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Falling to Pieces
It was just a little white lie.I never thought it would spiral out of control.But I didn’t have a choice. Asher was close to learning the truth about me and I couldn’t let that happen.But now everyone hates me. Well, everyone except for Asher. He believes in me even after what I’ve done.And when I’m with him I feel like I’m falling.I just hope if I do, he’s there to catch me.
282 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2013
6 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Amber Garza
53 books1,408 followersAmber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 7, 2013
Amber Garza has captured me with her NA love story.I so want a boyfriend like Asher! No matter what happens he fights to be with Ivy. There are times he wants to back down but he can't deny what is in hos heart,neither can Ivy.It is a heart wrenching roller coaster of emotions.
Ivy makes a split second decision that cost Asher and her a world of trouble and tears them apart.Asher hasn't seen or talk to Ivy in a year, but when he comes home for summer vacation he can't help but to darken her doorstep.Ivy is terrified of Asher finding out the truth about her and the real for that faithful night's . Asher continues to see her and try his best to get her to open up and trust him.However,Ivy thinks Asher will never want to see her again if she divulges her secrets in fear of losing another person she loves.It becomes clear that Ivy must listen to her heart and open up to Asher. Doing so brings about actions by both of them that will test their love for one another.Dive into a story of love,lies,truth,secrets, and forgiveness.Can love stand the test of time and overcome mistakes? Can Ivy finally open up and trust Asher and will her secrets drive him away?
Ivy makes a split second decision that cost Asher and her a world of trouble and tears them apart.Asher hasn't seen or talk to Ivy in a year, but when he comes home for summer vacation he can't help but to darken her doorstep.Ivy is terrified of Asher finding out the truth about her and the real for that faithful night's . Asher continues to see her and try his best to get her to open up and trust him.However,Ivy thinks Asher will never want to see her again if she divulges her secrets in fear of losing another person she loves.It becomes clear that Ivy must listen to her heart and open up to Asher. Doing so brings about actions by both of them that will test their love for one another.Dive into a story of love,lies,truth,secrets, and forgiveness.Can love stand the test of time and overcome mistakes? Can Ivy finally open up and trust Asher and will her secrets drive him away?
November 13, 2025
2025: This is still good. This is the first of these will they won't they books I read. I am a sap for them. Some cheese and a good twist. 4.6/5
5th book read in 2015.
Number 104 out of 433 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZJK7...
5th book read in 2015.
Number 104 out of 433 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZJK7...
July 13, 2013
Falling To Pieces was my first Amber Garza read and it won't be my last. I've been in a contemporary NA kick and this book was right up my alley.
The story revolves around the relationship between Asher (swoon!) and Ivy. They were best friends through high school (though each secretly harbored feelings for one another),until one fateful night that changes everything for the both of them. I can't divulge what happened that night without spoiling the storyline, so I'll talk a bit about the characters.
I fell in love with Asher right away. He's the kind of guy most girls dream about. Super hot and popular, but with a sensitive soul and a good heart. Asher wasn't your typical self-centered hot guy. He went out of his way for others—especially Ivy. I love how he didn't listen to other peoples opinions about Ivy, or their relationship. He stayed true to his feelings and listened to his heart. Great character.
I felt a tad irritated with Ivy for a good portion of the book. Mostly because she stubbornly refused to open up to Asher (the one person who was truly there for her). Her situation was horrible, so despite my irritation with her, I understood her actions. People do what they have to do to survive, and don't always make the best decisions in tough times.
If you like Contemporary NA, then I think you'll really enjoy this book. The writing flowed well, and the characters were easy to like.
The story revolves around the relationship between Asher (swoon!) and Ivy. They were best friends through high school (though each secretly harbored feelings for one another),until one fateful night that changes everything for the both of them. I can't divulge what happened that night without spoiling the storyline, so I'll talk a bit about the characters.
I fell in love with Asher right away. He's the kind of guy most girls dream about. Super hot and popular, but with a sensitive soul and a good heart. Asher wasn't your typical self-centered hot guy. He went out of his way for others—especially Ivy. I love how he didn't listen to other peoples opinions about Ivy, or their relationship. He stayed true to his feelings and listened to his heart. Great character.
I felt a tad irritated with Ivy for a good portion of the book. Mostly because she stubbornly refused to open up to Asher (the one person who was truly there for her). Her situation was horrible, so despite my irritation with her, I understood her actions. People do what they have to do to survive, and don't always make the best decisions in tough times.
If you like Contemporary NA, then I think you'll really enjoy this book. The writing flowed well, and the characters were easy to like.
May 24, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
“Falling to pieces” is such a sweet book, I loved it! It’s such a nice love story that melted my heart! This is the kind of book that I read when I am sick because it makes me feel better.
‘Falling to pieces’ is a book that ha its cons and pros. Of course there is more pros than cons. So let’s start with the pros.
I loved how easy to read is this book. It’s a fast-paced book and Amber’s writing-style is so lovely! I fell in love with the story immediately! It’s one of those stories that you can’t not love. It’s sweet, sad, different. I liked how easy I was captivated by it.
“Falling to pieces” is a book that can make you laugh and cry, which is a thing that I totally adore at a book! This roller coaster of emotions makes me adore a book. Ivy’s story made me cry. It seemed so unfair to me that she had to go through so many bad things and those scenes with her mom made me broke in tears. But her banter and flirt with Asher made me laugh so hard that I had cramps.
Did I say that this is a different book? I mean, I had to wait almost 60% (I don’t know what page was that scene on, because my Kindle doesn’t show me pages) for a kiss! This gave another star to the book. Lately, in romance books, 2 people meet, fall in love at the first sight and then kiss immediately. Well, ‘Falling to pieces’ isn’t this kind of book. Ivy’s relationship with Asher develops slowly, even though they love each other since they were kids.
Now, let’s move on to the cons.
Sometimes I felt like the book was a little dragged. Maybe it’s just me and maybe it’s because I read the book in a single day. Also, Ivy annoyed be sometimes with her decisions and actions. And I couldn’t link very well with the characters.
Over all, “Falling to pieces” is an amazing love story that should be read near the fire in a cold day. Or on the beach. Or everywhere, just read it. Truly recommnend it!
Rate: 4 stars out of 5.
“Falling to pieces” is such a sweet book, I loved it! It’s such a nice love story that melted my heart! This is the kind of book that I read when I am sick because it makes me feel better.
‘Falling to pieces’ is a book that ha its cons and pros. Of course there is more pros than cons. So let’s start with the pros.
I loved how easy to read is this book. It’s a fast-paced book and Amber’s writing-style is so lovely! I fell in love with the story immediately! It’s one of those stories that you can’t not love. It’s sweet, sad, different. I liked how easy I was captivated by it.
“Falling to pieces” is a book that can make you laugh and cry, which is a thing that I totally adore at a book! This roller coaster of emotions makes me adore a book. Ivy’s story made me cry. It seemed so unfair to me that she had to go through so many bad things and those scenes with her mom made me broke in tears. But her banter and flirt with Asher made me laugh so hard that I had cramps.
Did I say that this is a different book? I mean, I had to wait almost 60% (I don’t know what page was that scene on, because my Kindle doesn’t show me pages) for a kiss! This gave another star to the book. Lately, in romance books, 2 people meet, fall in love at the first sight and then kiss immediately. Well, ‘Falling to pieces’ isn’t this kind of book. Ivy’s relationship with Asher develops slowly, even though they love each other since they were kids.
Now, let’s move on to the cons.
Sometimes I felt like the book was a little dragged. Maybe it’s just me and maybe it’s because I read the book in a single day. Also, Ivy annoyed be sometimes with her decisions and actions. And I couldn’t link very well with the characters.
Over all, “Falling to pieces” is an amazing love story that should be read near the fire in a cold day. Or on the beach. Or everywhere, just read it. Truly recommnend it!
Rate: 4 stars out of 5.
May 30, 2013
Let me just say Asher I LOVED LOVED LOVED right off I mean who wouldn't when we're first introduced to him, "He was shirtless, a pair of blue gym shorts riding low on his hips. Sweat covered his chest, glistening over his taut muscles." Yeppers love at first read people! Ivy seriously needed good people around her and Asher was one but the best one was truly Billie her roommate and I guess you could say best friend, "Ivy Marie Johnson, I'm taking you to this party even if I have to frag you there in your sweats." See isn't that a good friend, I'd say so. Asher has playfulness to him, truly love that in a man, "Maybe if you weren't so damn sexy you wouldn't have this problem." He's also honest (the one thing they're relationship REALLY needs), "There's nothing on you I haven't checked out Ivy. Your body has been the subject of all my late night fantasies since freshman year, if you know what I mean." I know what you mean (winks) Anyway authors need to start telling me how much emotional things are in their bookies because honestly there were some parts of this book I couldn't handle (not in a bad way I was just crying like a baby.) I loved this book and I hope Amber writes more like this.
January 27, 2015
I couldn't put this book down, it was so good. Amber is such a good writer. Loved the plot twists, and the way it ended - it's a romance but nothing about it is sappy. I loved it. *****
March 28, 2013
I give this story 4.5 stars
I really truly honestly loved this story. I was sucked in immediately with the first page and glued until the very last word. I really didn't want it to end. It's definitely going to end up being one of my fav reads of 2013. Ivy and Asher are the perfect characters to make this story work. I was on the edge of my seat biting my nails wracking my brain trying so hard to figure out the culprit who would ever harm sweet Ivy. But I never could figure it out. When it was finally revealed I was shocked. It's not easy to figure out. Who you think it is it's not! Definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's sweet and at times heartbreaking. I definitely bawled near the end when tragedy struck poor Ivys life yet again. And I found myself grateful that she had Billie and Asher in her life.
If you haven't read this book yet you may want to stop reading my review now. It's not a huge spoiler to the plot but I will be giving my feelings on a certain situation that revolves around the main plot.
Here is where I explain why this wonderful story is getting 4.5 stars from me. Cam. I was expecting to learn something life altering as a result of Asher beating up Cam. When Asher goes to visit Cam to finally try and set things right, Cam was normal. Asher even states in his monologue that he changed Cams life the day he attacked him. But Cam was ok physically and nobody believed Cam ever laid a hand on Ivey. He was never an outcast, Ivy become one instead. While physical violence is never alright I just feel that too much was made a huge deal when I don't feel we got any answers to how Cams life was changed forever. That is the only negative thing I have to say about this story. All in all it is definitely in my top 10 of 2013 so far!
I really truly honestly loved this story. I was sucked in immediately with the first page and glued until the very last word. I really didn't want it to end. It's definitely going to end up being one of my fav reads of 2013. Ivy and Asher are the perfect characters to make this story work. I was on the edge of my seat biting my nails wracking my brain trying so hard to figure out the culprit who would ever harm sweet Ivy. But I never could figure it out. When it was finally revealed I was shocked. It's not easy to figure out. Who you think it is it's not! Definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's sweet and at times heartbreaking. I definitely bawled near the end when tragedy struck poor Ivys life yet again. And I found myself grateful that she had Billie and Asher in her life.
If you haven't read this book yet you may want to stop reading my review now. It's not a huge spoiler to the plot but I will be giving my feelings on a certain situation that revolves around the main plot.
Here is where I explain why this wonderful story is getting 4.5 stars from me. Cam. I was expecting to learn something life altering as a result of Asher beating up Cam. When Asher goes to visit Cam to finally try and set things right, Cam was normal. Asher even states in his monologue that he changed Cams life the day he attacked him. But Cam was ok physically and nobody believed Cam ever laid a hand on Ivey. He was never an outcast, Ivy become one instead. While physical violence is never alright I just feel that too much was made a huge deal when I don't feel we got any answers to how Cams life was changed forever. That is the only negative thing I have to say about this story. All in all it is definitely in my top 10 of 2013 so far!
June 7, 2013
I fell in love with Falling To Pieces.
This was the first novel I’ve read by Amber Garza and won’t be the last.
Falling To Pieces is a sweet story of how one little white lie can change the way people think about you or someone you care about. It was a harmless lie at first, only one meant to protect, not to harm, but for Asher and Ivy, the consequences of what transpired could ruin their relationship before it even has a chance to begin.
I liked Ivy and Asher. They were just your average every day young adults trying to find their way in the world. I say young adult, but to me anyone under 30 is young adult. They were college age and they weren’t perfect, they weren’t special and they had their share of problems just like most young people have. They were just two young people who happened to live in the town right next to the one I live in, so I really enjoyed reading about some of the places and settings. Places and settings that I sometimes take for granted. It was nice of Amber to remind me what wonderful little towns there are around here.
The relationship between Asher and his mother wasn’t the greatest, but I suppose that was because of the lie. Asher had been away at college and was home for the summer, visiting his mom and brother, and that was part of the story that kept it real, the fact that she loved him and wanted what she thought was best for her son, and of course, he didn’t see it that way.
Amber knows how to keep the suspense flowing because we really don’t know what the lie is or why until very close to the end, which kept me turning the page because all the while, the story leading up to it is great. Falling To Pieces is a sweet contemporary love story with a touch of unfortunate realism that makes it very heartfelt.
This was the first novel I’ve read by Amber Garza and won’t be the last.
Falling To Pieces is a sweet story of how one little white lie can change the way people think about you or someone you care about. It was a harmless lie at first, only one meant to protect, not to harm, but for Asher and Ivy, the consequences of what transpired could ruin their relationship before it even has a chance to begin.
I liked Ivy and Asher. They were just your average every day young adults trying to find their way in the world. I say young adult, but to me anyone under 30 is young adult. They were college age and they weren’t perfect, they weren’t special and they had their share of problems just like most young people have. They were just two young people who happened to live in the town right next to the one I live in, so I really enjoyed reading about some of the places and settings. Places and settings that I sometimes take for granted. It was nice of Amber to remind me what wonderful little towns there are around here.
The relationship between Asher and his mother wasn’t the greatest, but I suppose that was because of the lie. Asher had been away at college and was home for the summer, visiting his mom and brother, and that was part of the story that kept it real, the fact that she loved him and wanted what she thought was best for her son, and of course, he didn’t see it that way.
Amber knows how to keep the suspense flowing because we really don’t know what the lie is or why until very close to the end, which kept me turning the page because all the while, the story leading up to it is great. Falling To Pieces is a sweet contemporary love story with a touch of unfortunate realism that makes it very heartfelt.
July 24, 2013
I’ve been a fan of Amber Garza since I read her Prowl Trilogy. This was my first time reading a contemporary romance and I’m glad that it was Amber’s. The story revolves around Ivy and Asher who have long-standing friendship riddled with secrets and lies. With one poor decision, Ivy puts Asher in a position that she could have avoided. I tried to like Ivy, and I think I did most of the time, but it was really frustrating to see her hide the truth from Asher for so long. Even at the encouragement of her friends, she wouldn't fill him in and I had a hard time understanding why. Asher is a great character with a big heart. It's nice to see a guy feel so strongly for a girl and by the end I found myself wanted to read more about the two of them together as a couple. Ivy's truth was heartbreaking and unfortunate and I really felt for her. But the two of them together make this a definite read.
The Good:I enjoy Amber's writing style. It flows, it's easy to read, and she does a really great job at creating memorable characters.
The Issue: The prolonged secret. As I mentioned above, while I understood the need for tension and suspense, it was hard to sympathize with Ivy's silence.
The Rating: 4 stars. A good romance, a great couple, and a quick and easy read
The Good:I enjoy Amber's writing style. It flows, it's easy to read, and she does a really great job at creating memorable characters.
The Issue: The prolonged secret. As I mentioned above, while I understood the need for tension and suspense, it was hard to sympathize with Ivy's silence.
The Rating: 4 stars. A good romance, a great couple, and a quick and easy read
April 12, 2013
Once I started this book I could not put it down, I had to know what happen next.I will read this book over and over again. Ivy is keeping a secret from her best friend Asher and that is fallen on her old boyfriend it was true but it wasn't in a different way. Asher is back and he wants to be in Ivy's life, but Ivy is shutting him out, and she is slowly letting him in. Soon Asher finds out the secret Ivy has been hiding, he gets upset but he is not leaving Ivy he will do anything for her. Asher help's her with Ivy's grandpa. Soon Asher finds out what really happens to Ivy and who had done it. I could go on about this awesome book but I am not going to ruin it for you all. Amber has done it again with this awesome new book.
June 23, 2013
4.5 STARS!
This book was exactly what I needed to read when I read it. It compelled me to keep reading because I had to know the secret she was holding... and once I did, I couldn't believe it. Asher was an amazing boyfriend and best friend and the guy every girl should have in their lives. I really did enjoy reading this novel, the good and the bad of it. My only complaint were there were a few too many mistakes (misspellings and grammar) for me to ignore, hence knocking it down half a star. But overall, if you're looking for a compelling NA contemporary novel, this is one you should read. It's about damaged characters, but not like every other novel out there.
This book was exactly what I needed to read when I read it. It compelled me to keep reading because I had to know the secret she was holding... and once I did, I couldn't believe it. Asher was an amazing boyfriend and best friend and the guy every girl should have in their lives. I really did enjoy reading this novel, the good and the bad of it. My only complaint were there were a few too many mistakes (misspellings and grammar) for me to ignore, hence knocking it down half a star. But overall, if you're looking for a compelling NA contemporary novel, this is one you should read. It's about damaged characters, but not like every other novel out there.
April 6, 2013
When Ivy tells her best friend Asher a lie that covers up the biggest secret of her life, the sequence of events that follows sends their friendship spiraling downward, and fast. One summer later, Asher is determined to repair their friendship, but receives insight much above his original intentions.
I loved this book and I couldn't put it down because of its romance, mystery, and suspense.
I loved this book and I couldn't put it down because of its romance, mystery, and suspense.
March 26, 2013
One last afternoon and evening is all it took me to finish FALLING TO PIECES. I have to say I enjoyed it so much! I was engrossed from the first page and before i knew it I was 80% finished. the characters were great, and I didn't see the twist coming at all. You HAVE to read this one!!! Then tell all your friends how much you loved it!
April 22, 2013
I did enjoy this book very much, although, to be honest there were multiple times in this book that I wanted to slap this girl across the face and shake her very hard to help her see what a complete idiot she was being pushing Asher away repeatedly.
Sigh, sometimes our own inner dialogue can be the death of happiness.
Sigh, sometimes our own inner dialogue can be the death of happiness.
April 2, 2013
Ivy was very lucky to have someone that loved her so much that they would stand beside her and believe her when everyone else hated her.
Asher was wonderful and together they were a love story that could have easily been lost. Loved this book! Could have been a little more steamy though!!!
Asher was wonderful and together they were a love story that could have easily been lost. Loved this book! Could have been a little more steamy though!!!
March 29, 2013
I absolutely Loved Ivy & Asher's story!
March 25, 2013
I fell in love with Asher from the prologue! He reminds me a great deal of my husband, which made it so much easier to love his character! A great read!
April 1, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book I thought it was beautifully written from beginning to end!
March 30, 2013
This book was truly amazing and I hope there will be a second book
May 20, 2013
MY SHELVES = POSSIBLE SPOILERS
May 25, 2013
very good book
May 29, 2013
LOVE that Asher and Ivy have a crazy love for each other but when truth comes out what an emotional ride. Fast read and loved every word.
October 23, 2015
Livro muito sem graça!
Ivy é uma menina chata...
Asher é um fofo, mas só isso não basta!
Ivy é uma menina chata...
Asher é um fofo, mas só isso não basta!
May 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book, just not as much as I thought I would. But I did like how it was told in dual POV.
First of all, Ivy really annoyed me. I understood that she had been through something traumatic but after practically telling Asher a lie it just about ruined their lives. And even then she wouldn't tell him the truth. She just assumed he wouldn't want her anymore, that wasn't her place to decide. He decided a fair chance.
I, however, loved Asher. He was the perfect gentleman and always fought for Ivy, even though most men would've ran a mile. He was so patient with her but you can't really blame him for getting frustrated with her secrecy after what he had done for her. She never imagined how he might feel after doing what he did because of what she told him. She should've let him in sooner.
I also really liked Billie, she was an amazing friend to Ivy which was what she needed despite everything.
I felt like the ending was quite sudden. I spent the majority of the book wondering what the big secret was and after it was revealed it was slightly rushed. Maybe an epilogue would've completed the story for me.
First of all, Ivy really annoyed me. I understood that she had been through something traumatic but after practically telling Asher a lie it just about ruined their lives. And even then she wouldn't tell him the truth. She just assumed he wouldn't want her anymore, that wasn't her place to decide. He decided a fair chance.
I, however, loved Asher. He was the perfect gentleman and always fought for Ivy, even though most men would've ran a mile. He was so patient with her but you can't really blame him for getting frustrated with her secrecy after what he had done for her. She never imagined how he might feel after doing what he did because of what she told him. She should've let him in sooner.
I also really liked Billie, she was an amazing friend to Ivy which was what she needed despite everything.
I felt like the ending was quite sudden. I spent the majority of the book wondering what the big secret was and after it was revealed it was slightly rushed. Maybe an epilogue would've completed the story for me.
November 28, 2014
I'm not really sure how to rate this book. I enjoyed it, but it felt lacking in conclusions and perhaps needed more drama around the issues that were pertinent to the story, and there wasn't enough romance to the story.
I would have liked to see resolution to the Cam issue, as well as Ivy's relationship with her mother.
I would have liked to see resolution to the Cam issue, as well as Ivy's relationship with her mother.
January 18, 2013
So this was a cute read. I felt like I needed more drama or some sort of twist.... It was a lot of Asher chasing ivy and ivy being wispy washy....and it just kept happening.... I wanted the to be more meat to the story. 3.5 stars. Quick easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2014
Another great one by Garza. Ivy's life is pretty messed up & her white lie cost her a lot. It was great to see Ivy & Asher's story unfold. Asher was pretty amazing given that Ivy didn't really give him reason to stay/try. Very emotional story!
May 5, 2013
review to come
October 30, 2013
This was a nice story but it jumped over too much at the end. I wanted more development between the climax an the ending.
March 21, 2015
Great read!
The ups and downs of a relationship between friends. Lies and truths revealed as the main characters realize the truth sets you free!
The ups and downs of a relationship between friends. Lies and truths revealed as the main characters realize the truth sets you free!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews