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Falling into You #2
Falling into Forever
"Out of habit, of madness, or the need to shatter even the last piece of myself, I raise my arms slightly. I need…I need so much to touch him, to feel his arms around me, to throw myself headfirst into what I told myself I would never do again. I need the weight of his skin on my own. I need to forget. I need to remember."
Seven years after losing her heart to the devastatingly handsome Chris Jensen during a chance meeting on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Hallie Caldwell once again finds herself in New York. Haunted by personal tragedy, she’s trying to pick up the pieces of her once-idyllic life.
Chris has become a bona fide movie star who’s managed to find satisfaction in his glamorous lifestyle. However, when he and Hallie meet again, he’s determined to atone for the past and to carve out a new future.
In this sequel to Falling into You, both Chris and Hallie are forced to examine what happens when life intrudes on fairy tale endings and whether love really can conquer all.
Full-Length New Adult Contemporary Romance
This title is recommended for mature readers due to sexual situations and language.
Seven years after losing her heart to the devastatingly handsome Chris Jensen during a chance meeting on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Hallie Caldwell once again finds herself in New York. Haunted by personal tragedy, she’s trying to pick up the pieces of her once-idyllic life.
Chris has become a bona fide movie star who’s managed to find satisfaction in his glamorous lifestyle. However, when he and Hallie meet again, he’s determined to atone for the past and to carve out a new future.
In this sequel to Falling into You, both Chris and Hallie are forced to examine what happens when life intrudes on fairy tale endings and whether love really can conquer all.
Full-Length New Adult Contemporary Romance
This title is recommended for mature readers due to sexual situations and language.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2013
49 people are currently reading
1660 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Abrams
4 books302 followersI'm a total book junkie...and an accidental novelist. One day, I couldn't find a book that I wanted to read, so I started writing Falling into You. I think it's safe to say that I've caught the writing bug--I've been pounding away at my keyboard ever since! I love my family, my friends, writing, a good romance novel, iced coffee, red wine, and trashy TV (not necessarily in that order).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
May 6, 2013
I will say it now…Lauren Abrams is on my writer to watch list. I loved Falling Into You (book 1) so much that I downloaded Falling Into Forever without looking at a review, synopsis or even the price (ok…I admit I am a one-click freakin junkie). Lauren Abrams knocked it out the park with Falling Into Forever. Book one was amazing…then this. FIF is a truly a one-of a kind, epic emotional roller coaster…that isn’t over saturated with drama. This isn’t a pretty love story wrapped up with a huge sexy bow…this is a stomach churning tale of sex, drugs, lies, love and redemption with a Hollywood backdrop. I want to remain spoiler free here and say that that you will get your ending…and you will smile and realize that sometimes it really is meant to be. FIVE STARS!
Review appears on www.facebook.com/KindleCrack, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter.
I have to gather my thoughts and then try and write a review of this five star book :)
Review appears on www.facebook.com/KindleCrack, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter.
I have to gather my thoughts and then try and write a review of this five star book :)
March 20, 2015
Ahhhhh! I really have no idea how to rate this book. On the one hand, it was well written. On the other, I thought certain aspects of the plot itself needed some work. Either that, or I just didn't like the author's choices.
I couldn't get over the whole Hallie-married-Ben-and-had-his-child thing. I couldn't even read the scene where they have "sex." It was too difficult for me. Speaking of which, the flashbacks had a tendency to be long-winded and annoying. I almost think I would have preferred to read them as an actual part of the story, rather than a series of flashbacks. Ugh, I don't know what to think.
Also, Marcus's character was completely different from the first book. I wasn't sure what to make of this. Then, the part where Hallie and Chris are exposed to the public. It didn't satisfy me. I wanted more interaction on this end--that is, the Hollywood end.
Overall, this was a little disappointing. I really don't want to give this a bad review because I don't think it deserves one. At the same time, I hated and disapproved of some of the author's choices, especially her use of Ben. So, I'm going to have to go with two stars even though my actual rating is more like a 2.5.
I couldn't get over the whole Hallie-married-Ben-and-had-his-child thing. I couldn't even read the scene where they have "sex." It was too difficult for me. Speaking of which, the flashbacks had a tendency to be long-winded and annoying. I almost think I would have preferred to read them as an actual part of the story, rather than a series of flashbacks. Ugh, I don't know what to think.
Also, Marcus's character was completely different from the first book. I wasn't sure what to make of this. Then, the part where Hallie and Chris are exposed to the public. It didn't satisfy me. I wanted more interaction on this end--that is, the Hollywood end.
Overall, this was a little disappointing. I really don't want to give this a bad review because I don't think it deserves one. At the same time, I hated and disapproved of some of the author's choices, especially her use of Ben. So, I'm going to have to go with two stars even though my actual rating is more like a 2.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2013
Falling Into Forever takes place seven years after the end of Falling Into You. I’ve got to say I was slightly disappointed that this book didn’t continue from where Falling Into You ended and that we didn’t get a larger glimpse into what occurred in those seven years. The glimpses that we did get left me wanting more and left me with more questions. I wanted to know more about how Chris ultimately decided to get sober, how Hallie and Ben fell in love, Hallie’s first reactions to the changes in Chis…there was so much this book didn’t tell us, but there’s also a lot it did give us.
I enjoyed this book, but perhaps not as much as I enjoyed the first book. I think I found these two characters even more frustrating than I did before. Even with age and a bit more wisdom they both are still running and unable to communicate. They sleep with each other, talk about talking at some point but don’t actually talk. I understand that they are two broken people who are afraid of messing up, but seriously come on.
I thought the ending was rather abrupt. I wondered what they had to told the press about their relationship after all of that came out and the immediate aftermath of getting back together. All in all it was a good book that I really couldn’t put down but after I finished I was still left with all of these questions.
I enjoyed this book, but perhaps not as much as I enjoyed the first book. I think I found these two characters even more frustrating than I did before. Even with age and a bit more wisdom they both are still running and unable to communicate. They sleep with each other, talk about talking at some point but don’t actually talk. I understand that they are two broken people who are afraid of messing up, but seriously come on.
I thought the ending was rather abrupt. I wondered what they had to told the press about their relationship after all of that came out and the immediate aftermath of getting back together. All in all it was a good book that I really couldn’t put down but after I finished I was still left with all of these questions.
April 28, 2013
4.5★'s - That was really, really intense. The kind of book I would normally avoid. With it being book 2 in this series I had to read it but man, I was very unprepared. I believe one of the last things that I said in my review for the first book was "Great job Lauren Abrams." That great job was due to how she ended the first book. She gets an all over great job for this book as well, but the beginning just KILLED me. It completely made me want to rewrite that part of my review. I was soooo angry and confused. This book is written backwards and forwards. We get the present and then we get the past. It's done beautifully. This book starts seven years later. I guess when I read that I just didn't realize where those seven years would take us. The things that happened to Hallie and Chris were just way more then I thought could or would. Overall this was a very well written love story, a love at first sight love story. It had everything a true romance should have.
April 28, 2013
I liked the look back on their relationship and why it didn't work out when they were together. But how tragic to get a second chance like that. Eh. I liked the first one better.
May 21, 2013
*****CONTAINS SPOILERS***** I will cut to the chase, This book had me so confused I spent alot of time going back to try and figure out the 7 year gap from the first book. Fortune and Fame takes ahole of Chris, the alcohol, parting and an agent that want him to appear single puts and end to a 2 year relationship with Hallie. However according to Marcus (agent) Hallie played a large portion in the breakup. I DID NOT find anything about that in the book, so your left wondering. 3 months after Hallie leaves Chris she runs into the arms of Ben her best friend from book one that told Chris he would "be there to pick up the pieces" and that it what he does until a horrific tragedy takes his life 4 years later. Hallie has a daughter that is 4 years old and the author makes you think the child could be Chris' just because when we do the math in our head it's close. However Hallie confirms Grace belongs to Ben when even Chris starts to question. We don't get anything except for Grace and that Ben is a famous Author from Ben and Hallie's relationship. Hallie screen writes one of Ben's books. Chris and Hallie's paths cross again when he is the Actor for her movie. The rest is history. This book has many grammer errors, and you are bouncing all over the place looking for answers for the 7 year gap. I wouls have perfered for Grace to had belonged to Chris that would have explained the break up and her running into Bens arms. BUT NO! SMH
May 2, 2013
I enjoyed this series. I read both books in 24 hours, but in the end I felt that the story was rushed. Everything happened so fast, specially in the second book, and it made me think that 10 years down the road, they won´t have a happy story. Just don´t see this couple making it for the long run. I wished th epilogue could have shown them a few years later, with a real mature relationship. I think that as a couple they were too impulsive and didn´t learn from that mistake. Still, it was a nice read.
August 20, 2013
Seven years later - follow-on story of Falling into you - Hallie, Chris & Ben - Chris broke her heart but she still loves him - does Chris still love her, will he atone for the way he treated her. will their relationship survive the cruel words and actions used by Chris 7 years ago?
Will there be a happy ever after and for who?
Will there be a happy ever after and for who?
May 9, 2013
umm...I don't know.I liked it. thought it would be gripping all through but I don't know.its cute in some parts.a bit of a drag in some.buy can read once.will think about it some more n write again I guess.
May 7, 2013
4.5-5 stars
June 20, 2013
Again, the only character I really connected was Ben and so you imagine.....
May 20, 2013
Great continuation to the series. Very much enjoyed. Still silly editing mistakes however.
Noteworthy quotes and moments from the book:
Chris to Agent
People who are truly, honestly happy don't need to fight for their careers.
Chris to Hallie's mom
I've tried to arrange things so that she doesn't have to make a once and for all choice between school and me. Your daughter is the best things that's ever happened to me, ma'am, but it's more than that. I can't live without her."
Agent to Chris
I never once saw her look at him the way she looked at you. It just wasn't that kind of love.
Agent to Chris
But it wasn't the kind that wraps you up and spins you around and makes you want to scream and yell and never let go. I've had that, and I'm telling you right now that I would never be happy with anything else.
Agent to Chris.
I need to know whether the crazy kind of love that lasts lifetimes and makes you want to rip all your hair out and crawl inside the other person's skin and never let them go is worth fighting for.
Hallie to her mom.
You know, you told me once that it's the fate of mothers and daughters to fight and rage though the teenage years, but eventually, we'd be talking men and life and children at the kitchen table. How did you get to be so wise?
Lots of living. I had my own mother once, too.
Chris to Hallie
Seeing you, looking the same as you always did, made me remember that I had once laughed and teased and loved something so much that it was possible to get my heart broken. I needed to do anything that might help me to be okay again. I needed to do anything that might help me feel again, period. I wasn't trying to go back to the way we were, or back to the person I was, because that will ever happen and I realize that. I know that. I was just trying to be someone who could make it through one day. The kind that could look at a school bus without having a meltdown in the middle of the street. You have no idea how badly I was broken. Not partially broken, all the way broken. I think I want to forget all of that for a little while, to try out what it would feel like to be normal.
Chris to Hallie
I don't know when or if I'm going to see you again, and I can't let you slip out of my life without telling you now sorry I am. ...
I'm sorry for breaking your heart. I'm sorry for being young and stupid and drunk and for not realizing that I was throwing away the love of my life just because I could and because I was a fucking alcoholic who couldn't admit it to himself. I'm sorry that you had to clean up my messes and apologize for me. I'm sorry for all of it and a thousand more things that I probably did and that I can't remember because because I was so fucked up that I didn't see you falling away from me.
Chris to Hallie
It's a hell of a thing to apologize to someone you love. Because it means that you have to admit to that person that you're not perfect, that they';re not perfect, that no one will ever be perfect. Because in saying you're sorry, you're really admitting that you're human.
Hallie
Perfection never lasts. It's how you manage the imperfections that creates a life. It's how you decide to make it through another day. It's how you decide to take a chance, even if your instincts towards self preservation tell you not to.
Chris to Hallie's mom.
I love your daughter to the ends of earth and back. I love her so much that I couldn't bear the thought of trying to apologize to her when I was anything less than my best self. I love her so much that when she told me that she didn't love me, I crawled into a hole and stayed there for almost a year. I love her so much that she's the first and last thing that I think about every day. I would do anything for her. I would even stay away from her. I'
Chris to Hallie.
So, what do you know about life when you're eighteen? The rest of your life is nothing but a bunch of big beautiful tomorrows. There's always time for a vacation in Bali, timie to decide that you want to become a rocket scientist. Nothing is out of reach. Hangovers are something that old people get, for chrissakes.
Hallie to Chris.
I'm afraid that I'm not good enough for you. I wasn't good enough for Ben. here both of you are, in possession of these incredibly talented, prodigious minds, great minds who are brave enough and bold enough to share themselves with the world, and here I am, just some girl who managed to have enough food fortune to grab some coattails to hand onto. I'm nobody special. I'm not meant for the bright lights and the cameras capturing every move I make. I mean, I fall down. A lot. Do you know how many pictures they would get of me falling down? ...
I live in flip flops. Heels are some gigantic mystery that I'll never be able to figure out. But it's more than that.
I'm never going to be the best painter, or the best screenwriter, or the best candy wrapper sculpture maker. A perfect day for me is sitting in my little cabin and reading books to my daughter as she falls asleep. But that's not enough for you, and it never will be. You happened to be destined for greatness and I came along for a little while and it was fun, but it wasn't me. I'm a pretty simple girl, and your life is too big for me.
Chris to Hallie.
You once told me that maybe the world would be a better place if there were more people who wanted to be food and fewer people who wanted to be great.
Hallie about her mom
Those with prodigious undisciplined minds have always been her favorites, because they're the ones who have the power to surprise her, for better or worse.
Chris to Hallie
You're the strongest person I've ever met. You managed to keep yourself together while the rest of the world fell apart around you. It takes more guts to wake up every day and do that than it does to write any stupid book or play a part in any stupid movie.
Chris to Hallie
I didn't say that I was a normal person. There are no normal people. What I said was that my life, not my job, not the fact that i happen to make movies for a living, but the life I want to lead, is small. I want to make the people that I love most happy. If you want to call that small, go right ahead, but I don't agree with you. That's the biggest kind of life I can imagine. And I cannot imagine a life without you in it.
There's no changing the past, but there's plenty of changing to do for the future.
Neither of us is perfect, but we're perfect together and I want to spend the rest of my life basking in that perfection.
Read everyday, because reading takes you to faraway worlds and to new places, but most importantly, reading bring you closer to the person you want to become.
Teachers who know that telling stories is its own kind of art, its own kind of escape, who tell their students that making words appear on paper is nothing short of magic.
You're a writer. All you need to do is find your story.
Noteworthy quotes and moments from the book:
Chris to Agent
People who are truly, honestly happy don't need to fight for their careers.
Chris to Hallie's mom
I've tried to arrange things so that she doesn't have to make a once and for all choice between school and me. Your daughter is the best things that's ever happened to me, ma'am, but it's more than that. I can't live without her."
Agent to Chris
I never once saw her look at him the way she looked at you. It just wasn't that kind of love.
Agent to Chris
But it wasn't the kind that wraps you up and spins you around and makes you want to scream and yell and never let go. I've had that, and I'm telling you right now that I would never be happy with anything else.
Agent to Chris.
I need to know whether the crazy kind of love that lasts lifetimes and makes you want to rip all your hair out and crawl inside the other person's skin and never let them go is worth fighting for.
Hallie to her mom.
You know, you told me once that it's the fate of mothers and daughters to fight and rage though the teenage years, but eventually, we'd be talking men and life and children at the kitchen table. How did you get to be so wise?
Lots of living. I had my own mother once, too.
Chris to Hallie
Seeing you, looking the same as you always did, made me remember that I had once laughed and teased and loved something so much that it was possible to get my heart broken. I needed to do anything that might help me to be okay again. I needed to do anything that might help me feel again, period. I wasn't trying to go back to the way we were, or back to the person I was, because that will ever happen and I realize that. I know that. I was just trying to be someone who could make it through one day. The kind that could look at a school bus without having a meltdown in the middle of the street. You have no idea how badly I was broken. Not partially broken, all the way broken. I think I want to forget all of that for a little while, to try out what it would feel like to be normal.
Chris to Hallie
I don't know when or if I'm going to see you again, and I can't let you slip out of my life without telling you now sorry I am. ...
I'm sorry for breaking your heart. I'm sorry for being young and stupid and drunk and for not realizing that I was throwing away the love of my life just because I could and because I was a fucking alcoholic who couldn't admit it to himself. I'm sorry that you had to clean up my messes and apologize for me. I'm sorry for all of it and a thousand more things that I probably did and that I can't remember because because I was so fucked up that I didn't see you falling away from me.
Chris to Hallie
It's a hell of a thing to apologize to someone you love. Because it means that you have to admit to that person that you're not perfect, that they';re not perfect, that no one will ever be perfect. Because in saying you're sorry, you're really admitting that you're human.
Hallie
Perfection never lasts. It's how you manage the imperfections that creates a life. It's how you decide to make it through another day. It's how you decide to take a chance, even if your instincts towards self preservation tell you not to.
Chris to Hallie's mom.
I love your daughter to the ends of earth and back. I love her so much that I couldn't bear the thought of trying to apologize to her when I was anything less than my best self. I love her so much that when she told me that she didn't love me, I crawled into a hole and stayed there for almost a year. I love her so much that she's the first and last thing that I think about every day. I would do anything for her. I would even stay away from her. I'
Chris to Hallie.
So, what do you know about life when you're eighteen? The rest of your life is nothing but a bunch of big beautiful tomorrows. There's always time for a vacation in Bali, timie to decide that you want to become a rocket scientist. Nothing is out of reach. Hangovers are something that old people get, for chrissakes.
Hallie to Chris.
I'm afraid that I'm not good enough for you. I wasn't good enough for Ben. here both of you are, in possession of these incredibly talented, prodigious minds, great minds who are brave enough and bold enough to share themselves with the world, and here I am, just some girl who managed to have enough food fortune to grab some coattails to hand onto. I'm nobody special. I'm not meant for the bright lights and the cameras capturing every move I make. I mean, I fall down. A lot. Do you know how many pictures they would get of me falling down? ...
I live in flip flops. Heels are some gigantic mystery that I'll never be able to figure out. But it's more than that.
I'm never going to be the best painter, or the best screenwriter, or the best candy wrapper sculpture maker. A perfect day for me is sitting in my little cabin and reading books to my daughter as she falls asleep. But that's not enough for you, and it never will be. You happened to be destined for greatness and I came along for a little while and it was fun, but it wasn't me. I'm a pretty simple girl, and your life is too big for me.
Chris to Hallie.
You once told me that maybe the world would be a better place if there were more people who wanted to be food and fewer people who wanted to be great.
Hallie about her mom
Those with prodigious undisciplined minds have always been her favorites, because they're the ones who have the power to surprise her, for better or worse.
Chris to Hallie
You're the strongest person I've ever met. You managed to keep yourself together while the rest of the world fell apart around you. It takes more guts to wake up every day and do that than it does to write any stupid book or play a part in any stupid movie.
Chris to Hallie
I didn't say that I was a normal person. There are no normal people. What I said was that my life, not my job, not the fact that i happen to make movies for a living, but the life I want to lead, is small. I want to make the people that I love most happy. If you want to call that small, go right ahead, but I don't agree with you. That's the biggest kind of life I can imagine. And I cannot imagine a life without you in it.
There's no changing the past, but there's plenty of changing to do for the future.
Neither of us is perfect, but we're perfect together and I want to spend the rest of my life basking in that perfection.
Read everyday, because reading takes you to faraway worlds and to new places, but most importantly, reading bring you closer to the person you want to become.
Teachers who know that telling stories is its own kind of art, its own kind of escape, who tell their students that making words appear on paper is nothing short of magic.
You're a writer. All you need to do is find your story.
May 16, 2013
Falling into You and Falling into Forever was a really heart-warming and heart-wrenching love story. Hallie and Chris had a relationship full of ups and downs and I couldn't help but repeatedly root for them to be together no matter how many times one of them screws up.
I really liked Hallie a lot. She was very down to earth and not afraid to speak her mind. She knew who she was and who she wanted to be and she never tried to change herself for anyone, even Chris. The only thing that bothered me about her was how she ran when things got tough instead of fighting. In Falling into You, she ran from Chris when things got real and left him confused and broken. In Falling into Forever, she did the same thing, running instead of fighting for love. I really liked Chris too, though he pissed me off each time he broke Hallie's heart. He was arrogant and cocky but in an entertaining way and he really did love Hallie. He made questionable decisions, acted without thinking, but I never questioned his love for Hallie, even when he was being a jack ass.
I loved their whirlwind romance in Falling into You and the amazing connection that they found in each other. They were from two different worlds but they had this immediate spark that ignited this powerful love affair. I think they were both afraid of falling for each other so quickly and they both made mistakes and hurt each other but in the end, their feelings for each other were more powerful than anything.
Falling into Forever was heart-wrenching for me because so many unknown things had happened with Chris and Hallie between the end of Falling into You and Falling into Forever. With 7 years past, it is clear that they have been apart for a while but the reasons for their separation are unknown. As they reconnect, the plot temporarily jumps to the past every once and a while to give us a little taste of what happened between them. I could not put this book down, if only for those little snippets because I HAD to know what went wrong with them. The downfall between Chris and Hallie had me heartbroken and I didn't know if they would be able to recover from what had happened when they reconnected. So many things had changed putting unbelievable obstacles in their way.
I really enjoyed the plot of each book and the overall story line of the books. I found Falling into You to be a little predictable, but not in a bad way. However, Falling into Forever left me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I had to know what had happened, if they could find their way back to each other and how it would all end. I felt like the ending was rushed a little. There was so much depth in the beginning and middle of the plot but then the end was rushed. Even so, I was satisfied with the overall conclusion. I really enjoyed the author's writing and the development of the characters. I could really feel their emotions and connect with them well. Definitely an excellent debut for Lauren Abrams.
I really liked Hallie a lot. She was very down to earth and not afraid to speak her mind. She knew who she was and who she wanted to be and she never tried to change herself for anyone, even Chris. The only thing that bothered me about her was how she ran when things got tough instead of fighting. In Falling into You, she ran from Chris when things got real and left him confused and broken. In Falling into Forever, she did the same thing, running instead of fighting for love. I really liked Chris too, though he pissed me off each time he broke Hallie's heart. He was arrogant and cocky but in an entertaining way and he really did love Hallie. He made questionable decisions, acted without thinking, but I never questioned his love for Hallie, even when he was being a jack ass.
I loved their whirlwind romance in Falling into You and the amazing connection that they found in each other. They were from two different worlds but they had this immediate spark that ignited this powerful love affair. I think they were both afraid of falling for each other so quickly and they both made mistakes and hurt each other but in the end, their feelings for each other were more powerful than anything.
Falling into Forever was heart-wrenching for me because so many unknown things had happened with Chris and Hallie between the end of Falling into You and Falling into Forever. With 7 years past, it is clear that they have been apart for a while but the reasons for their separation are unknown. As they reconnect, the plot temporarily jumps to the past every once and a while to give us a little taste of what happened between them. I could not put this book down, if only for those little snippets because I HAD to know what went wrong with them. The downfall between Chris and Hallie had me heartbroken and I didn't know if they would be able to recover from what had happened when they reconnected. So many things had changed putting unbelievable obstacles in their way.
I really enjoyed the plot of each book and the overall story line of the books. I found Falling into You to be a little predictable, but not in a bad way. However, Falling into Forever left me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I had to know what had happened, if they could find their way back to each other and how it would all end. I felt like the ending was rushed a little. There was so much depth in the beginning and middle of the plot but then the end was rushed. Even so, I was satisfied with the overall conclusion. I really enjoyed the author's writing and the development of the characters. I could really feel their emotions and connect with them well. Definitely an excellent debut for Lauren Abrams.
May 27, 2013
Eh again! I had hopes that the characters would redeem themselves and finally get my attention but nope...not even close.
I'll start with this...if the author went back and rewrote the books then she should give us Hallie and Ben's story. That was a story that I wanted more from and that was the only part that I actually felt emotionally attached to. Ben was the guy I wanted to read about. Chris is forgettable and nothing special.
There were so many flaws to this story, and I don't even want to think about the book anymore honestly, but someone out there is wondering if they should read it and here's what I'm going to say needs fixing:
1. Don't mention Sophia. She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it. She admitted she was the one in the wrong. Hallie forgave Chris, so why on earth did she still harbor the anger towards someone she had previously considered a good friend?
2. Don't mention his father. Clearly that is a sore subject for him only in the fact that he didn't want to be compared to him. However yet again we are given a mention of him wanting to make amends and ask his son's forgiveness before he died yet Chris wouldn't even give him a moment of his time. I think this makes Chris look cruel and not at all the guy I would want to make a life with.
3. The whole Grace story needs revision. I truly spent the entire book convinced I knew who her father was only to be wrong. I think the author just wanted to play on the fact that its questionable but it was pointless in the end. She should have just given us the information from the beginning. It wouldn't have made me think less of Grace. I just did not like how that all played out throughout the entire book.
4. Give us Ben! I know I've already said this, but really...you give us a character that is madly in love with our heroine, he is her best friend, he is always there to protect her, you make him a hero to a bunch of kids and then you kill him?? No! I want Ben's story, not Chris.
5. The end is seriously flawed. They've been back together what, a month max?? We don't even really know since the book doesn't tell is, and then they are ready to overlook the fact of how much they have hurt each other in the past and get married?? She has a child to think about. She needs to make SURE he is on the right track, that he isn't going to make the same mistakes or that he is going to change his mind again before she makes him a permanent part of her daughter's life. I don't want to give anything away, but again I bring Grace's paternity up. Had it turned out a different way, I don't think this aspect of my argument against the book could be made, but the author chose her father and thus that means that the sudden decision to get married is seriously flawed
There are more issues that I have, but I'm honestly just tired of thinking about this book any further. Read it if you want, I know I sort of wish I hadn't, but oh we'll at this point.
I'll start with this...if the author went back and rewrote the books then she should give us Hallie and Ben's story. That was a story that I wanted more from and that was the only part that I actually felt emotionally attached to. Ben was the guy I wanted to read about. Chris is forgettable and nothing special.
There were so many flaws to this story, and I don't even want to think about the book anymore honestly, but someone out there is wondering if they should read it and here's what I'm going to say needs fixing:
1. Don't mention Sophia. She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it. She admitted she was the one in the wrong. Hallie forgave Chris, so why on earth did she still harbor the anger towards someone she had previously considered a good friend?
2. Don't mention his father. Clearly that is a sore subject for him only in the fact that he didn't want to be compared to him. However yet again we are given a mention of him wanting to make amends and ask his son's forgiveness before he died yet Chris wouldn't even give him a moment of his time. I think this makes Chris look cruel and not at all the guy I would want to make a life with.
3. The whole Grace story needs revision. I truly spent the entire book convinced I knew who her father was only to be wrong. I think the author just wanted to play on the fact that its questionable but it was pointless in the end. She should have just given us the information from the beginning. It wouldn't have made me think less of Grace. I just did not like how that all played out throughout the entire book.
4. Give us Ben! I know I've already said this, but really...you give us a character that is madly in love with our heroine, he is her best friend, he is always there to protect her, you make him a hero to a bunch of kids and then you kill him?? No! I want Ben's story, not Chris.
5. The end is seriously flawed. They've been back together what, a month max?? We don't even really know since the book doesn't tell is, and then they are ready to overlook the fact of how much they have hurt each other in the past and get married?? She has a child to think about. She needs to make SURE he is on the right track, that he isn't going to make the same mistakes or that he is going to change his mind again before she makes him a permanent part of her daughter's life. I don't want to give anything away, but again I bring Grace's paternity up. Had it turned out a different way, I don't think this aspect of my argument against the book could be made, but the author chose her father and thus that means that the sudden decision to get married is seriously flawed
There are more issues that I have, but I'm honestly just tired of thinking about this book any further. Read it if you want, I know I sort of wish I hadn't, but oh we'll at this point.
August 3, 2013
Definitely deserves more than 5 amazing stars.
When I finished Falling into You , I thought I've figured everything out. But I was so wrong, our dear author Lauren Abrams was kinda cruel (in a nice way of course) that she has written an unexpected sequel that has sudden twists in Hallie & Chris's story. My heart broke when I got a glimpse of the first 2 chapters. Falling into Forever , was narrated 7 years after "FiT". A lot of things happened between Hallie & Chris, both bad and good things. Chris's Hollywood stardom with all its glitz and glamour, his endless partying & drinking into oblivion put an end into their fairytale romance. They fell in love at a young age and coming from 2 opposite worlds, a lot of obstacles were thrown into their way and they must figure out how to get through it. But is love enough for them to conquer everything? Are they willing to make sacrifices for them to have a true HEA and end up together forever? Are they both ready to forget the past & forgive each other to have the future they both deserve? Well, you have to grab a copy of this book to find out.
First, I would like to say "BRAVO!" to Lauren Abrams for writing such an emotional, heartfelt, beautiful and unforgettable story about giving second chance in love. Hallie & Chris's story is one of those stories that would end up a smile in your face even after all the angst-filled scenes that made your heart ached a lot of times. Those angsty moments felt so real and powerful that would make you realized a lot of things about life. This story would inspire you and wish that someday you'd have the kind of love Hallie & Chris have. They're not perfect so their relationship but that's what makes them real to me. It's their imperfections that got me drawn into their story. The sudden twists and turns into their romance made me edgy the entire time I was reading this book. And I was desperate or rather needed them to end up together and have a HEA finally. After all the emotional turmoil this story put me through, I was so glad our dear author gave me the ending I hoped for. Thank you Lauren Abrams. You're simply amazing!
Wonderful & lovable characters, great storyline, amazing dialogues with its witty banters, past and present narration made this series so perfect that I'd recommend this to everyone who love romance. This series is now one of my favorites and I'd be reading this again and again.
Amazing read!
When I finished Falling into You , I thought I've figured everything out. But I was so wrong, our dear author Lauren Abrams was kinda cruel (in a nice way of course) that she has written an unexpected sequel that has sudden twists in Hallie & Chris's story. My heart broke when I got a glimpse of the first 2 chapters. Falling into Forever , was narrated 7 years after "FiT". A lot of things happened between Hallie & Chris, both bad and good things. Chris's Hollywood stardom with all its glitz and glamour, his endless partying & drinking into oblivion put an end into their fairytale romance. They fell in love at a young age and coming from 2 opposite worlds, a lot of obstacles were thrown into their way and they must figure out how to get through it. But is love enough for them to conquer everything? Are they willing to make sacrifices for them to have a true HEA and end up together forever? Are they both ready to forget the past & forgive each other to have the future they both deserve? Well, you have to grab a copy of this book to find out.
First, I would like to say "BRAVO!" to Lauren Abrams for writing such an emotional, heartfelt, beautiful and unforgettable story about giving second chance in love. Hallie & Chris's story is one of those stories that would end up a smile in your face even after all the angst-filled scenes that made your heart ached a lot of times. Those angsty moments felt so real and powerful that would make you realized a lot of things about life. This story would inspire you and wish that someday you'd have the kind of love Hallie & Chris have. They're not perfect so their relationship but that's what makes them real to me. It's their imperfections that got me drawn into their story. The sudden twists and turns into their romance made me edgy the entire time I was reading this book. And I was desperate or rather needed them to end up together and have a HEA finally. After all the emotional turmoil this story put me through, I was so glad our dear author gave me the ending I hoped for. Thank you Lauren Abrams. You're simply amazing!
Wonderful & lovable characters, great storyline, amazing dialogues with its witty banters, past and present narration made this series so perfect that I'd recommend this to everyone who love romance. This series is now one of my favorites and I'd be reading this again and again.
Amazing read!
May 15, 2013
Perfect....there were so many thing that happened between Hallie and Chris that saddened me. I wish they could have met when they were just a bit older. Maybe then Hallie wouldn't have lost herself so completely in Chris. I wish that alcoholism hadn't become an issue, especially after dealing with his father and how much it ruined him. I think its was so true to their age...falling so deeply into the other person that you forget who you were and are and that nothing else matters as long as you have each other. Chris thinking that he can handle anything...one more beer, one more shot, one more pill. I love that the tragedy with Ben didn't diminish who he was, because he really was great. It is also so true to life, sometimes you can be with someone who is so wonderful and whom you love...but for some reason it just isn't right, and you feel so guilty because it really is you and not them...such a cliche, but true. I love that they found their way, but I can't believe that they wouldn't have kept an eye on each other over the years. I mean, in a way Hallie did...through tabloids...but to think that Chris didn't, that he truly didn't know anything about her during those years is a little mind blowing, but I guess he was too drunk at first, and then too busy getting healthy, and maybe living a little in denial. Anyway, it was perfect. I also loved that Grace wasn't his. Sure it would have made it some happy little reunion crap, but I font think Hallie could have done it...so the way it was ...well it was authentic to her character.
loved these two books. can't wait to read more from Lauren Abrams.
loved these two books. can't wait to read more from Lauren Abrams.
May 17, 2013
I did realize this came out already, I had a lot lined up but oh after the first book and how that ended. I HAD to read this. Hallie and Chris intrigued me, I didnt think I would but I was sucked into this.
What I like about Chris is that he feels real, despite his celebrity and how things initially started off. Im always skeptical about the celebrity heroes, cause sometimes it focuses so much on the other aspects that sometimes it looses the person.
Being that we got to know Chris when he was just starting out and rising to fame and we saw that other person that he was and no matter how his lifestyle was different and grander it works. I think of course he wasnt all that his status usually entails, that wasnt really all him. I must say though he grew up from book one, his perspective grew.
Granted He and Hallie were young before, mistakes and hurt can do a lot. Im glad that somehow they crossed paths again, makes things right and somehow figure out their lives. With all the Hollywood, drama, their story of redeeming and finding what was lost shone through.I like how Hallie is just simple and authentic. Lauren Abrams handled the issue with Grace and how they moved forward with their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this one, I will miss Chris and Hallie and their bantering. If you liked Falling into You, Falling into Forever was even better. A real true to life fairy tale come true even after all the roller coaster in between.
What I like about Chris is that he feels real, despite his celebrity and how things initially started off. Im always skeptical about the celebrity heroes, cause sometimes it focuses so much on the other aspects that sometimes it looses the person.
Being that we got to know Chris when he was just starting out and rising to fame and we saw that other person that he was and no matter how his lifestyle was different and grander it works. I think of course he wasnt all that his status usually entails, that wasnt really all him. I must say though he grew up from book one, his perspective grew.
Granted He and Hallie were young before, mistakes and hurt can do a lot. Im glad that somehow they crossed paths again, makes things right and somehow figure out their lives. With all the Hollywood, drama, their story of redeeming and finding what was lost shone through.I like how Hallie is just simple and authentic. Lauren Abrams handled the issue with Grace and how they moved forward with their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this one, I will miss Chris and Hallie and their bantering. If you liked Falling into You, Falling into Forever was even better. A real true to life fairy tale come true even after all the roller coaster in between.
August 4, 2013
OK, that was a hard read. The first book had so much lightness and goodness, with just a smidge of darkness near the end that it was hard to get over the fact that just b/c some characters have awesomeness, doesn't mean they can't be full of jackhole-ness as well. And boy did Chris fall. Not to say that Hallie didn't have her moments, but wow... And yet, if I sat down and thought about it, I could totally see it happening. I could see the influences from how he grew up, from the lifestyle that surrounds his chosen profession, and from the scripts he chose and characters he portrayed. I couldn't help but think of Heath Ledger at times. So in the end, I did feel it was believable...it was just hard to watch. I thought the flashbacks were done well in this book....they were placed at times where they made sense and gave you just enough to explain something that was happening in the present, but left you wanting to know what came next. In the end, I'm not sure I had enough time seeing Chris redeem himself to have Hallie believe in the new him. Does that make sense? I guess that's why I 4 starred this. I'm just not sure about how good they are for each other. But they were young the first time. OK, see now I'm convincing myself otherwise. So it was thought provoking to say the least.
ps - LOVED Sam, and Marie, and LOVED Grace. I wish Ben could have had his own HEA, b/c he deserved it....:(
ps - LOVED Sam, and Marie, and LOVED Grace. I wish Ben could have had his own HEA, b/c he deserved it....:(
May 14, 2013
When I started reading this book (I had just finished the 1st book Falling into You) and I had all the warm and fuzzies going on...then I picked up this book. I was so not expecting the story to start like it did!! Oh.My.Gawd!!!! At first I thought I down loaded the wrong book (I'm not giving up any spoilers!) - this couldn't be happening!!! The story line was so out of left field, however I appreciated the plot twists and turns, and I thought I had braced myself and gotten used to the way the story was heading, but oh no, another twist was thrown in. I felt like I was on a roller coster of emotions with this book. I was sad and totally pissed at the characters and I could not put this book down. As I was getting closer to the end, I was really worried that the characters were going to end up broken. Again, not a spoiler type of reviewer so you'll just have to read what happens, believe me, it is worth the read. Lauren Abrams writes with such clarity of the situation, I could actually picture the scene as I read each line. As a painter's work blooms and becomes alive on the canvas, so do the lived of Hals, Chris and Ben with Lauren Abrams prose. I was not expecting the turn of events in this story and I was shocked, surprised, dismayed and ultimately happy with the outcome. READ THIS BOOK! Peace out!
May 1, 2013
This book kinda surprised me. When you start this book, you learn very quick that things went very wrong with Hallie and Chris. Really wrong. 7 years had passed and they are both now adults. The past 5 years theyve been apart, living their life. Or as you learn, trying their best to move on, knowing how they really feel about eachother, realizing their mistakes. I mean, they were only 18 when they met. The connection was instant.
Hallie moved on, but the past year has been exceptionally difficult. In present time, after 5 years apart, she sees Chris again, for business reasons, and thats when your journey begins in this book. This story weaves in and out from past and present in a great way. Your not confused, lost, or aggrivated. Its seamless. There have many changes, tragedies, loss and success for each of them. Hallie was married.... Finally face to face, they are able to reminisce, apologize, and move on. They deserved a happy ending, and they got one. And i am shocked to say, that i love Hallies mom. Not at first, but she redeems herself.
Hallie moved on, but the past year has been exceptionally difficult. In present time, after 5 years apart, she sees Chris again, for business reasons, and thats when your journey begins in this book. This story weaves in and out from past and present in a great way. Your not confused, lost, or aggrivated. Its seamless. There have many changes, tragedies, loss and success for each of them. Hallie was married.... Finally face to face, they are able to reminisce, apologize, and move on. They deserved a happy ending, and they got one. And i am shocked to say, that i love Hallies mom. Not at first, but she redeems herself.
April 30, 2013
Well, that was a change of pace now wasn't it?? I was totally not expecting to have the sequel to Falling into You be THIS! Don't get me wrong, I loved it. Really loved it.
However, it was heart wrenching and much more involved than the first book.
This book is set 7 years after the first book, with flashbacks that walk us through the missing years. And they are not pretty. There has been loss, and heartbreak for Hallie and a downward spiral for Chris.
Honestly, at the beginning of the book I was MAD! I didn't want what was happening to happen...but it worked. All of the heartache made sense and it was so well put together.
I started thinking that I would have loved to have had a 2nd book that followed Hallie and Chris for those first couple of years, but then I thought that might just make me angry. I think the way it was handled with flashbacks was perfect. You get the gist of it without having to be submerged in in completely.
I also love the alternating POV that is used. Seeing the other person's view always gives me the warm and fuzzies!
However, it was heart wrenching and much more involved than the first book.
This book is set 7 years after the first book, with flashbacks that walk us through the missing years. And they are not pretty. There has been loss, and heartbreak for Hallie and a downward spiral for Chris.
Honestly, at the beginning of the book I was MAD! I didn't want what was happening to happen...but it worked. All of the heartache made sense and it was so well put together.
I started thinking that I would have loved to have had a 2nd book that followed Hallie and Chris for those first couple of years, but then I thought that might just make me angry. I think the way it was handled with flashbacks was perfect. You get the gist of it without having to be submerged in in completely.
I also love the alternating POV that is used. Seeing the other person's view always gives me the warm and fuzzies!
April 27, 2013
I don't know what's wrong with me, because I cried practically through the whole book. Seriously, it wasn't that sad or anything, but I couldn't stop. I hated what happened to Ben; it's such a shame. But i loved how Chris and Hallie were grown up and they sorted all their shit. Such an amazing story and wonderful characters; totally loved Eva and Marcus. And Grace, so amazing. I also loved how Lauren had all those flashback scenes, at least now I know what happened between the time after Falling into You and Falling into Forever. Anyway, marvelous story and this is totally on my top two in my favorites list. LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!:D I totally rate this book a ten, but I can only do five on this ratings. Same for Falling into You; 10 all the way and I recommend it to EVERYONE!! Lauren Abrams is totally my favorite author now and I thank her so much for writing such a wonderful sequel. So does Falling into You; 10 all the way. CAN'T WAIT TO READ ALL HER OTHER BOOKS!!(Sigh):D
June 5, 2013
Based on the ending of Falling Into You I had a few directions where this book might go and I will say that it wasn't how
Falling Into Forever
. It was more of what I expected the first book to be--dealing with the fame and fortune and how that strains a relationship. Again, I though it was a refreshing take on a romance novel sequel. There is just something about this series that seems realistic to me despite the fact that not every normal girl falls in love with a budding movie star. I totally shed a few tears during this last book and I'm A-OK with that and I had a hard time putting it down.
My only peeve (and it's really minor) is that I'm not sure if Chris ever learns what happened to Hallie when she was a teenager. I would have liked a little follow-up there but otherwise, I GREAT sequel!
(See my review of the series and find book recaps on my blog: http://seriesousbookreviews.wordpress...)
My only peeve (and it's really minor) is that I'm not sure if Chris ever learns what happened to Hallie when she was a teenager. I would have liked a little follow-up there but otherwise, I GREAT sequel!
(See my review of the series and find book recaps on my blog: http://seriesousbookreviews.wordpress...)
July 19, 2013
Oh. My. What happened? Just when I thought that they'll have a beautiful life together, they start off being estranged from each other in book 2.
My. My. What a big difference seven years make. For this reason, I was hooked (again) from the start until the end of this story. Hallie and Chris' story is a heart-breaking, beautiful, poignant tale that will affect any person who believes in the highs and lows of falling in love, losing it and being drawn back to each other.
Now that they're both adults and have been to hell and back, they are left with no choice but to face the truth or continue denying themselves of that happily ever after. You can't help but fall in love with Hallie and Chris, despite their imperfections. For it was by accepting them that they found true happiness.
"I think I could get used to being imperfectly happy with you. As long as it's still a forever kind of thing."
My. My. What a big difference seven years make. For this reason, I was hooked (again) from the start until the end of this story. Hallie and Chris' story is a heart-breaking, beautiful, poignant tale that will affect any person who believes in the highs and lows of falling in love, losing it and being drawn back to each other.
Now that they're both adults and have been to hell and back, they are left with no choice but to face the truth or continue denying themselves of that happily ever after. You can't help but fall in love with Hallie and Chris, despite their imperfections. For it was by accepting them that they found true happiness.
"I think I could get used to being imperfectly happy with you. As long as it's still a forever kind of thing."
April 27, 2013
I loved this book, I think equally to book 1. I thought book 1 ended with a HEA, I didn't even really see the need for a book 2. But because of the fantastic ability of the author to create people, events and seemingly real life scenarios, I was intrigued as to what else could transpire. OMG, when I read the teaser for the 2nd in the back, I just knew I had to read it. The fact that the book started with their relationship gone and 7 years into the future blew me away because I was so sure they were together, forever, perfect, united, strong - you get the msg. Revealing and going in between each POV and alternating present / past was also a very well developed way to keep my interest, which NEVER wavered it just made it have a little something extra. I'll be reading more from this author, she is one to watch.
November 14, 2013
Really a 3.5 only because I was disappointed on how the cliff hanger from the first played out thought it all made sense in the end!
"Out of habit, of madness, or the need to shatter even the last piece of myself, I raise my arms slightly. I need…I need so much to touch him, to feel his arms around me, to throw myself headfirst into what I told myself I would never do again. I need the weight of his skin on my own. I need to forget. I need to remember."
Hallie suffered a tragic turn of events after not seeing the first love her life drive me crazy for years they become reacquainted even if Halloe didn't want it to happen there was no stopping the connection between them. I cried so hard I couldn't breathe then I would laugh so hard I couldn't breathe.
What an amazing series.... Must read them together or you'll go crazy!!!!!
"Out of habit, of madness, or the need to shatter even the last piece of myself, I raise my arms slightly. I need…I need so much to touch him, to feel his arms around me, to throw myself headfirst into what I told myself I would never do again. I need the weight of his skin on my own. I need to forget. I need to remember."
Hallie suffered a tragic turn of events after not seeing the first love her life drive me crazy for years they become reacquainted even if Halloe didn't want it to happen there was no stopping the connection between them. I cried so hard I couldn't breathe then I would laugh so hard I couldn't breathe.
What an amazing series.... Must read them together or you'll go crazy!!!!!
January 14, 2014
Sometimes I feel like I am too generous with my five-star ratings. But you know, I just love books and appreciate good writing with a good storyline. This book reminded me of SH Kolee's Love Left Behind which I LOVED. I am a complete and total sucker for the second-chance romance, simple, girl next door who captivates the heart of the bigwig movie star or CEO. I can't help it, it just reels me in. I thought the first book in this series was good, but this one was better and it was almost like the writing matured. The characters grew and this one just had more depth. That is a simple explanation but it's what comes to mind. I loved Chris, and his personal journey reminded me a bit of Jake Wethers in The Mighty Storm. And Hallie was just super sweet, strong and successful (nice touch). I look forward to whatever Lauren writes next.
May 1, 2013
I don't normally post my reviews of books I've read however this being my 1st review...I was compelled to write this. Ms. Abrams your writing is very impressive. You are definitely an author I will follow. Your writing style captivated me. I like Hallie at the end of book one hated Sofia! There was no redemption for Sofia and I applaud you for not going in that direction in the second book. I love how these 2 book reeled you in. I have read few books that have moved me to tears. But both books took my mind and heart on a wonderful journey. The way you wrote the male lead was also very strong yet he was vulnerable and underneath it all a great guy. I don't know if you will read this but thank you for such a great read, I'm sad it's over!
May 4, 2013
I can't even form a coherent sentence right now that explains how much I loved this book. I'm a sucker for both celebrity and reunion stories. So this book had the perfect combination for me. I read this in one day, basically ignoring everything and everyone around me! I loved how the characters aren't perfect and have to learn how to forgive. Chris and Hallie struggle with their feelings when they run into each other years later. After having suffered during their time apart as well as the hurt they caused each other before splitting up, I'm glad the author didn't make it an all "hearts and flowers" type of reunion. I know this is a book I'll be rereading often. I love Abrams' writing and will be reading anything she releases in the future!
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