes a successful attorney prosecuting the criminals and those she hated as a child. When Trace comes back, he sees Nadia on the front page of the paper and goes to find her. Both have never forgotten the other and the same chemistry and connection still exists between them. However, some of Trace's past decisions may cause problems. This book just ends in a way that makes me think, or at least hope, there will be a sequel. I haven't been able to find anything that indicates that's the case, but hope so. I'd love to find out what happens to Nadia and Trace and also Gerrick, and whether he finds Conway-they were the other foster kids.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nadia becomes an orphan at 12 years old , because she has no others relatives she lands up in the system going from foster family to foster family. She end up with a horrible family when she turns 16, but decides to stay because even though the foster parents are alcoholics and pervs, her foster brothers and sister are the real deal. She falls in love with Trace and they make a sweet couple. But her perv foster father tries to rape her and Trace saves her but lands up in jail. Fast forward 12 years later Nadia is a big shot lawyer and Trace is a ex marine. They meet again and then story falls apart. The love when they were young felt real, but now it going to fast and I don't like the open ending.

[Netanella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very emotion-laden story, told from the alternating perspectives of two teenaged foster kids, Nadia and Trace, as they deal with the horror that is the foster care system in big city, USA. Then the book fast forwards ten years, after a tragic night that separates their foster family, to their reunion in Chicago and their grown up lives. I much preferred the angst and turmoil of the teenage years - Nadia and Trace seemed more real to me, then, for some odd reason. And, the ending of the story, if it could be called such, didn't so much lack resolution as it did purpose. I'm not too sure I'll look into any potential sequel, unless it follows Garrick and Conway's story.

[Patricia Hargraves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such great potential. Their were some editing errors like how in the beginning Nadia had blond hair and blue eyes, then as an adult brown hair and brown eyes. Also at the time of Paul's death Trace was getting ready to age out of the system, but in the second half of the book he narrates spending a year in Juvie then turning eighteen. The part where Nadia and Trace retell their stories was kind of odd. It almost felt like the beginning of a second book, where the reader needs a refresher of what happened previously. Overall I liked the characters and I found myself wanting something good to happen for them.

[Aussie Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the concept, wanted to love the book, loved the characters but did not feel a connection with the characters. The book is close to being great with a fair bit of work. I think it needs more conversations which is probably the difference from one Author to the next.
The main man was probably quite a catch as far as personality goes but we really did not grasp enough of it.
It was missing the finer details.
One positive is.. Whilst the characters are young the Author managed to avoid juvenile writing and silly behaviour which was good to see.
I got half way and stopped there.
It is not something I would recommend.

[Yesica Coats · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was slow at first but once you got into what becomes the main characters it picks up enough to want to continue the story. Once I got to about 80% I feel like the book was rushed and then was left with so many questions. The book was published about a year ago and no word as to a third book to answer the lingering question. If I would've know all of this I wouldn't have wasted my time trying to get into this book. Now I can say with all honesty, if there is a third book to help give them a conclusion, I WILL read that book.

[Athena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really liked this book stars!

Here's why I didn't give it more stars, it ends in a cliffhanger with no info about the next book or name! This book apparently is the first and second book together, so where's the third book?!?

Other then that snafu, its a great intense story that will have you on edge, especially with part 1 of the book.

[Jinx · Rating 2 out of 5]

I preferred Nadia and Trace together in their younger years. To me it seemed like their passion for each other burned brighter. The older versions of themselves seemed to be lacking. It's like they felt they had to be together because of their past but just because your good for someone when your younger doesn't necessarily mean your good together when your older. People grow and change and lose connection and to me that's what happened with Trace and Nadia ...

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I have enjoyed this series. I received it free on Kindle, and didn't find out until later that it was 2 books (book 1 was was Falling Further) I tend to like love stories in which the young teen characters have tough lives (e.g.The Fault In Our Stars). I also enjoyed finding out what happened to them as adults although I do agree with other posts that the ending was upbrupt. I am hoping there will be another book.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was complicated and intense. We could see and feel the entanglement of Nadia and trace. The emotions were staggering and it was so right. The story just led us to them but the relationship is at made this book amazing. We can see how different things can be right and misconstrued things be wrong. Perception is a incredible thing. I could see one thing and someone else could see another. That's what this book comes down too.

[Dione · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really grabbed my emotions. I was really invested in the characters. Some parts were hard to read and I found myself talking to the characters in the story as I read. I am a little upset at the ending. I wasn't sure if that was really the end or if it was a cliffhanger to the next book. I would have liked the ending to be tied up a little better.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had some potential then she kept losing me with the description of Nadia. I'm still not sure what this character looks like. That on top of all the inconsistencies in the story and then that weird ending forced me to two star this book and more than likely overlook this author going forward.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 Stars. The first part of the book was amazing, well written and definitely a page turner. The second part, In my opinion could have definitely been better. It wasn't all that great and I found myself skimming some. I am thinking since the ending was kind of vague that there is going to be another book, I will definitely be watching for that.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im confused, not from book but apparently i read book 2 and there is a book 1?!! Book 2 had a part 1 and part 2. Does the first book falling further really need to be read?? Or is it just more detail into their life under foster care? And is there a 3rd book because there is no way thats the end.....HELPPPPPP

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a great read and worth the time. The entire story explains the lives for 4 people who create a new family when theirs have left them behind. Its heart warming with love and new love and old loves. I was hoping for the book not to end.

[Yvonne]

Boring!!! Absolutely boring with too many unnecessary conversations. Even skipping the part 1 to read part 2 nearly put me to sleep. Can't even give 1 Star to this book.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending is hanging, I hope there will be a book 3. Anyway I like the book 1 rather than book 2 .

[Sara]

Free on amazon

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story but it left me hanging..

[Andrea Doss · Rating 4 out of 5]

major cliffhanger that I was not expecting. It just kind of ended. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.

[Felicia Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate the way it ended...

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that is actually two books in one. However the major cliffhanger has me reeling...when will the story continue??!!