For years, I’ve toed the fine line between wanting women to fill the empty spaces of my life and not letting them get close enough to know I struggle with my time overseas. Thankfully, one woman I don’t have to worry about finding that tricky balance with is our new office admin. Even if she hadn’t dropped me with a knee between my legs, making me choke on a donut all before I met her, I wouldn’t want anything to do with Chloe Whitlock. Not only would she rather remain unaware of the world’s harshness by keeping her nose in a book, but she’s also too bubbly. And all that joy she breathes into the world is an obvious front, which means she’s hiding something. In our line of work, that makes her a threat. What’s clear? Chloe needs to go. But even as my suspicions grow, I reluctantly start falling for the bubbly threat I’ve been tasked with protecting. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants her.
Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a caffeine-fueled homebody. She has a weakness for nerdy movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.
Even if You Fall is the second book in the ‘Huntley Square Series’. I was excited to read it, as I enjoyed the first. This one was good as well. I love Molly’s writing. It took me a while to connect with the characters. I found them unlikable at first. By the end, they won me over, though. The last half was much better for me than the first. I was happy that Chloe and Adam got their happy ending.
Audio book source: Audible Story Rating: 3.5 stars Narrators: Stefanie Kay & Derek Dysart Narration Rating: 4 stars Genre: Romance Length: 10h 6m
3⭐️ ARC Review: I have so many mixed emotions about this book. The premise was so intriguing, but unfortunately fell flat.
The characters for me were a big turn off. And a nickname like bubbles just.. I couldn’t. Chloe was insufferable. Let me preface. I, in no means take abuse lightly, and I know that you can be blinded by someone’s actions when you’re caught up in the abuse. But just Chloe as a character was really off putting. She had obviously been through some horrible things, but I couldn’t come to like her or understand her reasoning for being dishonest in every aspect of her life. And then Adam? He was almost worse. He’s supposed to be this protective guy, and he is, but he was so blatantly rude to Chloe the entire time. So when they kiss it makes absolutely no sense at all. It’s like where the heck did that come from? They didn’t make any sense. So I didn’t love the characters or the romance.
And why the heck did his sentences never start with ‘I’ especially when he said ‘Need’. Petty, but that was so frustrating to me. If you haven’t read it yet, it will be blatantly obvious now. Sorry.
Honestly Chloe and Hudson made way more sense. He was adorable and had some serious chemistry with her. My favorite character by far. I will definitely be reading his story. Cause that epilogue has me very much intrigued.
The abuser himself was the scum of the earth and I hated him with a burning passion. The author knows how to write extremely unlikable characters. He got what was coming, but it was so underwhelming. He should have been taken by Adam then thrown in prison. And honestly, the entire ending was underwhelmingly unsatisfying.
I think this book had all the makings for a really great story, because the plot was good. It sheds light on abuse, abuser tactics, and that victims should never feel ashamed. I thought that was well written. It just wasn’t executed to its potential. And ultimately, this book was not for me. I have no qualms with the author or her writing. That’s why I’m looking forward to her next book.
This also had way too many characters to keep straight. I maybe should have read the first book in this series? But she kept bouncing between people’s first and last names and it seemed like 20 people instead of 10. These books are standalones in the same series but I felt lost. So if you don’t want to feel lost, read the first book before this one.
*Thank you to the author, Molly Barlowe, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy: - Romantic suspense - Dual POV - Grumpy x sunshine - Workplace romance - One bed - Protective hero - Tattooed MMC - Forced proximity
Content 💋: - Kisses only - No language - Mild innuendo
CONTENT -🤬: none -❤️: makeouts -⚠️: gaslighting, manipulative ex; stalking; discussions about trafficking; murder (not on page); PTSD (on page episode)
I love this series so much! The cast of characters is fantastic and they each feel so real. This is the second book in the series and it tells the story of Chloe and Adam. Both of them are dealing with baggage: Chloe with a horrifying ex and a dysfunctional family, Adam with PTSD nightmares from his military days.
As soon as Chloe starts as an office administrator at Shadow Industries, Adam is wary of her. He's positive that her "fake joy" is hiding something, and he's determined to find out what. When it turns out that Chloe has a connection to one of the cases being worked on, realization hits that she is in danger. As they are forced to spend time together, they each have to reevaluate what they're willing to share about their burdens and struggles.
Some random thoughts: -I love the protective nature of each of the men of Shadow Industries. -Sweet Chloe really had a number done on her by her ex. The on-page gaslighting was mind-blowing and the psychological distress that he inflicted on her made me so sad for her. -I also loved that this book had Deaf representation-- Adam's family signs while they talk because his dad is Deaf. -I CAN'T WAIT FOR EVERYONE ELSE'S STORIES!!! Molly's dropped quite a few hints and I will be eagerly awaiting the next 3 books.
Favorite Quotes: - I'd also been told by Lainey that I could make it an hour and a half or so without hiding away with a book, so to leave my books at home. Not that I'd listened-- I mean, who goes anywhere without at least one book in case of emergencies?
-"This isn't real." The words tumbled free without permission, but just as shock and a hint of frustration started bleeding from him, I awkwardly and embarrassingly added, "Right? It can't be. I'm...I'm gonna wake up soon, and this will have... you know..." --I waved a hand in the barely-there space between us-- "not happened." A wry smirk slowly tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Do you often dream about me, Bubbles?"
-"So, believing this is real won't come naturally to me." Adam seemed to consider my words before dipping his head. "Then I'll do whatever I have to until it does."
-"You're the only one I wanna face my demons with."
*Thanks to the author for the ARC. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.
*I was provided an ARC of this book by the author and their promotional team
Adam “Thatch” Thatcher lives a simple life. Since completing his service in the military, he’s help run Shadow Industries, a private security owned by one of his best friends. He’s settled into small town life in Huntley Square, but all is turned upside down when Chloe Whitlock shows up at his office claiming she’s the new secretary. Thatch can’t stand her constant “happy-go-lucky” personality because he knows it’s all a facade, but he can’t deny he’s attracted to her. When it comes to light that Chloe might be connected to a potential target, Thatch can’t help but be the one to make sure she’s protected at all cost…even if that means breaking down his walls and putting his heart on the line. 🤭
Since returning to her hometown of Huntley Square, TX, Chloe is trying to stay afloat. After leaving her teaching job in a nearby district, she just wants to keep her head down. When she’s “offered” an admin job by her roommate’s Aunt Ada, she has no choice but to say “yes”. What she never expected was for grumpy, ex-military man, Adam Thatcher, to make everyday at the office harder than the last. When Chloe’s secret past comes creeping back, the men of Shadows Inc do what they do best and protect, but fake dating Adam Thatcher was never on Chloe’s bingo card. The more time spent together, the easier is it for Chloe to let her guard down. After all, Adam has been the only person to see right through it…
I absolutely adored this “hate”-to-love, opposites attract story from @authormollybarlowe !! I love nothing more than a grumpy, alpha hero and Adam Thatcher was ABSOLUTELY that! The banter between these two was also oh so much fun! When reading Molly’s book, I never miss the spice because truly I enjoy her story telling so much! I fell in love with the Huntley Square crew in book 1, & this book only solidified my love! Can’t wait to return to TX for the next one! 🖤
*available on KU *original post on instagram @veronica.reads.romance
If the MMC said “I just can’t trust you” one more time I was going to lose it. His nickname for her felt mocking instead of sweet. Also them reluctantly crushing on each other was getting annoying. I found myself wanting to shake her and ask her what she sees in this guy??
He was kind of jerk… I love a grumpy man with a soft heart that you have to dig to find but he wasn’t it.
Major turnoff - the MMC making mental observations about her appearance (curvy, redhead, etc) and then using those things to try to talk himself out of his attraction (usually not my type)… it felt weird.
40% and still waiting for loose ends to tie up from book 1. I’m tired of waiting. You’ve lost me at this point.
This was my first ARC and I’m glad it was! Molly did it again! This book had me hooked from the very beginning. This is the 2nd book in the Huntley Square series and it follows Chloe and Adam. The backstory of Chloe being manipulated and basically in a domestic violence situation feeds right into Shadow’s mission to help save women, so Chloe becomes their next Donut. I love the tie in to ARCK and having those characters make an appearance. Some of my favorite quotes from the book: “I glanced at her contented smile and felt everything in me pull toward a girl who wasn’t doing a thing to draw me to her. It was just her. This girl that wasn’t at all my type and was everything I couldn’t look away from” “But you’re the only one I want to face my demons with” Make sure you guys pick this one up on February 17 when it releases!
Chloe Whitlock is a complication that he does not need in his life, but, as much as he wants to avoid her she always seem to find a way to wander into his mind or peripheral vision. There are things about the new office administrator that don't make sense, she has an air of mystery surrounding her and he wants to figure out what she is hiding. He knows she is not as innocent as she looks...
Even if You Fall is a perfectly crafted enemies to lovers story that is destined to have you captivated from start to finish. Chloe hasn't had the easiest time as of late, due to her manipulating ex she has lost her job, and cannot find another in her chosen field because he's black balled her everywhere she's applied. Just as she is starting to lose hope a friend intervenes and helps her find a office administrator job at Shadow Industries. It's something she never saw herself doing, but right now she has no right to be picky, she has bills to pay and it's a paycheck she hasn't had in a while.
As she meets her new co-workers one happens to stand out to her, Adam is grumpy, stand-off-ish and makes her feel nervous every time he is near. She gets the feeling he doesn't like her, but little does she know that's the opposite of how he feels. Just as she starts to feel like maybe things in her life are starting to fall back into place her ex starts to make an appearance in her life again and things take a very dangerous turn. Good thing she has a hunky bodyguard by her side to keep her safe... even if he acts like it's the last place he wants to be.
I loved everything about this story, it's pages held a perfectly penned love story that made me smile, swoon, and left my heart feeling all the feels. These two were the perfect match, even if they didn't agree at first. Both had pasts that haunted them on a daily basis and a lot of hang-ups about love, but little by little they found their way and healed their hearts with a love they never thought was possible. I have to say this author can do no wrong when she puts pen to paper, this series is downright amazing and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! Highly recommend!
I requested an advance copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This author continues to astound me with the amount of depth and emotion of her characters. Each of her stories changes something inside you, gives you a new perspective and revelation. It changes your appreciation of the struggles of others you may not always realize they are having. The story starts off with Chloe, a bubbly, beautiful, bookworm leaving her dream job of being a teacher to get away from a stalker ex. He has gaslighted Chloe to the point of her not being able to trust her own thoughts and feelings. Did I mention that said stalker ex just so happens to be the superintendent of the district she works in? Yes, and that's just the prologue! So, out of work and running out of money, Chloe is invited by her housemate Lainey’s mischievous Aunt Ada to become her replacement as secretary at Shadow Industries. Chloe is desperate for a job at this point and will do anything she can to make it work. Walking into the office on her first day, Chloe runs right into the steely chest of Adam Thatcher, Human lie detector, ex special forces, ladies man, and donut connoisseur. Trying not to topple over, Chloe ends up dropping Adam to his knees and leaves him choking on a donut. What a first impression, right? Surely that's why there's so much hatred rolling off Adam Thatcher. Cue the point of view change to said Man of Steel. Adam sees people beyond what they say and do. He sees their tricks and tells, and he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that this bubbly nerd is hiding something. That can be dangerous, and any danger to his family is a threat that must be eliminated. This story is a true enemies to lovers trope full of twists and turns that you will absolutely love. As each of the characters learns to trust someone other than themselves, you get to see the most beautiful rendition of what it's like to feel truly seen. The vulnerability and fear that goes into giving that truth of yourself to someone else is staggering. It is then contradicted by the strength of groundedness you feel just by holding their hand. I can't wait for Book 3!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Even If You Fall is the second book in the Huntley Square series. While you may be able to enjoy this one as a standalone, I do think readers will get the most out of the stories when read in order as their are some threads that do carry through from the previous book.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was very much looking forward to this one. Not only did Even If You Fall meet all my expectations, but it far exceeded them as well! This book had me completely obsessed, unable to put it down. First of all, that meet cute!? Talk about awkward (and painful)... Adam and Chloe most certainly did not start off on the right foot! But their chemistry? Incredible. I absolutely adore a protective MMC, and Adam definitely has that going for him, but I also loved seeing him in his more vulnerable moments as well. Their story truly was the perfect blend of a tender romance combined with suspense that will have keep you flipping the pages to see how it's all going to play out. There were secrets, mafia ties, nicknames, and such a strong sense of family and I absolutely loved it ALL. Just when I thought it couldn't possibly get better, it did... and left us with a fantastic ending that has me anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series. I cannot wait.
Even If You Fall is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. The story does take on several difficult topics such as trafficking, PTSD from military service, manipulation and death of a child from cancer.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Book 2 in the Huntley Square series Releasing Feb 17th!
Adam + Chloe Chloe is hiding something & Adam does not trust her. He is determined to find it out & keep the threat away from his family. Adam is all business and Chloe has a bubbly mask.
I loved this book and the deep underlying issues of both MC’s. I am always thankful to see them exposed & worked through in a healthy way. I loved the family dynamic of the whole team and the realness of them all. This is the second book I’ve read by Molly and it is another winner ✨I loved getitng to read more of Briggs & Lainey also! I am thrilled there are more books coming in this series because this whole team of guys is so exciting to read about with their profession and different personalities.
So appreciative of Molly’s clean and wholesome writing. Thank you for gifting me with this ARC! I’m such a fan of yours!
—Quotes •“I was never in danger of falling for anyone until you came into my life with your bubbly mask and bright smile and brought me to my knees.” •Not that she wore much makeup anyway, but there was something about her then, makeup free and ready for bed, that about did me in. The exact opposite of everything I usually went for, and everything I wanted in her.
—Content No foul language PTSD Toxic relationship Death (off page) Kissing Talks of Trafficking
Adam es grosero, malhumorado y tosco con Chloe desde su primer encuentro. La trata como si fuera una criminal, y ella, sin razón aparente, se siente atraída por él desde el primer día y se enamora. ¿Por qué? No tengo idea. No es hasta la mitad del libro que él empieza a confiar en ella y a tratarla como a los demás. El estándar está por los suelos.
No puede ser que Chloe haya salido de una relación abusiva para terminar en otra igual de tóxica. La razón por la que Adam la trataba mal es absurda: simplemente porque pensaba que ella guardaba secretos, ya que siempre fingía ser feliz. ¿Qué sentido tiene eso?
Chloe es una persona masoquista que le gusta autoflagelándose y cargar con culpas que no le corresponden. Perdona a todos los que la lastiman y actúa como si nada hubiera pasado. Es de esas personas que, si la tiras al suelo, es ella la que se disculpa. A lo largo del libro, hay infinidad de escenas en las que Adam la hace sentir mal, y luego, en el siguiente encuentro, Chloe lo trata como si fuera un héroe, como si tuviera amnesia. Me molestó mucho que Chloe le haya confiado su mayor temor sin que él siquiera se disculpara por ser un idiota.
A mesmerizing love story that is powerfully inspiring, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. A story delivered with so much heart and soul that that I fell deeper in love with the characters and the story with each turn of the page. This story is everything I hoped for and so much more. Chloe is beautiful, strong, and resilient. Adam is broody, fiercely protective and guarded. Their chemistry is magnetic and undeniable. Try as they may to fight their feelings; they are helpless to stop the fall. I loved the push and the pull between Adam & Chloe; they stole my heart. I adore the entire crew; how they’re a found family. The storyline is beautifully written and a suspenseful ride of twists and turns with emotions that radiated from the pages. I felt the pain and sorrow, the joy and elation, and everything in between. The heartbreaking moments shattered my heart and the swoon-worthy moments stole my breath. A captivating story that had me under its spell from beginning to end. Huntley Square series is quickly becoming one of my favorite inter-connected series and I’m excited for the next book!
Adam and Chloe are opposites, she's a book nerd with not much self confidence and he's a no relationship , full of himself guy.
Adam is suspicious of her and what she hiding. He is drawn to her in a way he never has been before.
Chloe is trying to recover from a toxic relationship, and her family history still affects her.
These two have the best nicknames for each other, but both are afraid of relationships for different reasons.
As a case gets heated and things get dangerous both need to come to terms with themselves and each other on their true feelings. Adam sees the strength Chloe doesn't realize she has and Chloe sees that Adam isn't as harmful to her as he thinks he is. When they realize they can trust each other they finally open up to what could really happen between them. No longer ignoring the sparks between them if they fall.
I am loving this series! Angst, emotional and suspense.
Even if You Fall is an amazing read. This is book 2 in the Huntley Square series and I'm hooked. I love the awkwardness of Chloe. She has the bubbly personality that you will adore. You feel for her when her past gets close. Adam is protective and he will never fall. He has this way about him that you will love especially when it comes to Chloe. You will love their banter and chemistry build throughout this one as they are thrown together to keep Chloe safe and take down the ones behind everything. There are some little twist and turns you will love. Chloe grows so strong in this as she learns more about her ex. I could not get enough of Adam and Chloe together. I cannot wait to see where the next book in the Huntley Square series goes next. I could not put this down. You need to read this today.
I had never read this author before, and she was reccomended to me by my neice. That being said, this book has a heavy YA feel to it. The characters are poorly developed and for the most part unlikable. Who gives someone a pet name of " bubbles"? Adam , our hero, uses that name in the attempt at derogatory? I am not sure, but he never gives her a nicer moniker. So many things about this book, the author goes back and forth between using first and last names, hard to keep track, all the characters are very one dimensional and honestly not one character stayed with me as interesting. The author has tackled two very dark topics, gaslighting/narcissist behavior and human trafficking, and there is no real clarity or tension. Everything gets tied up with a nice bow off page. Maybe I read to much, but this book was so not worth the time. If I could I would give it half a star.
i was surprised to find myself enjoying the previous book, and so decided to give this one s shot as well. unfortunately I didn't enjoy this nearly as much, barely at all tbh. Mostly there was just too much of everything
✓ clichés ✓ predictability ✓ repetitive writing and a lot of unnecessary explanations of thoughts and feelings ✓ plot and storyline that didn't feel realistic at all ✓ the two main character's issues seemed very exaggerated and way too all consuming, like it was their whole personalities ✓ adding to that ^^ it therefore seemed unbelievable that their issues with them selves and with each other were so easily and quickly resolved
I could probably find something good to say, but tbh I just want to be done with this, and so I choose to do that: Finished with this book and looking forward to read something (anything!!) else
I was hooked as soon as I started reading and binged almost the whole book in one day! I love how this series has some suspense/mystery but it’s not real angsty and wow does Molly Barlowe ever know how to write protective MMCs for it!
I love the dynamic of the security team members and how we got to see so much of Asher and Lainey from book 1.
I’ve already reread my favourite parts of the book and cannot wait for the next one already!
This is book 2 of a series and while it can be read as a standalone, reading book 1 would likely make you enjoy this one even more. Plus book 1 is amazing!
Closed door, no swearing Thanks to the author for the early copy to read and review.
Imagine a baby pterodactyl scratching… that’s what I sounded like the entire time I was reading this book. This was so much fun. It was by no means a light read, but it felt easy to read. The romance combined with the plot in the background made for a really captivating reading experience. As a second book in the series I genuinely couldn’t have asked for more. Chloe truly speaks for the book girlies and may I just say, the sleepwalking scene will now be living rent free in my mind. Also, that epilogue set up the next book so well and I’m literally losing my mind at the fact that the next book isn’t out yet!!
Even if You Fall was just as perfect as Even if it Hurts. The perfect combination of romance, anxious energy & bliss! Once again Molly delivers. I love a book that I can't seem to read fast enough because I don't know what's coming next. Chloe & Adam delivered a real love story with twist & turns. It doesn't get any better than a love story with a little mafia action thrown in the mix. Twist that you didn't see coming! I've gotten to wear the smut scenes aren't for me, but this book delivers clean romance that keeps you wanting more! This series has endless possibilities!
This second installment this series left me nothing short of in awe. Molly's writing has always had a way of pulling me in and making me feel as if I was part of the story. This book was no exception! I truly felt within the first few chapters that I was close friends with Chloe and Adam. They are relatable, down to earth, and have the best personalities.
Adam is nothing less than swoon-worthy and has made his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. Molly wrote his character in a way that set him aside from every other character you've read in a book. Chloe had me smiling and cheering for her to win over the brooding hottie.
Just finished Even If You Fall today. Molly Barlowe, you've done it again. This book was absolutely fantastic. The writing was amazing. The suspense was suspensing. Adam and Chloe were such great characters and their love story was absolutely beautiful. The story moved at a nice speed. No going from hate to instant love. No taking way too long that you lost interest in their story. The care and devotion they end up having for each other is amazing and I LOVED Adam's family! They're so great. I can't wait for the rest of this series and more on all these characters.
Molly Barlowe delivers a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and emotional depth in Even If You Fall. Adam, a military veteran battling his past, and Chloe, a spirited book lover with secrets, share an unforgettable journey of trust, healing, and love. Their chemistry is natural, their struggles feel real, and the suspense keeps you hooked.
This closed-door romance tackles deep themes like PTSD and redemption with care, making it both heartwarming and gripping. A beautifully written, must-read story that proves love can overcome even the darkest pasts.
This book is soooo good! I have been feeling like books are kind of all the same lately going after that dark romance trend. This book is a breath of fresh air bringing back that feeling that romance used to give. The story is fast-paced, the characters are unique, the romance is top tier, and the men are swoon worthy! This series is one of the ones that when you turn the last page, you wonder how long until the next book releases.
I loved the story between Chloe and Adam! It was a deeper read as it dealt with pretty heavy topics (emotional abuse, gaslighting, trafficking). I enjoyed the relationship between the two leads as they just made SENSE together. The plot was good too, and it definitely helped move the story along. As an action/mystery reader, I wish there was a little more descriptive action here, but it fits the romance genre 100%.
I love all things Molly! Her books always leave me wanting more! Adam and Chloe’s story was no different, it was the swoon-worthy enemies to lovers. It made me feel all the feels and was the perfect blend of romance and drama! I always feel such a connection with Molly’s characters that make you feel you are in the story with them! I can’t wait for the next one!
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half. Not 100% why. However the cameo of our mafia boys from ARCK was perfection! I think the middle of the book just drug, so maybe a weird pacing issue for me. The cameo brought it back up for me. I’ve been reading Molly since her previous pen name. I will read anything she writes.
I do not want to spoil the fun. BUT If you want a book that is funny, clean, and keeps you on your toes this is it. Also, there is a surprise that made me so giddy. What is it? I guess you’ll have to see for yourself and get the book! Bravo Molly!
I am loving this found family group of protective men and strong women! Can’t wait for Hudson and Monroe’s story! No swearing, no spice, just kisses. Some heavier themes in there but not overwhelming - just made the characters feel more real.