Exposed

Free Falling #3

by Raven St. Pierre

Walking away seemed like her only option.
Letting go was the one thing he couldn’t do.
Sam and AJ have spent the last five years trying to get over their painful breakup. Both have moved on, but neither has fully healed from the wounds of the past. When avoiding one another becomes impossible, fate may once again force them to confront their feelings – feelings they thought no longer existed.
Will they continue to fight against gravity’s pull? Or will their worlds once again collide in the final installment of the Free Falling Series?

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Cultural, Drama, Contemporary, Second Chance, New Adult

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2014

About the author

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

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

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

EMAIL: raven.stpierre@gmail.com

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

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

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

TWITTER: @RavenStPierre

Reviews

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

Well this was me through the whole book
This was an amazing ending to the series I was so happy from the moment Sam and Aj locked eyes on one another after five years
I was like mmmm this going to be good
This series is a must read its an all in one kind of book loved every word, every word I have found my new fav author I am and will be devouring everything she writes from here on out!

Heres the lovely couple and my theme song for this book https://youtu.be/nX30Sgchc20

check my fav quotes from the series https://www.pinterest.com/memereadslo...

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worked on this project with the author as a beta reader and I don't have enough good things to say about this series! It ended just as crazy and exciting as it began, and it was nice to see AJ and Sam taking on the world as adults. It was steamy, scandalous, and super sweet all at the same time. I loved the heartache, the tragedy, and love. This book's feels radar is off the charts! Can't wait to read more by Ms. St. Pierre!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alas, my will to find out what happened in the end won out and I am sitting on my chaise, with tears streaming down my face, covered with used tissues and a box of kleenex close at hand. Both celebrating and mourning true love and the end of a beautifully crafted trilogy (that should be turned into a movie -- could you imagine!)

Many many many applause to the author! This was such an amazing series, methodical, thought provoking, and so well written. I will dare say the series is one of the best I've read in the past five years (and I read a lot of books!!). I am not ashamed to say that I quickly fell in love with and fully supported Sam and AJ's relationship from day one. The chemistry was electric and caused you to really pull for both characters and their love for one another. Throughout the series, I would often find myself yelling at the book, or relaying it to anyone who would listen, especially my sister (also an avid reader) about my new found friends and the emotional turmoil and elation felt in their joining together.

I wish I could continually give each book 10 or 100 stars as they are each beautiful in their own right; and deserve all the accolades. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and I know for sure that I will come back to read about the power of true love; if only as a subtle reminder for when I am with my own true love the importance to "hold on to what you have with everything in you. Don't take each other's love for granted...ever... because true love only comes along once in a lifetime." --Raven St. Pierre

Well Done.

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

The Grand Finale -BRAB Online Book Club

This is a fitting end to Samantha& A. J's story that started when they met in High School continued through college and finally into adulthood.

I fell in love with these two main characters and their friends through the author's skill at storytelling. The journey this couple has taken through crazy sadistic girlfriend, crazy boyfriend who refused to let go and committed the most heinous act, parent's disapproval and deception. And through it all their love for each other never faltered.

When Sam ended the relationship due to a traumatic experience committed against her, A.J. was devastated. Sam tried to move on but just couldn't commit. When they met again at their friends wedding, they realized that the chemistry was still as strong and could not be denied.The author took us on this amazing journey with this series that you can't help but fall in love and cheer for their HEA.

A great finale tied up with a bow that gives the me a feel good feeling and have me thinking about the characters even after I've finished the book.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

She nailed it!!! My goodness what a terrific ending to one of the most emotional, angsty and sexy trilogies. I had my concerns about Sam in part 2. Thought she hadn't matured but reading this part, I realized that she had to do what she did to save herself. Exposed highlighted the all consuming love between Sam and AJ overlaid with a real maturity that life brings. I really loved how it played out and that twist - damn that came out of nowhere. Nicely done. The author's skill at capturing dialogue, smoking chemistry, relationships excels in this book. I loved part 1 but part 3 - I loooovvveeed it. And AJ - oooo be still my heart. He is still the man. That part at the wedding rehearsal. Fell in love with him all over again. So good. Read it straight through (also at work - ssshhhh) in about 3 hours. The characters are so well written - nice to catch up with Terrell and Maisha and Angel. Looking forward to reading her next book!! Brava, Ms. St. Pierre!

[Bev Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best series I have had the pleasure to read!!

This story had me hooked from the first book Gravity, then I went onto read Secrets, and found that to be a fantastic sequel to the first book. Now, I've finished Exposed and I feel a void where this book has filled my full attention. I loved this series, it had me on a rollercoaster with my feelings and anticipation hoping that Sam and AJ will always stay together. A fantastic story worth reading......Bravo Raven!!!!!

[Genevieve Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfecting ending for Samantha and AJ,I was on pins and needles hoping they had a Happy Ever After. I wish we could see them as parents and a little bit older, such a great story. I recommend this series to anyone that loves romance, drama, suspense, and happy endings.

[SassafrasfromAmazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ WHAT A RIDE! UNEXPECTED TWISTS AT EVERY TURN; HOW WILL IT END FOR PJ AND SAM? THIS BOOK IS WORTH THE WAIT 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Some pesky proofing problems (otherwise it would garner a 5 star rating from me).

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Epic Love Story

Anytime you can't put a story down, but hate to see it end....the author has done her Job!
I just discovered Raven St. Pierre last week. The first installment, Gravity, was free so I said why not. I was hooked and fell in love with Sam and AJ. Another reviewer made the statement that this story just proves 'you can't help who you fall in love with'; and it is true. And, this story does a fabulous job of giving a great example of that. It was a great emotional rollercoaster ride watching Sam and AJ fall in love as kids, and Finally, after everything they endured...getting their much deserved happiness. I'm just gonna say it, in my opinion, like Twlight's Edward and Bella, Outlander's Jamie and Claire...Sam and AJ's love story is what Romance Novels are all about. Raven St. Pierre, I am definitely a new Fan!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven Raven Raven......this was the PERFECT ending to this trilogy. PERFECT. I didn't get any work done because the love in this story had my hopeless romantic side so caught up I just had to finish it but I didn't want their story to end. AJ...what a man you made him to be....and Sam....my heart broke for her but how you created them to finally see their happy ending. I give you a standing ovation. your books truly evoke emotions and I'm so thankful for your writing. in a few months I'll resist this story because it truly became one of my favs...easily

[god uhh knnb · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!!

OMG!!!!!!

This was great conclusion for this series. I have always loved AJ, everyone needs there own AJ. I liked how Sam and AJ grew throughout the series.well done Ms. Raven, you now have a permanent fan...

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was golden. I don't think I could have loved it anymore. The way everything happened to pan out..., perfect. I LOVED Sam in this book and AJ too. It was a long time coming, but things finally worked out. This series was well worth the read. This is the best book in it too.

[Nine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for me.
And what is it with Romance novels ending with the birth of a child? (The natural way with no epidural of course because God forbid you don't like pain). I know I'm ranting but just why?

[peppyP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fantastic!! Thank you for AJ & Sam's story..

[JoVan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a loyal follower of Sam and AJ. I've diligently followed their story since fall of 2013. I am happy to say they have a well fought-for and enduring ending.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved It.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

INTRO:

What the book is supposed to be about. Sam and AJ have been classmates for years, but never knew the other existed until one day they collide in the school hall. It’s love at first sight and without missing a beat, they start a questionable, but passionate relationship. Through bigotry, family strife and distance they’re willing to sacrifice almost anyone and anything to be together. But when the sacrifices lead to tragedy, they start to question whether love is really enough.

Pitch Perfect quotes from the book:

AJ: The truth? No, everything was the opposite of okay. I was standing in the wrong apartment, having feelings for the wrong woman.

Samantha: All either of us knew was that the bond we shared defied all understanding and reason.

 

PROS:

-Length. Full story from start to finish. You follow the characters from the teen to adult years. Books one and three work just as good as standalones and the second, with a different ending (or even the same) could be a standalone as well.

 

-The naughty. Sex and sensuality was handled well, with thoughtful language that wasn’t smutty or that didn’t fit with the overall tone/style of the writing.

 

-Male Protagonist. An endearing Male Protagonist. AJ (Anthony Jun Hahn) came off the pages as someone you'd want to fight for. Was he perfect? No. Did he make mistakes? Yes. But the way the author wrote him, flawed and all, was the main draw of the story for me. His character was the reason I kept reading. Honestly, without him I don’t think I could have made it. I wanted a happy for now or a happy something for him.

 

-Style of writing (in general). Solid with good transitions, inner monologues and a strong undertaking of the First person point of view.

 

-The Hook. Great opening hooks in the first and second books that come full circle by the end.

 

CONS:

Major Issue: The number one issue I have with this series is the main protagonist/heroine of the book, SAM. She is highly unlikeable and frustrating. Some readers may disagree, but she made it very hard for me to push through the book. I had to start and stop a number of times. Main characters do not have to be likeable, but in my opinion, in a YA romance, there needs to be some connection or empathetic response from the reader toward the main protagonist’s dilemma. I did not feel that. It only got worse with each book. Which made it hard to read at times, because when bad things happened to her, I started not to care and only read on to see how it affected the male protagonist who I had true empathy for, well until the last two or three chapters of Exposed. Although I liked that the author wrote a female protagonist that wasn’t a Mary Sue and that could illicit such a strong emotional response, I highly doubt she meant to completely alienate readers from her in the process. It’s confusing to say the least. Or maybe that was the plan. Maybe this really is A.J’s story, but in the end that’s not saying much.

 

The love angle. I was torn about the relationship between Sam and A.J. I get the immature melodrama of teenage love, but I didn’t get why it continued into adulthood. Love at first sight wasn’t enough. Lust wasn’t enough. And although, Sam claimed a couple of times that she’d made all the sacrifices for their relationship, it’s hard to understand once AJ was clear of her for five years, why he couldn’t see that that he’d made just as many. Sam was too unreliable and too emotionally manipulative and irrational. Nothing A.J did for her (right or wrong) was ever enough and she seemed a bit cold in how she handled him. It seemed the decisions in their relationship was always about what best benefitted her emotionally and physically. From withholding sex, to almost getting him thrown in jail, ignoring and abandoning him for five years, and all but seducing him to cheat on his fiancé (trying not to spoil here, but ****!) and then pushing him away again. I get she had major trust issues after book two, but I have no clue where the trust issues came from prior to the end of book two. There simply weren’t enough indicators to explain away her behavior toward him. The way it was written, she claimed to have learned lessons from her past choices, but then she turns right back around and does the same thing. Her “victimhood” was constantly thrown out as some valid excuse for all the things she did and said. A short way into book two I just wanted it to be over. I didn’t believe in the relationship anymore and I did not want them to be together. By the end of book three I was hoping A.J would have a cathartic moment (a real one) and move on knowing he’d done all he could and that he deserved more than what Sam was offering. I wanted him to be definitive and act in his own self-interests with some stick-to-itiveness. But no, the author through in yet another melodramatic element making it oh so convenient for both Sam and A.J to fall back into each other’s arms. I was pretty much over the both of them by Chapter 20 of Exposed.

 

-Melodrama. Lots of unnecessary melodrama for the sake of ratcheting up the conflict.

 

-Predictability. I mentioned how I loved the hooks in the openings of the first and second books; however, the problem is that around 30% into each book (maybe less) you will predict where it’s all heading and that throws cold water on the whole thing.

 

-Editing. A few errors here and there, but not to the extent of pulling you out of the story.

 

-Inauthentic dialogue and situations. For instance: an upper class, professional Asian woman raised in an affluent conservative Asian family makes a statement casually using the phrase "hard in the paint". This is only one of the examples of slang and/or inauthentic vernacular applied to characters that you wouldn't normally associate with their class, culture and upbringing. Sensitive cross cultural issues with little subtext or context and riddled with stereotypes and caricatures. I find this a lot in multicultural or IR romance books and it’s one of my pet peeves.

 

- Realism. Touch and go realism where significant events are sometimes glossed over. For instance… 1. An imminent threat which was a main focus of the second book’s story arc is resolved in a blink of an eye with little to no subtext, intrigue or layering. 2. The police not bothering to arrest someone after an attempted murder, although they know who did it and have strong evidence against this person. Sorry but that doesn’t jive with reality no matter what the circumstances or precursors. 3. Five Year jump from the end of the second to the beginning of the third book where we find the protagonists in high powered jobs, living in expensive neighborhoods one year removed from college, and even less time if you factor in the time we presume they took off from school after the tragedy of the second book. There was more but now I’m feeling nitpicky so I’ll move on.

 

-Pacing/Redundancy. Although I appreciate that these were full novels without cheap cliff hangers, there was a great deal of redundancy and a lot of meandering that seemed to only serve to bulk up the page count rather than add substance to the story. There are places where the story drags or the pacing is off.

 

Final Verdict:

It was hard to rate this series. I went back and forth between the rating I want to give and the rating I have to give. But in the end, after thinking on it and finishing up my review, my conscience is clear. The story has its merits and the writer has a strong voice and skills, but the two main characters are so…ugh, by the end I couldn’t even root for the male protagonist (who I liked for most of the series). This was just too hard for me to ignore. The constant lying, cheating, sneaking around and back and forth emotional manipulations all in the name of love was not endearing. Maybe if there was a consistent balance between POV’s and some added subtext, things would have worked out better. All-in-all this will infuriate some of you and that is good, because it gives you a reason to yell at your Kindle and talk smack. In closing I’ll leave you with this, at the start I gave a summary of what this story was supposed to be about. But here’s what I believe it’s really about. Imagine two teenage masochists from different ethnic backgrounds who meet and fall in love. Through trials and tribulations they grow up to be adult masochists who pursue their love against all odds. Cue Phil Collins music. In reality this would not end well. But this is fiction, YA fiction and it’s romance. Love always wins in the end, even when it shouldn’t.

 

Story 3.9 | Characters 3.0 | Technique 4.0 = 3.6

[Sherry Molock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!!

I don't usually do YA romance, I am in my 50's and I'm past the stage where I want to read about YA Angst, insecure, indecisive heroines and smirky, arrogant heroes. So why de I pick up this book: because it features an interracial couple, a Japanese American young man and an African American young woman. My daughter is around the age of the heroine Sam and she is studying Asian cultures in school, and she's African American, so I could totally see her falling in love with an Asian man, so the premise of the book seemed plausible to me. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!

First, the author did an excellent job of capturing both the passion and innocence of one's first love. I had forgotten how intense those first days and months feel when you are falling head over heels in love. Remember when you thought the sun rose and set on your honey bunny,,how you couldn't live eat to breathe without them? Well thats the kind of love that AJ & Sam have, but it was almost destroyed in book 2 of the series.

In this book we see Sam and AJ reconnect after spending five long, heart wrenching years apart. They see each again when a mutual friend, Terrell ( such a great character, he and Maisha need to have their own book) gets married. At the wedding they discover that the fire may have died, but the embers are just waiting to be stoked again to stir their passion to a flame.

I could not put this book down as I found myself hoping that these two love birds would find their way back to each other. At times I felt bad for both AJ & Sam's new partners, but what can you say: the heart wants what the heart wants. When they can no longer suppress their desires for each other , WOW, what a passionate love scene!!!! There is an unexpected twist at the end that explains more clearly what happened when AJ and Sam break up in book 2. Good news is all ends well and AJ and Dam finally get their HEA

[Shana · Rating 2 out of 5]

first I'd like to say thank you for wonderful series. the first two books of this series was extraordinary I went through a rainbow of emotions I laughed I cried I cheered I was depressed. the first two installments left me anxiously awaiting the third.exposed was a good book but I feel like it was rushed a lot was left out this book should have started were the last one ended not much was explained. I don't think that the characters relationships were defined enough didn't explain how Sam met Jason how she felt she was in love with him who was he? where did he come from? how did they evolve?
it didn't go into depth as far as aj and Kira's relationship ..how did she console him? when was the first time he felt that he was in love with her..?
I was just expecting a lot more because it is the final installment of a great series I feel like we should have been able to attend sam and aj wedding I feel like they should have been able to explore the her pregnancy share that together since we know they lost the first baby . a lot I feel was
left out of this book a lot of areas and effects of the five years that they weren't together should have been explored I didn't feel the motion of connection between Sam and AJ, AJ and Kira , Sam and Jason. I would have liked a lot more details , a lot more events a lot more describing of the first dates and overall interactions which the first two had.but this book was lacking a lot of the emotions and interactions that the first to had. as much as I love this series and I'm as much as I love the author and will read everything that she she puts out I can only say that this book deserves a 2 star rating

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good ending to a series that I instantly fell in love it. This book follows Sam and Aj's stories 5 years after the events of "Secrets". Sam and AJ havent spoken since the day Sam left but the wedding celebration of two of their closest friends bring them face to face. While this could and would be hard for anyone to deal with, both AJ and Sam come to an unexpected truce, without dragging up their painful pasts. Both are older, wiser, and different people than who they were, each having moved on from the hurts of their youth and from each other... or have they really? Events bring them back into each others lives once again and BOTH are at a crossroads: Do they continue on the path they both fought so hard for independant and away from each other... or... do they acknowledge the love they once, and may still have for one another? This book was easily devoured (in one sitting, like I did the others!) and every time I thought I knew where it was going, I was delighted by a twist or turn! It was refreshing to hear from and see both Sam and AJ as adults and see how they dealt with their breakup and the subsequent years of silence they both went through and while I know that the story is complete (an ending im totally happy with) it would be nice to have a mini sequel or follow up one shot on their lives after the ending of this book! A girl can dream right?!?!?

[Kim C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Raven St. Pierre lasted Exposed, we find AJ and Sam leading seperate lives with their someone else's.

AJ has decieded to put the past behind him or so he think's. He is no longer wondering the (Where Have You Been) when it comes to our dear Samantha. AJ is not only focused, but believes himself to be ready to begin and new chapter in his life with Kira.

We find Sam fragile and at a pause. She's still some what drowning in the memory of a certain occasional nightmare. Sam also has a need for total control with her beau Jason. She doesn't know or won't acknowlegde the need that lies dormant inside or the only one who can Save her from herself.

Enter Terrell.. The dreamer who staged a purposeful/fated moment. That moment set off a ceratins chains of events shifting AJ and Sam's wrong Forever's they'd thought was written. All it took was one look, small conversation and a dance between the two that Burned the floor. Enter doubt. The wondering of how could you ever walk away and admitting to themselves that there is still and will always be Love for a Lifetime.

Thank you Raven for writing a beautiful conclusion to AJ and Sam's story.

[Teinevi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy oh Boy, started this series on Friday, then basically sped read until Sunday evening to finish the whole 3, WHY because I was that eager to finish it.

Hey - desperate calls for desperate measures and that was what I was. I had to basically force myself to pay attention to members of my family.

This was the last book of the series and it did not disappoint.

The conclusion was a good one, throughout the book I kept wondering how Sam and AJ were going to end up together after all the problems that happened to them. They deserved happiness. The problem was, was that they both had a prospective other in their lives and even though Sam and AJ hooked up, when business forced AJ to NY, where Sam lived, we all knew something had to give, as it was not in AJ's character to be a two-timer. It wouldn't have been good either, to have made Sam's character the other woman after everything she'd been through, so I was pleasantly surprised, Pleasantly with a capital P, that AJ found something giving him passage to HEA.

Sad the series is finished but happy about the outcome.

Well done Raven St. Pierre!

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to end this series. I was pulling for AJ and Sam throughout the three books series. I did a lot of all mans, WTFs and just plain mad as all get out. Needless to say I have been cycled through and rung out through all the human emotions that exists.

The additional secondary characters introduced in the second book (Secrets) get what's due. Terrell, the big brother everyone wants in their corner, comes through in a major way. Kira, the scheming whence, got what she deserve. It's always the quiet ones you have to look out for and expect the unexpected, whether it's good or bad, they tend to surprise you.

I'm not one who tends to re-read a series, but this is one I definitely would. Kudos to the author on a well written series.

[Mmoseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is what I have to say about the finally of this series. AJ and Samantha chemistry was electrifying and stimulating. The first time these two laid eyes on each other was down right intoxicating! They could not just friends their passion spoke volumes and they could not let go. Great conclusion to the end of a AJ and Samantha! Raven St. Pierre did an outstanding job on this series and talent writer.

[Hez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, they've gone and done it. Yep! They did it!! Sam and AJ got their HEA!! OMG, this series was something else! Had my emotions all over the place. It took me a while to start this series but I'm glad I finally did and I really enjoyed it. All the ups and downs and heartache these two endured, in the end they found each other again. (Terrell cracked me up!!) Great end to a great series. *tears*

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Can't say enough good things about the author's writing and storytelling skills. This series and this installation in particular of AJ's and Sam's story wore me out! I wanted them to have a respite from the 'crazy' but it just kept coming. It is hard to read scenarios where the characters that you are so invested in are constantly being pulled under and challenged; but AJ and Sam and their families and friends prevailed- they got their "happily ever after".

[Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man. I gotta admit this series was really good. With the first book I was pulled in and feel into an instant like with Aj. I found myself not really liking Sam too much but I was pulled in so I had to read book 2. From there to here it was such an emotional roller-coaster. I found myself relating to the characters. I saw myself and my husband in a few of their situations. I couldn't stop reading and when it came to an end, I was happy but mad at the same time. Really good read.

[Dede Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic and a great ending to this series. Reading about AJ and Sam from high school to adulthood was so much fun, seeing them evolve into a passionate and intense couple. If you want to read a series that is hot, robust, sexy, with some angst thrown in, read this series. Great job Ms. St. Pierre.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could, I would give this trilogy 10 Stars. Sam and AJ had to endure a lot to get to their happily ever after. There were secrets, lies, crazy exes, violence, deceptions and twists that you didn't see coming. Through it all, love prevailed. I just loved Terrell. Great job Raven. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Marsha Selby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, you had me in knots. Did not see something's coming, saw some clearly, the main and secondary character are so believable. I rutting for them. That somersault thing with the baby something similar to that happen to me. Terrell needs his story told. WOW...