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Falling Slowly
Badly wounded in Afghanistan when the helicopter she is piloting goes down under enemy fire, Captain Quinn Briscoe is struggling to rebuild her life. Facing not only a disfiguring injury, but a medical discharge and the end of a serious relationship, Quinn increasingly shuts herself—and her heart—off from the rest of the world. Her first meeting with lovely, self-confident and successful business owner Alison Jenkins is disastrous, and Quinn feels an instant antipathy for the woman, along with an undeniable attraction.
Trying to get along for the sake of her sister Rebekah, who’s gone to work for Allie, Quinn offers to fly the attractive boutique owner to a family wedding. However, what should have been a quick one day trip to the mountains of North Carolina suddenly turns into a long weekend at a romantic lodge. When a series of circumstances makes it increasingly clear that Quinn won’t be able to deny the growing passion between them much longer, will she be able to put the scars of the past aside to build a relationship with Allie worth fighting for?
Trying to get along for the sake of her sister Rebekah, who’s gone to work for Allie, Quinn offers to fly the attractive boutique owner to a family wedding. However, what should have been a quick one day trip to the mountains of North Carolina suddenly turns into a long weekend at a romantic lodge. When a series of circumstances makes it increasingly clear that Quinn won’t be able to deny the growing passion between them much longer, will she be able to put the scars of the past aside to build a relationship with Allie worth fighting for?
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2014
49 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Lila Bruce
16 books62 followersLila Bruce makes her home in the mountains of North Georgia, where the air is sweet and the summers are hot. Growing up in a military family, she traveled extensively as a child, living everywhere from Maine to Mississippi, Germany to Georgia, and a few parts in between. Lila loves to read and write contemporary lesbian romances, and is a sucker for a happy ending. When not writing, she spends her days adding to her ever-growing pack of basset hounds, consuming unhealthy amounts of coffee, and dreaming of the day she's able to leave her evil day job behind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 23, 2019
There are some quite emotional moments (flashbacks).
There are some funny moments too but sadly the story is too short and too rushed ...
It'd have been great to see both the characters and the transformation of their relationship more developped and the short story become a real novel ...
Hope this book will be re-worked someday 'cause there's a real potential in it.
There are some funny moments too but sadly the story is too short and too rushed ...
It'd have been great to see both the characters and the transformation of their relationship more developped and the short story become a real novel ...
Hope this book will be re-worked someday 'cause there's a real potential in it.
February 4, 2021
This book started off so well and we were thoroughly enjoying it right up to Chapter 18. And suddenly at that point, the romance, the build-up of the relationship, everything suddenly went into a fast forward that practically felt like a whiplash
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 7, 2015
The book didn't quite make three stars for me. Not that it was badly written exactly - there's definite potential. In fact the first half of the story was very promising. The characters seemed well developed, back story was interesting and well constructed, and I was looking forward to a good second half. I don't know what happened - maybe the author felt rushed to finish, or they grew bored of the characters, or the story - but it kind of quickly disintegrated into something more akin to fanfic.
Not that there is anything wrong with fanfic (I'm all for it), but I was expecting more depth after all the character developing to begin with. Rather abruptly it seemed that the main character became somebody else entirely. Forgotten was the self consciousness about her scars, gone the fascinating glimpses into her accident, gone the prospect of a little more drama, a little more angst. It just seemed to happen all too easily.
It was almost like two halves of a different story. Which is a real shame as I thought at first I was reading something I'd want to rave about.
I hate leaving negative reviews, but I've promised myself this year I'm going to do my best to review every book I read.
On a positive note I really did enjoy the first half (the first half was an easy 4 stars for me).
Not that there is anything wrong with fanfic (I'm all for it), but I was expecting more depth after all the character developing to begin with. Rather abruptly it seemed that the main character became somebody else entirely. Forgotten was the self consciousness about her scars, gone the fascinating glimpses into her accident, gone the prospect of a little more drama, a little more angst. It just seemed to happen all too easily.
It was almost like two halves of a different story. Which is a real shame as I thought at first I was reading something I'd want to rave about.
I hate leaving negative reviews, but I've promised myself this year I'm going to do my best to review every book I read.
On a positive note I really did enjoy the first half (the first half was an easy 4 stars for me).
March 24, 2023
2,5 stars
If the whole book was like its first half, it would be five stars without question. But the second half was as if someone made a timelapse video of the slow burn romance from the first part. It was fast, unrealistic and the relationship evolved at such a speed it didn't make sense in the context of the first half of the book.
If the whole book was like its first half, it would be five stars without question. But the second half was as if someone made a timelapse video of the slow burn romance from the first part. It was fast, unrealistic and the relationship evolved at such a speed it didn't make sense in the context of the first half of the book.
May 26, 2016
The story is not bad, but very uneven. As if written by two people -- the first half (better one) by one, the second by another.
March 20, 2019
A long short story which I really enjoyed and laughed out loud at a couple of times. Surprisingly unsentimental - as the heroine's both were - and had it been longer I can see a 5* review. So, short, perky and fun.
March 23, 2023
perhaps a more apt title would be hurtling into the ground at sound barrier breaking speed.
disappointing as i really enjoyed a proper send off years ago!
disappointing as i really enjoyed a proper send off years ago!
November 15, 2014
Quinn is an ex-Army pilot who is still dealing with the aftermath of a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. When she agrees to drive her younger sister to an upscale boutique interested in selling her designer purses, Quinn meets Allie the store owner and the wrong kind of sparks fly. (Haven't we all had THOSE kinds of meetings!) After some plot twists, they end up spending the weekend together at a lodge for Allie's sister's wedding.
I liked the believable journey from almost-enemies to something more. The secondary characters were a hoot, especially the cat! Didn't expect the humor in the story based on the description, but I really added to the believability for me, and ultimately, my enjoyment of the story. 4.5 stars for this one!
A new author for me, but one I'm enjoying.
I liked the believable journey from almost-enemies to something more. The secondary characters were a hoot, especially the cat! Didn't expect the humor in the story based on the description, but I really added to the believability for me, and ultimately, my enjoyment of the story. 4.5 stars for this one!
A new author for me, but one I'm enjoying.
December 8, 2014
This was an enjoyable, quick read. My only complaint was that I wish that it had been longer (and maybe fix the few grammatical errors). Even though it was short, I felt both main characters were well fleshed out and had good chemistry. Along with the romance, there is some comedy offered up by the secondary characters. There is a scene where Quinn is sitting with an aunt and uncle of Allie's that had me laughing out loud ready to fall off my couch. Quinn's backstory is deep and painful and while the two characters do "deal" with the issues, I think in reality, there would have been a little more to it. If you are looking for a quick read that has more depth than most and has a sweet romance, give this one a try.
December 6, 2014
There is a lot to like about this book. The main character, Quinn, a pilot in the US military allows for some interesting storytelling. Having her cope with the physical and emotional damage after being shot down gives the writer lots of scope. The other characters, however, fair less well. The sister is basically a pushy plot device on legs, and the love interest, is so barely drawn as to be completely unmemorable six hours after finishing the story.
The story begins well enough. The sister is fairly irritating, but it is the dialogue which is so often perplexing. There are several instances in which the language between the characters becomes angry, and yet there is little to push anyone to such extremes from what is going on.
Most perplexing is the jump in the middle of the book, from two characters just learning to be civil to one another, to one jumping on the other and all of a sudden they're apparently lovers. WTF? In a more reasonable world I would expect a law suit, or even money to be involved, not love.
There are some interesting elements in the book, but there needs to be better plotting and pacing, better management of characters, especially the secondary characters, and much better use of dialogue for this to hold together.
The story begins well enough. The sister is fairly irritating, but it is the dialogue which is so often perplexing. There are several instances in which the language between the characters becomes angry, and yet there is little to push anyone to such extremes from what is going on.
Most perplexing is the jump in the middle of the book, from two characters just learning to be civil to one another, to one jumping on the other and all of a sudden they're apparently lovers. WTF? In a more reasonable world I would expect a law suit, or even money to be involved, not love.
There are some interesting elements in the book, but there needs to be better plotting and pacing, better management of characters, especially the secondary characters, and much better use of dialogue for this to hold together.
November 22, 2014
A nice, quick read to start the weekend. The story had quite a few laugh out loud moments, especially from the supporting characters - Cat, Aunt Marge and Uncle Barney with his comments ☺
June 10, 2016
Quick cute story about two women meet twice and have bad interactions both times. Takes the third meeting before things turn good. Quinn's a scarred military veteran, and Allie's a co-owner of a chain of stores.
They meet the first time by chance. Amanda, Allie's cousin and business partner, set up an early morning meeting with Quinn's sister Rebekah(sp?). Amanda has a t-ball game she has to attend, and so Allie attends the meeting. Rebekah's car's dead, so Quinn drives her. Even so, it's only because Rebekah made an accidental comment that lead to dragging Quinn inside the store. To be stared at by Allie. Quinn does not like it when people stare at her, is self-conscious about her scarring.
The second time they meet is a "just in the neighborhood" type deal where both Amanda and Allie are near by looking to see if they'll open a new store nearby. And drop in on Rebekah at Quinn's house. As I said, two meetings, two bad interactions. Quinn and Allie yell at each other.
People normally do not get three chances to "come together". At least not if there is no real reason why the two would bump into each other. Especially if two of the three interactions end badly. And yet, these two have a third meeting. A second chance encounter (can't call the second meeting chance, since it was prearranged). Quinn stops by a food place. Eats. Spots Allie also there and eating. Spots homeless person confronting Allie. Watches as Allie starts to get flustered. Quinn steps in to help.
One thing leads to another, and Quinn flies Allie to a wedding rehearsal. And the story unfolds from there.
Was good. I liked it. Not 100% why I think it's a 4 star instead of 5 star story, but I do.
They meet the first time by chance. Amanda, Allie's cousin and business partner, set up an early morning meeting with Quinn's sister Rebekah(sp?). Amanda has a t-ball game she has to attend, and so Allie attends the meeting. Rebekah's car's dead, so Quinn drives her. Even so, it's only because Rebekah made an accidental comment that lead to dragging Quinn inside the store. To be stared at by Allie. Quinn does not like it when people stare at her, is self-conscious about her scarring.
The second time they meet is a "just in the neighborhood" type deal where both Amanda and Allie are near by looking to see if they'll open a new store nearby. And drop in on Rebekah at Quinn's house. As I said, two meetings, two bad interactions. Quinn and Allie yell at each other.
People normally do not get three chances to "come together". At least not if there is no real reason why the two would bump into each other. Especially if two of the three interactions end badly. And yet, these two have a third meeting. A second chance encounter (can't call the second meeting chance, since it was prearranged). Quinn stops by a food place. Eats. Spots Allie also there and eating. Spots homeless person confronting Allie. Watches as Allie starts to get flustered. Quinn steps in to help.
One thing leads to another, and Quinn flies Allie to a wedding rehearsal. And the story unfolds from there.
Was good. I liked it. Not 100% why I think it's a 4 star instead of 5 star story, but I do.
September 30, 2020
I found this story to be quite amusing as well as a slow romance. I felt they were really trying to get to know each other and of course they had a strong sexual attraction. Allie’s family is warm and funny they accepted Quinn for who she is not what she looks like. I enjoyed this audiobook.
January 14, 2019
Beautiful story with some intense moments. Need some more focus at how the two characters are involved. But I enjoyed it
June 29, 2015
Excellent book! This book has been in the Top 100 Best Sellers for Lesbian Romance for weeks now!
This is a great read with a cute love story. There is sexual tension, humor, love, and fun.
I adored the secondary characters just as much as the main characters, and again, Lila Bruce's use of humor won my heart over in this book.
If you want a fun weekend read, check this book out. You won't be sorry!
This is a great read with a cute love story. There is sexual tension, humor, love, and fun.
I adored the secondary characters just as much as the main characters, and again, Lila Bruce's use of humor won my heart over in this book.
If you want a fun weekend read, check this book out. You won't be sorry!
January 21, 2015
Quick fun read with laugh out loud lines. Cat, Aunt Marge and Uncle Barney are friends and relatives that you dream of having at a family function. Quinn and Alison...when you know you have found the one, go and go and go until maybe you get the girl.
June 1, 2019
DNF'ed @ 91% I could've finished it, but I had no desire to do so. The first 40% of this book was alright, I had some issue with the dialogue but other than that it was fine. The other half, I had to suspend my disbelief a little too much, and it felt as if one of the mains' personality completely changed in a snap of fingers. Too bad, this had huge potential :(
March 23, 2022
Too short!
I wanted more to this story. I enjoyed it but it feels like it ended just as I was really getting interested. Good book if you are looking for a short one.
I wanted more to this story. I enjoyed it but it feels like it ended just as I was really getting interested. Good book if you are looking for a short one.
December 4, 2014
First off I absolutely love the cover of this book. It's stunning. And it's fitting for Quinn and her history with the military and as a helicopter pilot.
The dynamics between Quinn and Allie are great. They start off on the wrong foot, and then another wrong foot and finally they get on the same page and things turn much smoother for the pair.
I really enjoyed watching Quinn get over the scars her ex caused her while Allie learned that Quinn wasn't what she first appeared to be. Both had a lot to learn about each other, but somehow made it happen in this short novel.
It was great, a few steamy scenes toward the end to go along with the growing and changing relationship added a nice touch to a pretty well rounded story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
The dynamics between Quinn and Allie are great. They start off on the wrong foot, and then another wrong foot and finally they get on the same page and things turn much smoother for the pair.
I really enjoyed watching Quinn get over the scars her ex caused her while Allie learned that Quinn wasn't what she first appeared to be. Both had a lot to learn about each other, but somehow made it happen in this short novel.
It was great, a few steamy scenes toward the end to go along with the growing and changing relationship added a nice touch to a pretty well rounded story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Renee
June 13, 2015
Loved this story - the remembering of the past and mixing with the present was nice. the misunderstanding of each character and the anger was brilliant.
Loved the food poisoning and recovery after. lovely writing.
THank you,
Loved the food poisoning and recovery after. lovely writing.
THank you,
June 23, 2015
Easy read.
July 10, 2015
Quick and light read. Despite the title, they fell for each other quite quickly. lol
October 26, 2020
Sweet
This was an ok read, although I expected Quinn to be a little more emotionally damaged after what she went through. I thought the writing was sometimes a little overwritten, describing things in detail that slowed the pace of the story, like on page 58 where "...she turned the dark gray Toyota Camry off of North Avenue in Atlanta and into a parking space in front of the red and tan brick building that was The Varsity."
There was some repetitive words too, like and alarm being shrill and then a page later, a voice is shrill; or on p94, someone dipping another chip into French onion dip. I know it doesn't sound like much, but when they like up, it takes away from the polish of the writing.
I wasn't too keen on Quinn bullying the homeless guy into going away in the fast food restaurant. It put me off her a little as a character. That just might be me, I'd probably offer to buy the guy some food. Point is, the man was down on his luck, most likely addicted to something and rather than having a heart, Quinn made him out to be a potential thief or at the very least some gross guy who was bothering a woman. For all she knew, he could have been a vet struggling with PTSD and ended up hitting bottom. She assumed based on his appearance, something she would not tolerate others doing to her.
Overall, this was a generally sweet story, but I would have liked to have seen the writing polished up a bit and the characters developed so they were more 3D.
This was an ok read, although I expected Quinn to be a little more emotionally damaged after what she went through. I thought the writing was sometimes a little overwritten, describing things in detail that slowed the pace of the story, like on page 58 where "...she turned the dark gray Toyota Camry off of North Avenue in Atlanta and into a parking space in front of the red and tan brick building that was The Varsity."
There was some repetitive words too, like and alarm being shrill and then a page later, a voice is shrill; or on p94, someone dipping another chip into French onion dip. I know it doesn't sound like much, but when they like up, it takes away from the polish of the writing.
I wasn't too keen on Quinn bullying the homeless guy into going away in the fast food restaurant. It put me off her a little as a character. That just might be me, I'd probably offer to buy the guy some food. Point is, the man was down on his luck, most likely addicted to something and rather than having a heart, Quinn made him out to be a potential thief or at the very least some gross guy who was bothering a woman. For all she knew, he could have been a vet struggling with PTSD and ended up hitting bottom. She assumed based on his appearance, something she would not tolerate others doing to her.
Overall, this was a generally sweet story, but I would have liked to have seen the writing polished up a bit and the characters developed so they were more 3D.
April 24, 2021
I’m gonna take one of the reviews I read about this book and make it my own words because it reflected exactly what happened to me while reading: it’s like having two halves of two different books put together . We are presented with a character, Quinn, that has stopped going to physical therapy and is completely dominated by her scars, a woman who suffers nightmares on a daily basis and was abandoned by her partner because of the way she looks. That character disappeared and you don’t get to see her again. As it happened with all the reasons Quinn had to not to be with Allie. Even the reason why Allie couldn’t go and meet with her family, something Quinn offers to help her about, evaporates and, again, there is not a good reason for it. And there isn’t logic behind their first sexual encounter either, it just happens.
I don’t want to be harsh but the book suddenly changed dramatically and lost all of its strong points so the three stars are because of the potential and the first part of the story.
I don’t want to be harsh but the book suddenly changed dramatically and lost all of its strong points so the three stars are because of the potential and the first part of the story.
February 22, 2018
I enjoyed this story very much. The story is not especially deep, but it is engaging and sweet. The characters are not complicated, but they are very well developed, relatable, and interesting. If you’re looking for a quick, easy feel good listen, this is a great choice. There is just a tiny bit of stereotyping as we follow two women over a weekend trip where they experience, initial dislike of each other, followed by mutual attraction, and a quick jump to romance & even some steamy sex. But there is also touching and comedic moments that will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud! Definitely worth a listen!
January 31, 2019
"Do you lesbian with Allie?" Seriously one of the funniest lines ever written. You have to have a good sense of humor to read this book. (And I'm not making a slam on political correctness, as some do when referring to having a sense of humor.) Speaking of political correctness, it was Allie not being "politically correct" (as termed by Quinn) when it came to Quinn's facial scar, that was the beginning of Quinn's interest in Allie. Everybody else tried to ignore the scar or was rude about it - or both.
This was such a delightful book, characters - main and minor, plot, etc. I only wish it were longer. And that, likely, still wouldn't be enough. Way to go, Lila Bruce!
This was such a delightful book, characters - main and minor, plot, etc. I only wish it were longer. And that, likely, still wouldn't be enough. Way to go, Lila Bruce!
February 19, 2020
The storyline is solid needed a little more and editing
Wounded in Afghanistan Quinn hasn't been the same she suffers from terrible nightmares and she has a wall up one established from insecurities and her horrible ex
Alison an entrepreneur looking for new talent gets off to the wrong foot with the guarded, scarred but beautiful Quinn but leave it to a drunk and impromptu lunch and a kind jester with a little bit of food poisoning and you just might find your happily ever after; after all chicks dig scars.
Wounded in Afghanistan Quinn hasn't been the same she suffers from terrible nightmares and she has a wall up one established from insecurities and her horrible ex
Alison an entrepreneur looking for new talent gets off to the wrong foot with the guarded, scarred but beautiful Quinn but leave it to a drunk and impromptu lunch and a kind jester with a little bit of food poisoning and you just might find your happily ever after; after all chicks dig scars.
September 12, 2024
Captain Quinn survived the helicopter crash, with a few dings!
Now she has to adjust to civilian life again. Her first girlfriend left after she came home after Walter Reed. Allie and her sister own some stores and Quinn's sister Rebekah supplies the stores with the help of merchandise. The meeting does not start well. Both are set in their ways with a little dose of common sense. Rebekah is beside herself with worry that Quinn lost the sale, Allies sister Amanda thinks so too. How are going to resolve this mess? Enjoy!
Now she has to adjust to civilian life again. Her first girlfriend left after she came home after Walter Reed. Allie and her sister own some stores and Quinn's sister Rebekah supplies the stores with the help of merchandise. The meeting does not start well. Both are set in their ways with a little dose of common sense. Rebekah is beside herself with worry that Quinn lost the sale, Allies sister Amanda thinks so too. How are going to resolve this mess? Enjoy!
January 7, 2021
Fighting for love
Quinn and Allie did not start out in the best way. Quinn’s sister one of the seller fashion items in a specialty store. She met Ally at the store and Quinn was advised to come in. They started fighting right away and I didn’t stop. Quinn was injured in the army with many scars both physical and mental. The characters were very good I’m full of anger and sweetness. I highly recommend this book for those who like a really sweet romance that begins with a fight.
Quinn and Allie did not start out in the best way. Quinn’s sister one of the seller fashion items in a specialty store. She met Ally at the store and Quinn was advised to come in. They started fighting right away and I didn’t stop. Quinn was injured in the army with many scars both physical and mental. The characters were very good I’m full of anger and sweetness. I highly recommend this book for those who like a really sweet romance that begins with a fight.
December 21, 2018
The Paint of War and Broken Hearts
Quinn, a helicopter pilot, comes back front Afghanistan with a broken body and adds a broken heart by her girlfriends leaving. Her sister is starting a new business and wants to make a good impression on Allie, a boutique owner. When Quinn and Allie clash from the beginning, things heat up fast. Great story of healing and love. Recommend.
Quinn, a helicopter pilot, comes back front Afghanistan with a broken body and adds a broken heart by her girlfriends leaving. Her sister is starting a new business and wants to make a good impression on Allie, a boutique owner. When Quinn and Allie clash from the beginning, things heat up fast. Great story of healing and love. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews