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The Harder I Fall #1
The Harder I Fall
Becca Langer was not a normal girl, she didn't have normal girl problems. For most of her life, she’s had to take care of herself, her younger brother Chad, and her drunk mother. She’s lived under the shadow of what her father did when she was ten years old. Forever branded by his actions.
College was her escape, she could get away and finally live. Her dream was to make it in the New York Ballet Company one day. That for her meant a long road full of hard work and dedication. She didn't have time for distractions, and Levi Klein was definitely a distraction.
Will Levi be able to crack through her tough exterior and really see the wounded soul underneath? Becca needs to be loved, but the question is, will she let Levi love her?
College was her escape, she could get away and finally live. Her dream was to make it in the New York Ballet Company one day. That for her meant a long road full of hard work and dedication. She didn't have time for distractions, and Levi Klein was definitely a distraction.
Will Levi be able to crack through her tough exterior and really see the wounded soul underneath? Becca needs to be loved, but the question is, will she let Levi love her?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2014
68 people are currently reading
1267 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gibson
18 books440 followersI started writing in 2011 and it quickly became a passion for me. I'm very lucky that writing brought so many amazing people into my life! And it also brought me the love of being a cheerleader! I learned that aside from writing, I love helping other authors reach for their own dreams. If you need someone in your corner, please don't hesitate to message me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 1, 2014
Book summary
Published by - Mark My Words
Release Date - 7th May 2014
Pages - 215
My Rating - 1 Star
Review
I really don't know where to start with this review. Becca...oh Becca *smh* This girl has more than your usual amount of issues. Her life seems to have been nothing but a steaming pile of crap piled on a steaming pile of crap. She escapes the small town where she lives and goes off to College but does she make an effort? Does she put in the hard yards to make friends and be a normal person? Oh no. Nope not even close. She ends up falling for stalker boy turned boyfriend who breaks up with her after three months cause she can't say those three little words that she's not programmed to say...argh!!! By this stage I had to put the book down, cause not only does Levi have more problems than you can poke a stick at but together, they're just a mess. Not even a good angsty mess. Nope, they're a drama filled heap of garbage.
Another thing that made me want to throw my iPad across the room was some pretty big inaccuracies in our recent history. Yep I'm talking about Israel. When you're writing a character who is ethnic, then please make sure you have their country of origin's history right!!!
Published by - Mark My Words
Release Date - 7th May 2014
Pages - 215
My Rating - 1 Star
Review
I really don't know where to start with this review. Becca...oh Becca *smh* This girl has more than your usual amount of issues. Her life seems to have been nothing but a steaming pile of crap piled on a steaming pile of crap. She escapes the small town where she lives and goes off to College but does she make an effort? Does she put in the hard yards to make friends and be a normal person? Oh no. Nope not even close. She ends up falling for stalker boy turned boyfriend who breaks up with her after three months cause she can't say those three little words that she's not programmed to say...argh!!! By this stage I had to put the book down, cause not only does Levi have more problems than you can poke a stick at but together, they're just a mess. Not even a good angsty mess. Nope, they're a drama filled heap of garbage.
Another thing that made me want to throw my iPad across the room was some pretty big inaccuracies in our recent history. Yep I'm talking about Israel. When you're writing a character who is ethnic, then please make sure you have their country of origin's history right!!!
October 25, 2014
Do you like raspberries ? I love them. But sometimes, I don't want to eat them right away, because I am too tired (okay, lazy would be the best way to describe it) to wash them. And sometimes, the day after I bought them, when I want to eat them, I notice how most of them have rotten overnight.
I have the same feeling about this book and about the rotten raspberries. "It's such a shame ! If I had known, I wouldn't have wasted any time."
Now, why am I so harsh ? I usually try to qualify my critics because a writer's work is a hard word. But this book is my downfall.
Becca has had a tough life. She lives alone with her mother, an alcoholic, and her little brother since her dad
killed her little sister while he was on drugs. She has taken care of her family the best she can but now she is finally going to college. To escape the small town (on the West Coast) she has lived in, she decides to go on the East Coast.
The first night, she meets Levi in a party. He likes her, but she is not allowing herself to like him. She wants to graduate, to be party of the New York Ballet Company. Does she have time for boys ?
Still, it doesn't prevent her from falling for him. Hard.
About the story, I have to say how amazed I am. This story condenses about twenty romances scenarios in one. Before you reach 30% the girl has already done so much you feel like you have read the three quarters of the book.
The style of the author doesn't manage, unfortunately, to salvage the story. There are only two parts of the book when you can actually "get" into the story : the nightmares and the dancing. It is not nearly enough, but it's a good start, right ?
The characters are all surprisingly immature.
I may not be in college but I am the same age they are and believe me when I say that the only people I know (who are in college) don't all act like they are socially handicapped. I am the most socially handicapped of my friends and I don't go around, saying how much trouble I have bounding with people just to tell them my sad tragic life's story. And I don't decide, like one micro second after meeting the person, that this person you absolutely don't know will make a good friend although you claim to never have had any friends
No one does that. No matter how socially handicapped they are.
That was just the main character, Becca. Shall I continue ?
Levi. Oh, for I-don't-know-who's sake, Levi. That guy has some major issues. He started off as a stalker. Then he turns into a friend, then a boyfriend. Three months later, because Becca can't tell him that she loves him he dumps her. Three months. Then Becca has issues (well, she always does but this time they are worse) and he wants to be there for her. He doesn't understand that when people are dumped they HURT. He just REJECTED her and now he wants to hold her hand while dating another girl ? Classy.
I won't even talk about their oh-so-clichéed friends (like the main characters weren't enough). Just let me say that if my mother acted as Levi's mother does, I would have become a mess too.
And seriously, they have known each other for less than a year - and they were broken up for a huge part of that time - but they are willing to take it that far in the end ?
Something that irks me : besides the rich Jewish family cliché, I mean this book isn't stereotyped-free at all, what I thought incredible... Was that Levi's grandfather came from ISRAEL and he immigrated in the 1920's.
Biggest and only surprise of the book, since Israel wasn't created until after the Second World War. I don't know why the UN doesn't recognize some of Israel's territory, since it didn't have to make a map of the two new countries in 1947 BECAUSE ISRAEL ALREADY EXISTED (at least, according to Jessica Gibson).
This was one of the topics in History when I was in 12th grade. Is Jessica Gibson in 11th grade or was it just a way to simplify the story for the readers ? If it was, why didn't Levi grandfather come from Poland, Germany or Austria ? From what I remember, there was a lot of immigration coming from those countries at that time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_N...
I have the same feeling about this book and about the rotten raspberries. "It's such a shame ! If I had known, I wouldn't have wasted any time."
Now, why am I so harsh ? I usually try to qualify my critics because a writer's work is a hard word. But this book is my downfall.
Becca has had a tough life. She lives alone with her mother, an alcoholic, and her little brother since her dad
killed her little sister while he was on drugs. She has taken care of her family the best she can but now she is finally going to college. To escape the small town (on the West Coast) she has lived in, she decides to go on the East Coast.
The first night, she meets Levi in a party. He likes her, but she is not allowing herself to like him. She wants to graduate, to be party of the New York Ballet Company. Does she have time for boys ?
Still, it doesn't prevent her from falling for him. Hard.
About the story, I have to say how amazed I am. This story condenses about twenty romances scenarios in one. Before you reach 30% the girl has already done so much you feel like you have read the three quarters of the book.
The style of the author doesn't manage, unfortunately, to salvage the story. There are only two parts of the book when you can actually "get" into the story : the nightmares and the dancing. It is not nearly enough, but it's a good start, right ?
The characters are all surprisingly immature.
I may not be in college but I am the same age they are and believe me when I say that the only people I know (who are in college) don't all act like they are socially handicapped. I am the most socially handicapped of my friends and I don't go around, saying how much trouble I have bounding with people just to tell them my sad tragic life's story. And I don't decide, like one micro second after meeting the person, that this person you absolutely don't know will make a good friend although you claim to never have had any friends
No one does that. No matter how socially handicapped they are.
That was just the main character, Becca. Shall I continue ?
Levi. Oh, for I-don't-know-who's sake, Levi. That guy has some major issues. He started off as a stalker. Then he turns into a friend, then a boyfriend. Three months later, because Becca can't tell him that she loves him he dumps her. Three months. Then Becca has issues (well, she always does but this time they are worse) and he wants to be there for her. He doesn't understand that when people are dumped they HURT. He just REJECTED her and now he wants to hold her hand while dating another girl ? Classy.
I won't even talk about their oh-so-clichéed friends (like the main characters weren't enough). Just let me say that if my mother acted as Levi's mother does, I would have become a mess too.
And seriously, they have known each other for less than a year - and they were broken up for a huge part of that time - but they are willing to take it that far in the end ?
Something that irks me : besides the rich Jewish family cliché, I mean this book isn't stereotyped-free at all, what I thought incredible... Was that Levi's grandfather came from ISRAEL and he immigrated in the 1920's.
Biggest and only surprise of the book, since Israel wasn't created until after the Second World War. I don't know why the UN doesn't recognize some of Israel's territory, since it didn't have to make a map of the two new countries in 1947 BECAUSE ISRAEL ALREADY EXISTED (at least, according to Jessica Gibson).
This was one of the topics in History when I was in 12th grade. Is Jessica Gibson in 11th grade or was it just a way to simplify the story for the readers ? If it was, why didn't Levi grandfather come from Poland, Germany or Austria ? From what I remember, there was a lot of immigration coming from those countries at that time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_N...
February 22, 2014
4.5 stars
I was really happy when I heard that this author was writing another contemporary book because I have read some of her paranormal series' and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to see how she did a contemporary book! I know she wrote another contemporary book, but I haven't read it yet lol! This book was so freaking cute! It was pretty dark in places too, which I wasn't expecting! Well, I was expecting some darkness to it after I read the synopsis, but I wasn't expecting it to be that dark! The plot really was amazing though and it really showed how bad the situation was for the main character and I loved that the author didn't downplay the situation and she showed how bad it really was! The plot dealt with a girl who had to grow up fast in order to take care of her brother after witnessing something horrific! Because of this, the girl thought so little of herself, but didn't realise just how amazing she was and all it took was just one guy to show her how much she was really worth! I do have to say that I found some of things that happened in the plot a bit of a coincidence! It was just too perfect to be real! The author did add twists and turns in the plot though that did make me second guess those things that seemed too perfect to be real! The characters were amazing! Becca was the main character and my heart completely went out to her in this book! She had been through so much and she had to grow up so fast! No child should have to do that! Becca was an amazing character though and I could see that she would do anything to protect her brother and make sure that he was safe and had a good life! I strongly admired that about her! Becca was quite a troubled character as well and that was all down to her childhood! She had been through something seriously horrible and my heart just completely went out to her! But Becca managed to break through that wall that was distancing her from the world and that was all down to her love interest! He showed her that not every aspect of life is horrible and that you have to search to find the good amongst the bad! Levi was the love interest of Becca and I loved him! He was pretty hot too ;) There were a few chapters in this book where I sort of didn't really like Levi, but he quickly redeemed himself for me and became a bigger person! I loved how much Levi supported Becca and he showed her that she could be loved, if she left herself be! He also supported Becca 100% in everything she wanted to achieve and he helped her achieve it, which made me sort of grab him in a massive hug because he basically saved Becca so much more than he realised! I do have to say that I did think that Becca and Levi's relationship did start a little too quickly, but then it sort of evened out and it went at a good pace and then stuff happened, which changed a lot! I can completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything was wrapped up for Levi and Becca, but I'm super excited that Becca's brother is going to get a book too! The cover for this book is really pretty! I've seen the same stock photo on a lot of covers though, but I like that this cover is slightly different to those other ones! Plus, I've always loved the stock photo anyway lol! Big thank you to Jessica for an ARC of The Harder I Fall!
I was really happy when I heard that this author was writing another contemporary book because I have read some of her paranormal series' and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to see how she did a contemporary book! I know she wrote another contemporary book, but I haven't read it yet lol! This book was so freaking cute! It was pretty dark in places too, which I wasn't expecting! Well, I was expecting some darkness to it after I read the synopsis, but I wasn't expecting it to be that dark! The plot really was amazing though and it really showed how bad the situation was for the main character and I loved that the author didn't downplay the situation and she showed how bad it really was! The plot dealt with a girl who had to grow up fast in order to take care of her brother after witnessing something horrific! Because of this, the girl thought so little of herself, but didn't realise just how amazing she was and all it took was just one guy to show her how much she was really worth! I do have to say that I found some of things that happened in the plot a bit of a coincidence! It was just too perfect to be real! The author did add twists and turns in the plot though that did make me second guess those things that seemed too perfect to be real! The characters were amazing! Becca was the main character and my heart completely went out to her in this book! She had been through so much and she had to grow up so fast! No child should have to do that! Becca was an amazing character though and I could see that she would do anything to protect her brother and make sure that he was safe and had a good life! I strongly admired that about her! Becca was quite a troubled character as well and that was all down to her childhood! She had been through something seriously horrible and my heart just completely went out to her! But Becca managed to break through that wall that was distancing her from the world and that was all down to her love interest! He showed her that not every aspect of life is horrible and that you have to search to find the good amongst the bad! Levi was the love interest of Becca and I loved him! He was pretty hot too ;) There were a few chapters in this book where I sort of didn't really like Levi, but he quickly redeemed himself for me and became a bigger person! I loved how much Levi supported Becca and he showed her that she could be loved, if she left herself be! He also supported Becca 100% in everything she wanted to achieve and he helped her achieve it, which made me sort of grab him in a massive hug because he basically saved Becca so much more than he realised! I do have to say that I did think that Becca and Levi's relationship did start a little too quickly, but then it sort of evened out and it went at a good pace and then stuff happened, which changed a lot! I can completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything was wrapped up for Levi and Becca, but I'm super excited that Becca's brother is going to get a book too! The cover for this book is really pretty! I've seen the same stock photo on a lot of covers though, but I like that this cover is slightly different to those other ones! Plus, I've always loved the stock photo anyway lol! Big thank you to Jessica for an ARC of The Harder I Fall!
February 11, 2014
I can not remember the last time I read a book start to finish in one sitting. This book also hit me emotionally like no other. I was so invested I felt like I was Becca. I had tears rolling down my face at times so bad that the pages were blurry. I just couldn't stop reading!
Becca has dreams for herself just like everyone else does. However her past threatens to prevent those dreams from becoming a reality. College was suppose to be a new start, a way to forget the past. Then suddenly the past and the family turmoil she left behind threaten to ruin all that before it truly started.
Levi is a guy that just won't take no for an answer. Becca finds herself falling for him and hard. Will he be a good thing for her or a bad thing?
It's not growing up with an alcoholic family member. There are many alcoholics in my family, so I know. I feel the author portrayed how Becca feels perfectly. This may be why it hit me so hard emotionally. I felt so raw, so real. I just couldn't put the book down!
I can't wait to read the next installment about Chad her brother.
Becca has dreams for herself just like everyone else does. However her past threatens to prevent those dreams from becoming a reality. College was suppose to be a new start, a way to forget the past. Then suddenly the past and the family turmoil she left behind threaten to ruin all that before it truly started.
Levi is a guy that just won't take no for an answer. Becca finds herself falling for him and hard. Will he be a good thing for her or a bad thing?
It's not growing up with an alcoholic family member. There are many alcoholics in my family, so I know. I feel the author portrayed how Becca feels perfectly. This may be why it hit me so hard emotionally. I felt so raw, so real. I just couldn't put the book down!
I can't wait to read the next installment about Chad her brother.
February 11, 2014
Lol as the author I love it ;)
February 23, 2014
Life is a dance, with each step leading you in different directions. With one mistake you can fall, but sometimes falling will lead you right where you need to be. For Becca, falling is what she needs.
Becca's life is anything but normal. Having parents who don't love her, a sister who was taken way to soon and a little brother who she's raised and a heart that's broken. Becca is leaving her toxic home and fleeing her small town, in turn to live her life and find out who she is.
In a new town and now a college student, having friends is something new to Becca, but getting close to anyone will be hard. Becca has secrets, something that has broken her a long time ago. Can she let those in and trust them with knowing the real her?
"Anyone would be lucky to know you. Your past wont define you if you don't let it."- Sadie
Dancing is her passion, her first love. Dancing has kept her sane, has saved her. She can let all the pain she's been living with out on that dance floor.
Levi will rock Becca's world, knock it off it's axis. He'll show her what it is to love, but it wont be easy. She'll fall, but can she let him catch her?
Nothing in life is ever easy, with her brother needing her, will she have to give up everything she's been working for or can she rely on others who's wanting to help?
"How can you love me when I'm so broken inside. My heart is shattered into so many pieces. I can't even begin to scrape them all together."- Becca
Can Levi help heal Becca's wounds, show her what love is? Will Becca be able to overcome the hurdles placed in her way. Who say's falling is easy?
"I'll always catch you, Becca."- Levi
The Harder I fall is such an amazing story of growing and healing yourself. Becca broke my heart many times, I wanted to hold her and tell her it would all be okay and to give in. This story really grabbed me and wouldn't let go until the very last word. Jessica Gibson wrote a book that is really a breath of fresh air. She didn't rely on sex scenes (Which isn't bad, I love a good sex scene) to make this book. She relied on the characters to tell this story with their words, and for that I love her. The characters are well written and they each will have you loving them in their own way. This story revolves around ballet and that is what pulled me to wanting to read this story. I'm a dancer, so it took me back to day's of dancing. This story is full of ups and downs, love and heart ache and of trust. I can't wait to see where she takes us with the other book(s) to come. I give this amazing read 5 stars!!!
FIND MORE REVIEWS LIKE THIS ONE AT www.abiliophobiaanonymous.blogspot.com
READ ON!!!
Becca's life is anything but normal. Having parents who don't love her, a sister who was taken way to soon and a little brother who she's raised and a heart that's broken. Becca is leaving her toxic home and fleeing her small town, in turn to live her life and find out who she is.
In a new town and now a college student, having friends is something new to Becca, but getting close to anyone will be hard. Becca has secrets, something that has broken her a long time ago. Can she let those in and trust them with knowing the real her?
"Anyone would be lucky to know you. Your past wont define you if you don't let it."- Sadie
Dancing is her passion, her first love. Dancing has kept her sane, has saved her. She can let all the pain she's been living with out on that dance floor.
Levi will rock Becca's world, knock it off it's axis. He'll show her what it is to love, but it wont be easy. She'll fall, but can she let him catch her?
Nothing in life is ever easy, with her brother needing her, will she have to give up everything she's been working for or can she rely on others who's wanting to help?
"How can you love me when I'm so broken inside. My heart is shattered into so many pieces. I can't even begin to scrape them all together."- Becca
Can Levi help heal Becca's wounds, show her what love is? Will Becca be able to overcome the hurdles placed in her way. Who say's falling is easy?
"I'll always catch you, Becca."- Levi
The Harder I fall is such an amazing story of growing and healing yourself. Becca broke my heart many times, I wanted to hold her and tell her it would all be okay and to give in. This story really grabbed me and wouldn't let go until the very last word. Jessica Gibson wrote a book that is really a breath of fresh air. She didn't rely on sex scenes (Which isn't bad, I love a good sex scene) to make this book. She relied on the characters to tell this story with their words, and for that I love her. The characters are well written and they each will have you loving them in their own way. This story revolves around ballet and that is what pulled me to wanting to read this story. I'm a dancer, so it took me back to day's of dancing. This story is full of ups and downs, love and heart ache and of trust. I can't wait to see where she takes us with the other book(s) to come. I give this amazing read 5 stars!!!
FIND MORE REVIEWS LIKE THIS ONE AT www.abiliophobiaanonymous.blogspot.com
READ ON!!!
May 28, 2014
Find more on the blog: http://hotstuffbookreviews.wordpress....
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
While the blurb isn’t all that telling, it made me think that it’d be the kind of stories I’m always hungry for. While it’s a nice and sweet read, it’s not at all as full of angst and emotional as it’s supposed to be.
Be warned, I might not be so tender even though I thank the author for the effort. I hate writing negative reviews, but every books can’t be my cup of tea.
In my opinion, when an author decides to tackle heavy issues and when an author decides to give a really, really tough background to the main character, the story needs to be emotional, needs to puts us to our knees and knock us down to better chain us to the main character, to all characters, looking for their new beginning, building themselves a new life, a better one.
Here, everything seem to just happen and I couldn’t connect fully with Becca. She opened up way too easily and too fast which contradicts completely with her character and with what we’ve been told only a few pages before. She also gives in to Levi so fast! I mean, the girl is supposed to be closed off so as a reader I’d need to see her inner struggles, the way Levi had to actually fight for her.
Everything was happening without a real idea of the time frame, without being actually conscious of the transitions. It was unsettling to the point of keeping me at arm’s length. There’s basically no or close to no build up.
Also, the dialogues seemed forced most of the times and the lack of descriptions sometimes was weighting down my reading pleasure. If only the dialogues would have been amazing it wouldn’t have been so bad, but I really had a hard time with the dialogues.
To be honest, I think this story could have been cut in two to better give the author the opportunity to develop everything from the plot, twists, consequences, stakes and characters. Then, I’m pretty sure that I would have been on board with Becca and Levi’s story. In the end, I never bought their story, their love and Levi is still an abstract character with too many things unsaid about him, things that could have brought him to life otherwise. Or so it seems.
But at the same time, when I think about Becca’s tragic past I can’t help but somehow praise the author. After all, I’m pretty sure it’s not easy writing about such things and while it’s a miss for me, I can understand if other readers are moved by this story.
Who read this book? What do you think about Becca and Levi’s story? Are you looking for reading Chad’s story?
I received this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
While the blurb isn’t all that telling, it made me think that it’d be the kind of stories I’m always hungry for. While it’s a nice and sweet read, it’s not at all as full of angst and emotional as it’s supposed to be.
Be warned, I might not be so tender even though I thank the author for the effort. I hate writing negative reviews, but every books can’t be my cup of tea.
In my opinion, when an author decides to tackle heavy issues and when an author decides to give a really, really tough background to the main character, the story needs to be emotional, needs to puts us to our knees and knock us down to better chain us to the main character, to all characters, looking for their new beginning, building themselves a new life, a better one.
Here, everything seem to just happen and I couldn’t connect fully with Becca. She opened up way too easily and too fast which contradicts completely with her character and with what we’ve been told only a few pages before. She also gives in to Levi so fast! I mean, the girl is supposed to be closed off so as a reader I’d need to see her inner struggles, the way Levi had to actually fight for her.
Everything was happening without a real idea of the time frame, without being actually conscious of the transitions. It was unsettling to the point of keeping me at arm’s length. There’s basically no or close to no build up.
Also, the dialogues seemed forced most of the times and the lack of descriptions sometimes was weighting down my reading pleasure. If only the dialogues would have been amazing it wouldn’t have been so bad, but I really had a hard time with the dialogues.
To be honest, I think this story could have been cut in two to better give the author the opportunity to develop everything from the plot, twists, consequences, stakes and characters. Then, I’m pretty sure that I would have been on board with Becca and Levi’s story. In the end, I never bought their story, their love and Levi is still an abstract character with too many things unsaid about him, things that could have brought him to life otherwise. Or so it seems.
But at the same time, when I think about Becca’s tragic past I can’t help but somehow praise the author. After all, I’m pretty sure it’s not easy writing about such things and while it’s a miss for me, I can understand if other readers are moved by this story.
Who read this book? What do you think about Becca and Levi’s story? Are you looking for reading Chad’s story?
February 12, 2014
*I was given an ARC for my honest review*
This story was very touching. Becca goes to college, leaving behind her younger brother to deal with their alcoholic mom and their past. Becca has never really had friends but to her surprise, she starts letting her roommate into her life little by little. There is so much in Becca's past that she finally starts to open up to her roommate and a boy that comes into her life, Levi.
This is a great story of pain, loss, love, family and friendship. Jessica Gibson has done a wonderful job spinning all of these attributes into her story. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
This story was very touching. Becca goes to college, leaving behind her younger brother to deal with their alcoholic mom and their past. Becca has never really had friends but to her surprise, she starts letting her roommate into her life little by little. There is so much in Becca's past that she finally starts to open up to her roommate and a boy that comes into her life, Levi.
This is a great story of pain, loss, love, family and friendship. Jessica Gibson has done a wonderful job spinning all of these attributes into her story. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
November 3, 2015
2 stars
Spoilers below to explain why it did not work for me.
This book was so annoying. The girl finally gives her heart to Levi after he does the chasing, but he breaks up with her and starts dating another girl because the heroine can't say "I love you" to him. The heroine has some issues and they are hard for her to overcome.
Lexi had so much potential, but he ended up just being the wishy-washy hero. And I hated how Becca and Levi got back together. I felt like she was practically begging him to take her back. He did not deserve the "I love you"from Becca.
The writing felt immature too.
This is my opinion. It may work for you.
Spoilers below to explain why it did not work for me.
This book was so annoying. The girl finally gives her heart to Levi after he does the chasing, but he breaks up with her and starts dating another girl because the heroine can't say "I love you" to him. The heroine has some issues and they are hard for her to overcome.
Lexi had so much potential, but he ended up just being the wishy-washy hero. And I hated how Becca and Levi got back together. I felt like she was practically begging him to take her back. He did not deserve the "I love you"from Becca.
The writing felt immature too.
This is my opinion. It may work for you.
May 6, 2014
The Harder I fall is such an amazing story of growing and healing yourself and from the very first chapter I was hooked. Be warned this story will suck you in and have you so caught up and vested in these characters that you'll break out in laughter at times and at others you'll need a box of tissues to get through it. The characters are well written and they each will have you loving them in their own way and the story is full of ups and downs, love, heart ache, trust and just learning when to let go. This is definitely a MUST READ!!!
June 9, 2014
Israel Independence from Mandatory Palestine
- Declared 14 May 1948
- Recognition 1 May 1949
That's all i'm saying. (Eek)
- Declared 14 May 1948
- Recognition 1 May 1949
That's all i'm saying. (Eek)
May 16, 2015
*** 5+ Stars ***
Wow I could not stop reading this book!!!
While reading The Harder I Fall there were a couple of things that I could not stop doing and that was crying and smiling. The crying was not only of sadness but of happiness because of what two complete strangers did for her brother and also for her. The sadness that I felt while reading this story was how their mother was able to turn her back on her daughter and son. I couldn’t believe that she actually hated her own daughter for doing what was right. I totally loved Chad he was a bright kid a kid that loved his sister and wanted the best for her. It brought me to tears when I read what he was trying to do in order to survive because his mother couldn’t be a mother. These are the type of stories that I just love reading and I know I will want to reread this story later on. Then there is Levi a guy that was so sweet and willing to wait for her. He did have a little stalkerish tendencies but he fell for her hard but soon he was able to win her and she agreed to date him. I was really surprised that Becca was able to speak about her life to not only her roommate who was her best friend but also so soon to Levi. That story was devastating and I had to hand it to Becca she was a brave young girl to be able to do what she did. She was a smart young woman that was able to take care of her brother but in the mists of that she lost her teenage years. She was afraid to let anyone in and she didn’t know what it was like to be loved beside the love of her brother. So of course when the Kleins take in her brother and they show affection not only to him but to her also I can’t seem to help it but to smile during those scenes. I knew that she had a terrible childhood and things were going great with Levi but I knew something was going to happen where they would be torn apart but I had no idea what. So many things were running through my head wondering if something was going to happen to her mother or if for some odd reason someone was going to drive a wedge between Becca and Levi. Oh boy was I wrong it was none of those things but rather her not being able to let him in. It was so hard to read about them being separated I could not stop being sentimental but that’s just who I am. It was hard reading how she felt when she saw him with someone else but in my head I was screaming at her that she could have prevented it but then again how would she know that she actually loved him if she really didn’t know what that was. But when she finally realized it I felt bad for her because she deserved to be happy. The only thing I could not stand was her pushing Levi away he just wanted to talk to her but she didn’t want to hear him. Then when I though everything was great and they had their happily ever after but oh no that was not it for Becca.
The Harder I Fall was an excellent read. This was a book that intrigued me, the storyline was amazing. What I loved about this book the most was how Becca grew I saw this young woman that acted like a mother, so serious and when everything was said and done she was this young woman that was full of life. She was a person that laughed, that went out, knew how to love and be let loved. Ms. Gibson’s writing was flawless and her scenes were vivid. The chemistry between these two was amazing, it was HOT.
This is my first read by Ms. Gibson and I can’t say this will be my last. I can’t wait to read Becca’s little brother, Chad’s book.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
Wow I could not stop reading this book!!!
While reading The Harder I Fall there were a couple of things that I could not stop doing and that was crying and smiling. The crying was not only of sadness but of happiness because of what two complete strangers did for her brother and also for her. The sadness that I felt while reading this story was how their mother was able to turn her back on her daughter and son. I couldn’t believe that she actually hated her own daughter for doing what was right. I totally loved Chad he was a bright kid a kid that loved his sister and wanted the best for her. It brought me to tears when I read what he was trying to do in order to survive because his mother couldn’t be a mother. These are the type of stories that I just love reading and I know I will want to reread this story later on. Then there is Levi a guy that was so sweet and willing to wait for her. He did have a little stalkerish tendencies but he fell for her hard but soon he was able to win her and she agreed to date him. I was really surprised that Becca was able to speak about her life to not only her roommate who was her best friend but also so soon to Levi. That story was devastating and I had to hand it to Becca she was a brave young girl to be able to do what she did. She was a smart young woman that was able to take care of her brother but in the mists of that she lost her teenage years. She was afraid to let anyone in and she didn’t know what it was like to be loved beside the love of her brother. So of course when the Kleins take in her brother and they show affection not only to him but to her also I can’t seem to help it but to smile during those scenes. I knew that she had a terrible childhood and things were going great with Levi but I knew something was going to happen where they would be torn apart but I had no idea what. So many things were running through my head wondering if something was going to happen to her mother or if for some odd reason someone was going to drive a wedge between Becca and Levi. Oh boy was I wrong it was none of those things but rather her not being able to let him in. It was so hard to read about them being separated I could not stop being sentimental but that’s just who I am. It was hard reading how she felt when she saw him with someone else but in my head I was screaming at her that she could have prevented it but then again how would she know that she actually loved him if she really didn’t know what that was. But when she finally realized it I felt bad for her because she deserved to be happy. The only thing I could not stand was her pushing Levi away he just wanted to talk to her but she didn’t want to hear him. Then when I though everything was great and they had their happily ever after but oh no that was not it for Becca.
The Harder I Fall was an excellent read. This was a book that intrigued me, the storyline was amazing. What I loved about this book the most was how Becca grew I saw this young woman that acted like a mother, so serious and when everything was said and done she was this young woman that was full of life. She was a person that laughed, that went out, knew how to love and be let loved. Ms. Gibson’s writing was flawless and her scenes were vivid. The chemistry between these two was amazing, it was HOT.
This is my first read by Ms. Gibson and I can’t say this will be my last. I can’t wait to read Becca’s little brother, Chad’s book.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
November 3, 2016
Blec.
I thought the writing in this book was fine grammar wise but the story fell pretty flat.
I didn't even finish it and thats saying something for me. I usually at least finish for curiosities sake. As I'm writing this I can't even remember the main characters names. Whats her name seriously says that she is starting to have feelings for whats his name literally the second or third time she sees him. And they've exchanged a handful of sentences. Really?
Then all of a sudden they are dating kinda and he is buying her plane tickets across the county to bail her brother out of jail, getting him a lawyer, pay her mom off the 50 grand she wants to let the kid go and then having his parents basically adopt the kid. Pretty sure they knew each other a week?
I also didn't like how the main character has this facade of keeping everything to herself and she doesn't do friendship because she doesn't know how to be social. She basically vomits out her horrific life story to these "close" friends within a few days of meeting them.
I think my main problem is that I was TOLD everything. I didn't see the characters doing anything to back up their feelings and I really didn't get any sense at all of what made them a unique character.
I thought the writing in this book was fine grammar wise but the story fell pretty flat.
I didn't even finish it and thats saying something for me. I usually at least finish for curiosities sake. As I'm writing this I can't even remember the main characters names. Whats her name seriously says that she is starting to have feelings for whats his name literally the second or third time she sees him. And they've exchanged a handful of sentences. Really?
Then all of a sudden they are dating kinda and he is buying her plane tickets across the county to bail her brother out of jail, getting him a lawyer, pay her mom off the 50 grand she wants to let the kid go and then having his parents basically adopt the kid. Pretty sure they knew each other a week?
I also didn't like how the main character has this facade of keeping everything to herself and she doesn't do friendship because she doesn't know how to be social. She basically vomits out her horrific life story to these "close" friends within a few days of meeting them.
I think my main problem is that I was TOLD everything. I didn't see the characters doing anything to back up their feelings and I really didn't get any sense at all of what made them a unique character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2015
WOW - what an awesome book!! Jessica has written another one of those I just can NOT put this book down book!!!
Jessica does a fantastic job with detailing all that is going on in Becca's life. The details of how she is coping with the loss of her younger sister - who was killed by her father many years ago. How she copes with her drunken mother and how she takes care of her younger brother. Being the mother to him that their mother wasn't to them.
When Becca heads off to college, she is having a hard time coping with leaving her younger brother, Chad, with their drunken mother. She meets new friends at college - even has her first boyfriend.
The story of what she entails with her friends at college and her brother at home is amazing!! I loved the way that Jessica has her coping with things through her ballet.
Without giving the whole story away, I can say that reading about Becca and her life makes this book a totally MUST READ book!! I can't wait for the book about Chad to come out now!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Jessica does a fantastic job with detailing all that is going on in Becca's life. The details of how she is coping with the loss of her younger sister - who was killed by her father many years ago. How she copes with her drunken mother and how she takes care of her younger brother. Being the mother to him that their mother wasn't to them.
When Becca heads off to college, she is having a hard time coping with leaving her younger brother, Chad, with their drunken mother. She meets new friends at college - even has her first boyfriend.
The story of what she entails with her friends at college and her brother at home is amazing!! I loved the way that Jessica has her coping with things through her ballet.
Without giving the whole story away, I can say that reading about Becca and her life makes this book a totally MUST READ book!! I can't wait for the book about Chad to come out now!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
I loved Levi he's so playful, and easygoing, "I think I could probably squeeze you in. My schedule is pretty full already, but most of it is stalking you anyway." Before I could respond, he pulled me close to him and kissed me. This was a different kiss than the first one. His arms held me against him and his lips were hungry." I mean I enjoy Levi's choice of underwear, or erm... lack thereof, "I'm not wearing anything underneath these. I want you to be sure about this before we take this next step. There's no turning back after this." He tells Becca how certain situations will always be in the future, "babe, with you naked in the tub with me, it's always going to be that kind of bath." He pulled me onto him, so I was straddling his hips." This book was emotional, I was kind of glad one thing happened (cannot say but others will think me strange by why I was glad.) I hope to see Julian's story next.
July 3, 2014
I told Jessica after reading the first page, my plans for the weekend were now ruined because I couldn't leave my house until I finished reading the book. The rest of the book didn't disappoint. There were so many aspects I loved about this book.
Loved the characters and the relationship dynamic between the main characters and the secondary characters. I loved how tragic and emotional the issue the main character had to deal with and appreciated how she didn't just get over it. Her progression was believable. I loved the love story between Becca and Levi. I also, loved the fact that Levi wasn't perfect. He had some major DB moments, but I still loved him.
My only complain is Gibson could probably gotten three books out of The Harder I Fall. The beginning went by so fast.
Super excited to read The Deeper We Get and read Chad's story, which you get a glimpse of at the end of this book.
Loved the characters and the relationship dynamic between the main characters and the secondary characters. I loved how tragic and emotional the issue the main character had to deal with and appreciated how she didn't just get over it. Her progression was believable. I loved the love story between Becca and Levi. I also, loved the fact that Levi wasn't perfect. He had some major DB moments, but I still loved him.
My only complain is Gibson could probably gotten three books out of The Harder I Fall. The beginning went by so fast.
Super excited to read The Deeper We Get and read Chad's story, which you get a glimpse of at the end of this book.
August 26, 2016
Becca finally has a chance at a life and while it was easy to leave her drunk mother it wasn't easy leaving her younger brother that she's been taking care of since she could remember. Away at college she plans to pour everything she has into her studies and her dance. With the help of her roommate and suite mates life was a little more unpredictable...then add Levi. He was captivated from the moment they met, incredibly persistent and patient with her. And his family... wow.
Be warned if you read this amongst other people: this story will suck you in, have you so caught up and vested in these characters that you'll break out in laughter at times and at others you'll need a box of tissues to get through it. So excited that Chad (her brother) will have his own story.
note: I was given an arc by the author for an honest review.
Be warned if you read this amongst other people: this story will suck you in, have you so caught up and vested in these characters that you'll break out in laughter at times and at others you'll need a box of tissues to get through it. So excited that Chad (her brother) will have his own story.
note: I was given an arc by the author for an honest review.
February 19, 2014
From the very beginning this book is amazing. Jessica Gibson is an incredible and talented writer. Learning all there is about Becca; her life, her past, her hopes and dreams. I fell in love right along with her. I have to admit that I had to walk away from this story a number of times. The emotions and the story got to me in such a way that I couldn’t read for the tears swelling up in my eyes. That’s how wonderful this book is. As I was reading I had to convince myself that I wasn’t watching a movie. The words are so well put together that you are sucked in as the reader and it plays as a movie in your head. If you are reading this wondering if you will like it, YOU WILL. This amazing story will not disappoint.
May 29, 2014
This book was packed with drama. Becca is tyuly amazing. After watching her father beat her little sister to death at the age of ten she gets her brother to safety and calls the police for help. His crime haunts her and her brother, Chad, for the rest of their childhood. Her mom is resentful and an alcoholic who Becca ends up taking care of as well. Becca leaves fro college and meets a new family and find love in Levi. When Chad ends up in trouble trying to make money to keep the house, Levi's parents step in and show Becca what a true family is meant to be. This was a very sad but heartwarming story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2015
This book was so fucking lame. None of the characters had any sort of personality. One over-used cliché after the next made up a unoriginal plot that was so boring I was almost in tears waiting for it to be over.
(Btw, the one sex scene was so bland I almost passed right by it without knowing something happened -.-)
P.S. There was a suicide joke made that I found to be in very poor taste. I would say it demolished any liking I had for this book but I didn't have any to start with.
(Btw, the one sex scene was so bland I almost passed right by it without knowing something happened -.-)
P.S. There was a suicide joke made that I found to be in very poor taste. I would say it demolished any liking I had for this book but I didn't have any to start with.
February 14, 2014
Omg this book was amazing!!!! I cried and laughed out loud and held my breath. The pain and love in this book is so intense. Becca is one of my fave characters so far. She has been through hell but stays strong. Levi is truly one of a kind. He is so loving and understanding. I don't want to say to much more and ruin the story so hurry and get the book to see what I'm talking about.
March 9, 2014
All I can say is WOW!!! This is the first book I read by Jessica Gibson and I am now a fan forever! The Harder I Fall is a book full of emotions. I needed lots of tissues! You will just fall in love with the characters (except for two). I already took the leap but will you take it and read The Harder I Fall?
January 15, 2015
4.5 stars
I loved the love story of Levi and Becca, Becca and Chad's sibling relationship and the whole new extended family that rallies around these 2 very broken teens( Becca and Chad). Seeing love, the building of trust, forgiveness and healing makes this book a very enjoyable and inspirational read.
I loved the love story of Levi and Becca, Becca and Chad's sibling relationship and the whole new extended family that rallies around these 2 very broken teens( Becca and Chad). Seeing love, the building of trust, forgiveness and healing makes this book a very enjoyable and inspirational read.
March 23, 2015
Received this eBook as a gift from the author about a week ago and decided to dive in right away. So glad that I did too! This book definitely messed with all of my emotions. There were many times I didn't even realize I was about to cry until a single tear rolled down my cheek. Amazing book and I love each character. Happy Becca got her happy ending :)
October 5, 2015
I recieved this novel from NetGalley.
Althought this novel was incredibly cheesy and predictable when it came to the main romance, it is well written, touches on some horriffic family issues and is honest. The growth of our protagonist is incredible and inspiring.
This novel is an easy, quick read. Great for summer.
Althought this novel was incredibly cheesy and predictable when it came to the main romance, it is well written, touches on some horriffic family issues and is honest. The growth of our protagonist is incredible and inspiring.
This novel is an easy, quick read. Great for summer.
March 3, 2014
I did really enjoy this book. However, what stopped me giving it more stars is I felt they fell in love way too fast. He was declaring love by 20 something percent. The ending felt rather rushed too. I liked the characters, but ultimately they didn't become part of my soul.
May 28, 2014
I wish book boyfriends are real ;)
Read
August 25, 2025I'm not sure how to start this review. There's so much going through my head and even my heart right now. Becca has had a really horrible life... and I mean seriously horrible. It's no wonder she's broken, untrusting, and closed off. I watched Sadie and Levi and even Julian come into her life and help her heal, slowly but surely. I can't think of anyone who deserved happiness more than she and her brother, Chad. Broken or not, Becca was one of the strongest women ever. For her to keep moving forward instead of giving up, well, that's truly remarkable. I'm not sure I'd have had that much strength. Levi is amazing. He's intense, loving, caring, nurturing and everything Becca needed.
The book started out a little choppy--a little rushed in parts, but it quickly smoothed out and once we got into what was Becca rather than everything surrounding her, I was sucked into the story. It is literally 3:12 am and I just finished this book in one sitting. I couldn't wait until morning to finish, I had to finish now... to see if and how Becca got her happily ever after. Oh, there are definitely Kleenex moments within the pages of this book, so be sure to have some on hand while reading.
I'd never read a book by Jessica Gibson before and I was not disappointed. I'm looking forward to reading Chad's story and whatever else Ms. Gibson has in store for her readers in the future. She has numerous paranormal books as well as the contemporary/New Adult books available so I'm sure I'll have plenty to read for a while.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars.
The book started out a little choppy--a little rushed in parts, but it quickly smoothed out and once we got into what was Becca rather than everything surrounding her, I was sucked into the story. It is literally 3:12 am and I just finished this book in one sitting. I couldn't wait until morning to finish, I had to finish now... to see if and how Becca got her happily ever after. Oh, there are definitely Kleenex moments within the pages of this book, so be sure to have some on hand while reading.
I'd never read a book by Jessica Gibson before and I was not disappointed. I'm looking forward to reading Chad's story and whatever else Ms. Gibson has in store for her readers in the future. She has numerous paranormal books as well as the contemporary/New Adult books available so I'm sure I'll have plenty to read for a while.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars.
September 12, 2019
The Harder I Fall (Falling Fast Book 1)
This is one of the best books I've read and one of the saddest . The adults in the family were alcoholic with three children and nobody to love them or take care of them. The baby started crying and the father ended up whipping her bloody until she died and then passes out . The mother to drunk to even know what's going on. This is really a must read to find out what happened to this family ? You really out did yourself Jessica😜I really enjoyed every single minute of the book.
This is one of the best books I've read and one of the saddest . The adults in the family were alcoholic with three children and nobody to love them or take care of them. The baby started crying and the father ended up whipping her bloody until she died and then passes out . The mother to drunk to even know what's going on. This is really a must read to find out what happened to this family ? You really out did yourself Jessica😜I really enjoyed every single minute of the book.
November 9, 2016
I felt quite sorry for the main character in this at points, but I can't say I loved her.
This was an okay read, although there were times where it struggled to keep my interest, and I felt quite bored in areas because of it.
Overall, Not one I loved, but an okay read.
This was an okay read, although there were times where it struggled to keep my interest, and I felt quite bored in areas because of it.
Overall, Not one I loved, but an okay read.
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