Gravity

Free Falling #1

by Raven St. Pierre

A chance meeting reshapes the lives of two strangers who soon learn that we don't always choose who we fall in love with; sometimes life chooses for us.
Samantha Kelley thinks she's got it all figured out until she literally collides with
Anthony "AJ" Hahn one fateful day, forcing her to question whether she's been
missing something all along...
Him.

Genres: Romance, Interracial Romance, New Adult, High School, Cultural, Drama, Contemporary Romance

416 pages, Nook

First published November 6, 2013

About the author

Raven is the author of several interracial and African-American romances, including her debut series, "Free Falling" books 1 - 3, "Red Sun", and "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob". Since early on, she has found writing to be her creative outlet of choice, although she did not complete her first full-length novel until 2009. She has a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, but currently works from home, mostly writing, but also building her own Virtual Assistant business. If you're interested in learning more about Raven's upcoming works, there are a number of ways to find her and to stay in touch!

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/7f_Pb

BLOG: http://youaresowrite.wordpress.com/

EMAIL: raven.stpierre@gmail.com

PERSONAL FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/raven.s.pier...

FACEBOOK 'LIKE' PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRavenS...

PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/ravenstpierre/

TWITTER: @RavenStPierre

Reviews

[♡Meme♡Reads love♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book
yeah the feels, I just wanted hug this book so tight in my arms and never let go!

Yet another excellent book by Ms. Raven!!! Girl your writing style is the bomb!!!There is so much to say about this story but I just can't you have to read it for yourself its one of those that make you feel all warm inside. and take you on a journey back to your high school years. I could so relate to Samantha she was so real to me I loved her personality even with everything that happen she thought of others feelings and I liked that about her. Then theres AJ
Yeah, you'd love you some him!!!
He was so charming with that bad boy/good boy image with his caring nature and the way he loves Sam uh sigh... tell you one thing got a sister looking at Asian guys a whole lot differently
So yeah this is a must read for lovers of Y/A N/A its steamy yet sweet. Here's my couple of course the authors choice and perfect I might say
check me out on pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/memereadslove/ and song for this is Unthinkable by Alicia Keys

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a lot of feelings about this book and not many of them are good. I liked the premise because it's rare that these angsty NA contemporaries are about an interracial couple, but the fact that the author chose to make this couple's story solely about race was unimaginative and unoriginal.

Samantha and AJ are two high school seniors who meet completely by accident and their entire worlds are altered because of this chance encounter. It is oddly supernatural the way they're completely taken by each other at first sight, but I didn't mind that so much because it was pretty cute. The problem is that Sam is already in a "committed" relationship with her longtime crush, Antonio, whom Sam spent at least 5 pages describing how perfect he is and how lucky she is to be with him. Antonio is pretty quickly forgotten when this gorgeous and mysterious bad boy, AJ Hahn enters the picture. He and Sam openly flirt, text, and hang out all while Sam is sneaking around and lying to Antonio at every turn. I probably should have minded this more, but AJ and Sam had some pretty cute moments. I actually never liked Antonio, he's an asshole and he gives these weird Fatal Attraction vibes. The easy solution for Sam would be to break up with Antonio because at this point she had already cheated on him and had fallen in love with AJ. Actually no, Sam couldn't do that because *gasp* she is black and AJ is asian and what would everyone think??? *rolls eyes*

OMG, this is where I had the most issues with the story. I mean, unfortunately some people will always feel some type of way about interracial couples, I get that but for everyone around them to be so violently against them for this reason alone felt ridiculous and antiquated. A lot of these detractors were Sam's friends and that just felt really unrealistic because young people are some of the most liberal and open minded people there are and so for them to have these toxic attitudes, it turned me off so much. Sam's dad also rubbed me the complete wrong way. I mean, the misogynoir this man spews is incredible. I felt offended reading it and to say such harmful things to his own daughter is just awful. His character is predictably redeemed by the end of the novel but the damage is done in my opinion. Also AJ's dad isn't much better, he is also ridiculous and problematic. I feel like there should have been more to Sam and AJ as a couple than this pettiness. We don't get to see them evolve and grow as a couple because it is one drama after another where they have to keep proving the legitimacy of their feelings to everyone and that is sad because I do like them together, they have good chemistry.

I don't like Sam very much though. She is melodramatic, overly sensitive, insecure, and immature. She has so many opportunities to stand up for herself and her choices, but she doesn't until the end of the book. She keeps Antonio around as a safety net for far too long. Sam also let so many others dictate her happiness, all in the guise of keeping up appearances. Sam makes so many horrible choices and wonders in earnest why her life is falling apart, it's absurd. On the other hand, AJ is bae. I love him so much. He is sweet, confident, badass, and protective. He was overall a really legit guy. I loved that he knew that it was only a matter of time before Sam would come his way. Of course, AJ wasn't perfect, he could be kind of shady too but I didn't hate him for it.

Overall, I will read the next books in the series because as bad as a lot of this book was, there is something oddly addicting about it.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars! It was an insightful look into the issues that plague interracial relationships. The moral of the story was that love can conquer all. I absolutely loved it! Can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Stacy Anita Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read

I gave this book 3 stars because, the heroine got on my last nerves. Okay I know that Samantha was only 18, so I guess I should expect her to be a tad bit immature BUT my God! She makes so many bad decisions and she's so spoiled and obnoxious one minute she loves AJ the next Antonio...and both men are so patient and tolerant of her. I think they both would be better off without her. I'm so skeptical about purchasing the next two books in this series even though this book was a page turner I found the heroine so off putting. I hate self absorbed females. I wish we could have read the book from both leads perspectives instead of just one. I'm sure AJ was more annoyed with her behaviour than he let on.

[Jamilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't read YA, angst, especially of the teen variety does not appeal to me, usually. This time was different. Such a good read, I enjoyed these the characters, loved the almost destructive, blind path they took to love. The drama, lies, cheating, sneaking off all made for one heck of a page turner, similar to how an impending doom is kinda hard to look away from.
I loved the writing it's seldom an author can make you feel the loved between two characters, almost as if they were alive in you, but this author did,and I would definitely recommend that you read the books after this one, Secrets and Exposed.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Definitely on my love to hate list. Samantha brings shady shit on herself for most of the story. Sadly, honesty could have saved her from A LOT of it.

Also, how many racist people are in her life?!?! Seriously, it's freakin' raining racism!

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears]

Talk about self-promotion, lol. "One of the most riveting IR books?" We'll see.

[Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all 4 books of Samantha and AJ’s journey (book 3.5 was more like an extended epilogue, but still a satisfying read).

Their road to forever was not by any stretch of the imagination easy or quick. It was filled with a lot of hatred, racism, lies, broken hearts, pain, trauma, ex-girlfriend and ex-boyfriend dramas, family dramas, attempted murder, misunderstandings, deception, and betrayal. It took a lot of healing to reach their HEA.

Their love story reminds me of a quote I read by Sherrilyn Kenyon,

“Strength through adversity. The strongest steel is forged by the hottest fires. It is pounded and struck repeatedly… The fire gives it power and flexibility, and the blows give it strength. Those two things make it able to withstand every battle…”

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read a book by Ms. St. Pierre that I have not loved, and this is no exception. She has the ability to draw you into these characters that you love them, even if they're flawed. Samantha found herself with two guys Antonio and Anthony, her indecision made her seem finicky, expected at her age. The pressures put on her interracial relationship by parents and friends was a little disheartening. A lot of twist and turns made this a page turner for me. I am ready for Book 2.

[JoVan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can please give it six stars!!! Stay awake all night reading.

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Can't wait for the sequel :)

[Tayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book, I fell in love with both of the characters.

[V. Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it was a YA, it was so much depth dealing with racism on both sides. The way they got together wasn't under the best circumstance, but the heart knows what it wants. Although they were young, you could feel the love between AJ and Sam. AJ knew that he was Sam and wasn't afraid to stand up to anybody for her. I love that AJ was always honest to Sam even if it tough to say. I wish Sam could have been just as honest in some situations earlier but eventually she came clean. By attending different colleges, they will no doubtly face new challenges, with one being Antonio, who refuses to just go away.

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that I read this is a day says alot. But just to add a touch more, wow! My sons marriage is an interracial marriage, before he brings his wife to any family function he calls me first to get sort of a gauge on how he thinks his wife is going to be received before he commits to coming. My comment is always "boy she's part of the family stop trippin". Reading this makes me think that maybe he's not trippin. I'm going to have to be more alert and sympathetic of what they're going through.

[☺~Tina~☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm looking forward to the next story. The story showed the other side of interracial romance, not the flowery kind that everyone excepts and it's wonderful. Both Sam (African American) and AJ (Japanese) families had issues and dealt with them in different ways. Sam had to face a lot of trials for love. She learned a lot of things the hard way. The lessons she learned were hard to watch at times for all of them.

[K.C. Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of my favorite books. It has that sweet love that never gets old. I had a hard time letting these characters go when the series was over and if the author decides to revive this series where Sam and AJ are in their late 80's and battling glaucoma. I will STILL read about them.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Michele Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Read! The romance between the main character was wonderful and exciting. I will surely read the next two books!

[MsLena83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. I absolutely loved it. I didn't want to put the book down.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible. Cheating. Racism. Too long

[Natashia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked! No sleep for me today lol!

[Liz Herrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gritty. Juvenile. Unsophisticated. Predictable. I couldn’t stop reading it.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly good! I have a hard time picking out GOOD YA novels simply because very often the female lead tends to be the typical Mary Sue waiting for someone to come save her. I found Sam to be refreshing in that she is a young girl who thinks she knows what (and whom) she wants (her current boyfriend Antonio) in life at so young an age and gets blindsided by AJ, the hot Japanese boy that has her locked in his sights. Shes smart but she, like MOST, teenagers makes stupid decisions, stumbling every now and then in an effort to find herself and work through her feelings for two guys. Shes trapped between who she thought she was and the possibilty of what could be but in a way that is more endearing than other YA female leads. Growing up fast and experiencing love, REAL LOVE, for the first time amidst a barrage of troubles that come from not just an unexpected relationship but an interacial one provided a soild story that had me finish the book in ONE SITTING. There are times you want to shake Sam for being an idiot and other times you find yourself rooting for her and her budding realtionship with AJ, who is one of the best male leads I've read in a YA novel. Hes bold and confident and dare i say brazen but also caring, concerned, spontanious, and sweet in ways that make it incredibly easy to fall in love with (I dont blame you Sam! How dare he be irresistable?!?!?). Hes very real in that he tells Sam exactly what he is thinking and how he feels and remains upfront on things, brutally honest in a way that isnt cliched but more raw and real than most YA male leads. I found myself being utterly enchanted by him. I loved Sam's parents and the fact that they had such active roles and scenes in the book (again, not all to common in YA novels). Sams mother reminded me of my own in the way that she was "no nonsense" but understanding as well, helping Sam when she came to her for guidence but never prying either. Sams father is less accepting of her relationship with AJ but comes to a better understanding of him and Samantha at the same time. All in all this book was a very GOOD read and I already bought and downloaded the sequels and I cant wait to tear into them!

[Sherry Molock · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty Good

This was a really good book. This is the story of a young couple, AJ & Samantha,,who fall in love during their senior year in high school. They face a number of obstacles, including parental objections to their relationship because AJ is of Japanese descent and Samantha is African America, a crazy ex-girlfriend, and friends who are not supportive of interracial relationships.

I think the author does an excellent job portraying the unfortunate prejudices that the couple face. My son dated interracially when he was in high school and while we were supportive, the girl's mom was not. so I think the issues depicted in the book were pretty accurate. I applaud the author for addressing some of the problems that interracial couples face because most romance novelist either ignore the issues all together or they portray this very unrealistic "we are the world" scenario where everyone is so loving and accepting of everyone, which is quaint but very unrealistic. I know it's fiction, and reality can be stretched quite a bit in the romance genre, but it's nice to see an author who is not afraid to wrestle with some of the more challenging issues that we face as a culture today.

The love between AJ and Samantha is also portrayed in a loving but realistic way. There is plenty of high school drama, which usually gets on my nerves (why I shy away from young adult romance) but I must admit I enjoyed the book because it was so well written and the characters were so well developed. AJ. and Samantha made the same silly mistakes that we all made when we were in high school. Since I'm in my 50's, its both comforting and frightening to know that some things never change.

This book is pretty tame compared to most books n the genre: there's no profanity and the sex scenes are few and very tame. I'm assuming that's because the book is targeting an adolescent audience, but I think people of all ages will enjoy the book and I have already ordered the next book in the series: well done!!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read YA novels but read about this book on a Goodreads group and was intrigued. So glad I bought it! It was excellent. The author captured the typical drama and angst of high school students and excellently portrayed the issues that surround dating "outside of your race." I could see some of myself in Samantha - a smart young lady who finally has the guy she's wanted for years! Antonio is finally her boyfriend. Until she is totally blindsided by AJ. And boy, you can positively feel the chemistry between AJ and Sam. Some may call it insta-love but this went way beyond that. This was two people who find their absolute soul mates. She didn't want to hurt Antonio but she was swept away by her feelings for AJ. I kept asking myself "how old is AJ?!" because let me tell you - he was one yummy combination of alpha and beta male. I found myself yelling noooooo when Sam would make bad decisions but then I remembered myself at 17/18 years old and recalled those same bad decisions I made. There are a few editing issues and some repetition of a few words but those issues do not in any way take away from the power of the novel. The author gives us just a taste of part 2 and now I can say that I am very anxiously waiting for the second book! This was a real treat and I look forward to other works from Ms. St. Pierre.

[La Vida Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first NA book and also first book I've read by Raven St. Pierre and I have to say, she is quite a talented author. Managed to tear me away from my usual faves that contain steamy love scenes. This love story is really special. We meet Samantha and AJ and read about how they fall in love. I think that touching upon their racial and cultural differences (her being Black and him being Japanese) and how people react to them is pretty real and I like how the author allows the read inside Sam's mind and thought process. I caution you to keep in mind, we are reading about a 17/18 year old girl. Of course, she makes some silly decisions when it comes to standing up for herself and her love for AJ but man, sometimes you do want to shake her and be like, come on Sam! But AJ is literally perfect. Self-assured, mature and understanding. Pretty much the type of guy any girl would be so lucky to have in her life. Even though Sam is the way she is, you still root for her and AJ throughout this book. I kept saying to myself, Ahhh young love! It's pretty heartwarming and sweet. No steamy love scenes, as your typical romance novel, but it was still hard to put down and I'm looking forward to reading book 2 "Secrets." This is good storytelling right here.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't judge a book by it's cover were never truer words written regarding this book. I did not expect this book to be as good as it was. Young love at its finest. The storyline drew me in and I could not (and did not) stop reading until I finished. Then I was a little miffed that I hadn't gotten the second book in series to pick up and start reading right away. Can I get an AJ, LOL! AJ and Sam make a great couple and I hope they are able to survive all of the never ending obstacles thrown in their path.

[Erica A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I really loved how the author brought the characters to life. Sammy, isn't your typical YA heroine. She is flawed but still likable. AJ is just.....can I please have a guy like him? Like really he is my dream guy! Their relationship starts off from unconventional means but it doesn't stop me from rooting for them. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK! I really cannot wait to continue on the journey of Sam& AJ!

[Marsha Selby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, lets start with Ms. St. Pierre wrote a well balanced book about young love, lord, she captured the raw, unadulterated, consuming need of thinking your world will end without the one you love. I refer to this as the BOOM effect. I loved Sam and was mad at her all at the same time, hey but I remember some parts of her being me, naïve as hell. And AJ was almost perfect...almost. I see a some bad coming with
not making a clean break from Anthony...Like.Like.Like

[Sofia Lindeberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNT at ca 67%. I guess it's just me, but this was one of the most boring books I've ever read and the main character just sucked so much, Jesus! Such an irrational and immature girl. And all this talk about race, I'm a white girl from Sweden so I haven't lived in that kind of climate, but I mean come on. I would seriously leave my family if the would disagree of the person I loved beacuse he wasn't white. That is just awful and so wrong, I don't even want to discuss it.