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When You Fell from Heaven #1
How to Fly
Max is a gymnast who can no longer pursue his passion. Taylor is a cheerleader with passion to spare.
A brutal attack put an end to Maxwell Giordano’s gymnastics career and ruined his junior year. So he and his family moved across the country for a fresh start, and now all he wants is to keep his head down and graduate in peace with the rest of the class of 2004.
Taylor Scott made cheer captain! And her greatest dream is to take the squad to regionals. Maybe even nationals! Except none of the other cheerleaders share her ambition, so she’s resigned herself to another year of cheering for the worst football team in the state.
And then a new boy moves in next door, and he’s everything she’s been dreaming of! If she can just convince him to join the squad, the two of them could take it all the way. But complications Taylor’s jealous boyfriend, Max’s overprotective family, and then there’s the small matter of Max’s current gender…
HOW TO FLY is the first book of WHEN YOU FELL FROM HEAVEN, a slow-burn cheerleading trans romance from the author of THE SISTERS OF DORLEY
A brutal attack put an end to Maxwell Giordano’s gymnastics career and ruined his junior year. So he and his family moved across the country for a fresh start, and now all he wants is to keep his head down and graduate in peace with the rest of the class of 2004.
Taylor Scott made cheer captain! And her greatest dream is to take the squad to regionals. Maybe even nationals! Except none of the other cheerleaders share her ambition, so she’s resigned herself to another year of cheering for the worst football team in the state.
And then a new boy moves in next door, and he’s everything she’s been dreaming of! If she can just convince him to join the squad, the two of them could take it all the way. But complications Taylor’s jealous boyfriend, Max’s overprotective family, and then there’s the small matter of Max’s current gender…
HOW TO FLY is the first book of WHEN YOU FELL FROM HEAVEN, a slow-burn cheerleading trans romance from the author of THE SISTERS OF DORLEY
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2024
24 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 9, 2024
i loved this!!!! i love these kids and i need them to be happy forever pls and thank. another banger of a book by alyson greaves. at this point, i think she's a must read for me. i've either absolutely adored everything of hers i've read, or genuinely appreciated the others (really only kimmy, tbh) that i didn't love and connect with as much. (i haven't read show girl, and intitally wasn't planing on it, bc m/f romance isn't usually my thing, but at this point i trust her enough that i'd probably have a blast, and i love that the m/f trans romance rep is out there for ppl).
this one had all the great thing i need: characters to root for, an interesting plot, and what looks to be a really lovely romance blossoming. i can't wait to see what happens with them next.
this one had all the great thing i need: characters to root for, an interesting plot, and what looks to be a really lovely romance blossoming. i can't wait to see what happens with them next.
December 26, 2024
How to Fly is one of the most fun books I've ever read. Max and Taylor are both immediately captivating leads, as a series of misunderstandings results in Max, an ex-gymnast who moved across the country to escape his traumas, joining Taylor's cheer team, as a girl. While the initial plot setup is more than a little contrived, the lighthearted tone, drawing heavily from high school comedies like Bring It On helped to smooth over my disbelief, and the contrivances allow for some absolutely incredible character moments.
And once things get going, they never stop. Max and Taylor's chemistry is immediately apparent, and the mutual angst and yearning kept hooking me deeper and deeper. I can't wait to see these two finally get together in the next book, because I'm already obsessed. Greaves does an absolutely fantastic job pacing out heavier character moments in between lighter scenes, consistently keeping things an enjoyable read while still exploring the premise to its' fullest.
Compared to Greaves' other works, How to Fly isn't nearly as complex or deep. But it's not trying to be, and it's both a fantastic entry point to her books, as well as a much needed breather from the heavier parts of Kimmy or Dorley. There are still a lot of interesting ideas here, particularly as Max comes to terms with her gender, but the payoff for a lot of these ideas is held off for book two.
Which brings me to my biggest (and only) complaint: this is just the first part of a much bigger story. I absolutely loved what's here, and while the final chapter has some absolutely fantastic development for both Max and Taylor, development that establishes a fantastic foundation for the sequel, it's hard to treat this as anything but the first part of a much larger story. Having read ahead on Alyson's patreon, the major developments setup by the end of How to Fly are absolutely paid off, and Book 2 is going to be even better than this one, but the story is currently lacking a destination, even if the journey is an absolute blast.
How to Fly is such a fun ride from start to finish, and while it might just be part one of a larger story, what's here is so much fun, and absolutely worth your time.
And once things get going, they never stop. Max and Taylor's chemistry is immediately apparent, and the mutual angst and yearning kept hooking me deeper and deeper. I can't wait to see these two finally get together in the next book, because I'm already obsessed. Greaves does an absolutely fantastic job pacing out heavier character moments in between lighter scenes, consistently keeping things an enjoyable read while still exploring the premise to its' fullest.
Compared to Greaves' other works, How to Fly isn't nearly as complex or deep. But it's not trying to be, and it's both a fantastic entry point to her books, as well as a much needed breather from the heavier parts of Kimmy or Dorley. There are still a lot of interesting ideas here, particularly as Max comes to terms with her gender, but the payoff for a lot of these ideas is held off for book two.
Which brings me to my biggest (and only) complaint: this is just the first part of a much bigger story. I absolutely loved what's here, and while the final chapter has some absolutely fantastic development for both Max and Taylor, development that establishes a fantastic foundation for the sequel, it's hard to treat this as anything but the first part of a much larger story. Having read ahead on Alyson's patreon, the major developments setup by the end of How to Fly are absolutely paid off, and Book 2 is going to be even better than this one, but the story is currently lacking a destination, even if the journey is an absolute blast.
How to Fly is such a fun ride from start to finish, and while it might just be part one of a larger story, what's here is so much fun, and absolutely worth your time.
November 12, 2024
This book makes me unbelievably happy. Honestly didn’t know a book could still make me feel this way, I figured I’d found all the ones that could, and I was merrily wrong.
May 11, 2025
girl, I just know I'm about to become obsessed with this author
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December 30, 2024Prertty cool
June 7, 2025
After reading two amazing and intense Alyson Greaves books, I was shocked to see that she had done what appeared to be a typical YA transition story. I don't normally do YA books, but Alyson's other books were so perfect that I decided to give this one a chance. IT'S NOT A SIMPLE TRANS COMING OF AGE STORY.
I mean, on the surface it is. Max has been been attacked by boys at his old school in NY for being a gymnast and not masculine enough. His family moves to San Diego to give him a fresh start for his senior year. But his neighbor Taylor, the cheerleader captain, spots him doing backflips in his yard and decides to recruit him.
In a typical Alyson Greaves move, a rather farcical plot point sets off Max on a transgender journey that is then developed in a moving and insightful way that only a trans author would be able share.
The author's characters are as compelling as always. The story ends right before the school year is about to begin and is labeled #1, implying more story. I can't wait! I don't do YA fiction, except for this one. Highly recommended!!! And the brilliant Alyson Greaves has become a must read for me.
I mean, on the surface it is. Max has been been attacked by boys at his old school in NY for being a gymnast and not masculine enough. His family moves to San Diego to give him a fresh start for his senior year. But his neighbor Taylor, the cheerleader captain, spots him doing backflips in his yard and decides to recruit him.
In a typical Alyson Greaves move, a rather farcical plot point sets off Max on a transgender journey that is then developed in a moving and insightful way that only a trans author would be able share.
The author's characters are as compelling as always. The story ends right before the school year is about to begin and is labeled #1, implying more story. I can't wait! I don't do YA fiction, except for this one. Highly recommended!!! And the brilliant Alyson Greaves has become a must read for me.
November 5, 2025
Words cannot express how much I love this book. I haven’t had the feeling of “I don’t want this to ever end” in a long long long time. Usually cause I’m reading a scary book 😅
We could all use someone like Taylor in our lives. Someone who loves and accepts you entirely. Who loves you enough to find your true face and show it to you. Their bravery and tenacity, dedication for each other, their humanity moves me frequently and has made me ugly cry.
I have literally recommended it to my mom and I think she really will actually read it. And I know she’ll love the romance of it all, but I also know she’ll walk away from it understanding me a little better. And that’s worth so much to me.
We could all use someone like Taylor in our lives. Someone who loves and accepts you entirely. Who loves you enough to find your true face and show it to you. Their bravery and tenacity, dedication for each other, their humanity moves me frequently and has made me ugly cry.
I have literally recommended it to my mom and I think she really will actually read it. And I know she’ll love the romance of it all, but I also know she’ll walk away from it understanding me a little better. And that’s worth so much to me.
September 27, 2024
This is pure joy, a story that healed parts of me I didn't know were broken.
Alyson's other works often deal with the tropes of adult fiction, but this exploration of teen movie tropes through a trans lens is simply delightful - the characters are idiots (affectionate), the scope of the story is small but the stakes are so personal and meaningful and the love story that develops means everything to me.
Alyson's other works often deal with the tropes of adult fiction, but this exploration of teen movie tropes through a trans lens is simply delightful - the characters are idiots (affectionate), the scope of the story is small but the stakes are so personal and meaningful and the love story that develops means everything to me.
October 10, 2024
Excellent book, deeply charming, manages to make the teenage drama and day by day breakdown feel real, without falling into the common trap of making it insufferably boring. I did sometimes wish it was faster, but I have terrible patience and major adhd. I never got bored or frustrated though, which is among the highest praise I can offer for a book. I eagerly await more, this book managed a pretty satisfactory ending, but I need the conclusion to the major threads it only got halfway down.
July 23, 2025
This book meant a lot to me :) Equating getting to live as a woman as a cheerleader “flying” brings me to tears.
But yeah this was sooo good & captivating & freaking cute and it (as well as Fortnite adding a cheerleader character named “Haylee”) inspired me to get a custom cheerleader outfit for pride… that ended up not arriving on time BUT it’s hanging on the wall in my room now~
Can’t wait for Max and Taylor’s story to continue :)
But yeah this was sooo good & captivating & freaking cute and it (as well as Fortnite adding a cheerleader character named “Haylee”) inspired me to get a custom cheerleader outfit for pride… that ended up not arriving on time BUT it’s hanging on the wall in my room now~
Can’t wait for Max and Taylor’s story to continue :)
November 2, 2024
AMAZING BOOK.
I feel like a lot of trans people can relate and I love the writing and perspective. There are only a few transfemme protagonists novels out there and Im glad there are really good ones like this.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. LIKE LITERALLY CANNOT.
We need more support for books and writers of topics like this.
I feel like a lot of trans people can relate and I love the writing and perspective. There are only a few transfemme protagonists novels out there and Im glad there are really good ones like this.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. LIKE LITERALLY CANNOT.
We need more support for books and writers of topics like this.
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January 16, 2025A little more upbeat and fun than Greaves' other stories, but in the same genre. The characters are compelling and the plot contrivances amusingly devious, but with a little less of the focus on community found in Greaves' Dorley books. Read this one if you are a genre fan, are impatient in between Dorley chapter releases, or ever wanted to be a cheerleader.
April 20, 2025
incredibly charming young/new adult romance with a premise straight out of a an early aughts sitcom yet played straight with a loving sincerity. our core relationship is the budding romance between our two protagonists Max and Taylor and the level of care and thoughtfulness they have for each other does not disappoint.
December 1, 2025
My usual review of Alyson Greaves' work is "wonderful and will 100% trigger existential crisis in its target audience", and this is no different. Slow-burn cheerleader romance is a bit outside my usual genres to put it mildly, but I gave this a chance because all the trans women I follow on Bluesky rave about it nonstop, and I'm of course glad I did.
December 10, 2025
This book was compelling enough to make me pick it up over and over in spite of some very visceral emotional reactions.
The author's use of perspective was incredibly effective in exploring in parallel one character's gender journey and another's queer journey, and it was fascinating to find myself relating to each of them on different levels.
The author's use of perspective was incredibly effective in exploring in parallel one character's gender journey and another's queer journey, and it was fascinating to find myself relating to each of them on different levels.
August 26, 2024
I was giggling and kicking my legs with every page, this was so much fun. Only frustration is with the format of "a book-sized chunk of a serialised work" -- it doesn't particularly end so much as stop. Very much looking forward to future installments regardless.
September 2, 2024
I need more NOW
Got through this in a couple days and loved it. Can't wait for more.
Wish I had this kinda book to read back when I was in maxines time in life myself. Glad we have them now :)
Got through this in a couple days and loved it. Can't wait for more.
Wish I had this kinda book to read back when I was in maxines time in life myself. Glad we have them now :)
September 30, 2024
Goodread
Was a very good read can I wait for the second book like the character development helmet let up towards the end and for the second volume that should be coming out hopefully sometime
Was a very good read can I wait for the second book like the character development helmet let up towards the end and for the second volume that should be coming out hopefully sometime
May 12, 2025
Please Book 2
Please, please, please write book 2 and don't leave us hanging. I loved your characters, and I want to see them developed more. I want to see how high school goes - there is so much more to write. Thank you.
Please, please, please write book 2 and don't leave us hanging. I loved your characters, and I want to see them developed more. I want to see how high school goes - there is so much more to write. Thank you.
December 8, 2025
A Alyson destila aqui o que é uma das fantasias nominais sobre ser trans em um ambiente hostil: aceitação não só como sonho, mas como o que te faz buscar ser quem você é no primeiro lugar.
Nova obsessão e novo favorito. Li no kindle e vou importar só pra ter na minha estante.
Nova obsessão e novo favorito. Li no kindle e vou importar só pra ter na minha estante.
December 16, 2025
goodness, heartbreaking, wonderful
Oh I don’t think I know where to begin. It’s a dark story that gets overly complicated (in the book, not the book) and a lot of happiness and angst as well!
Read it!
Oh I don’t think I know where to begin. It’s a dark story that gets overly complicated (in the book, not the book) and a lot of happiness and angst as well!
Read it!
January 21, 2025
Cute!
A nice touching book about self discovery. Enjoyable and well written! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
A nice touching book about self discovery. Enjoyable and well written! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 3, 2025
Coming of age story, gender confusion. Cheerleader. Purchased from Amazon $5.50. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
May 12, 2025
please give us more bangers in this world and less wes streeting… :(
May 27, 2025
AMAZING!!!!!
June 19, 2025
Another great book by Greaves. Unsure when future installments are coming out but nonetheless I'm excited to read them. Super invested in Max and Taylor's story and excited to see where it goes.
September 25, 2025
Little slow but good read
Book one was a good start but leaves you hanging. Needs to be continued. Please follow up with book 2.
Book one was a good start but leaves you hanging. Needs to be continued. Please follow up with book 2.
October 13, 2025
Max moves in next-door to Taylor, the captain of the chair leading team. Max is a gymnast who is attacked in New York for being feminine. And you get to follow along with Max as he discovers his feminine side well written couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book Alison definitely left you hanging at the end
December 25, 2025
+1 star on reread
cute at times and quietly powerful at others. cleverly plays with a lot of tropes from classic online trans lit without feeling unoriginal
it does suffer from some pacing issues, but then again I would read alyson write about a snail crossing a highway if the snail was trans
cute at times and quietly powerful at others. cleverly plays with a lot of tropes from classic online trans lit without feeling unoriginal
it does suffer from some pacing issues, but then again I would read alyson write about a snail crossing a highway if the snail was trans
December 23, 2024
Medium 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews