Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Falling Into Gravity

Rate this book
Love doesn’t wait on perfect timing—it just pulls.
Aku Banner is a 23-year-old celebrity stylist with a sharp mouth, soft heart, and a lover-girl spirit she can’t seem to shake. Born into luxury but raised by parents who came from the mud, Aku’s got ambition in her blood—and heartbreak in her rearview. She knows exactly what she marriage, babies, real love. But her on-again, off-again situationship with her famous ex keeps pulling her back like a bad habit.
Malik Rice is a Crescent Park plug with code in his fingers and a bruised heart he doesn’t speak on. He built Plugged In—an encrypted app that’s changing the streets but still battles with feeling like he’s only built for temporary. He’s smart, solid, and soulful… but convinced a woman like Aku could never be his for real.
When their worlds collide, it’s magnetic. Unplanned. Unruly. And impossible to ignore.
Because sometimes love don’t fall soft.
Sometimes it hits hard and pulls you in deep.
This is what happens when two opposites fall into gravity.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2025

99 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

Evelyn Latrice

62 books191 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
437 (84%)
4 stars
66 (12%)
3 stars
11 (2%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,369 reviews155 followers
July 29, 2025
Loving through Trauma

Aku was a lover girl. She knew exactly what she wanted....she wanted a BIG love that wasn't perfect, but REAL. She wanted HER version of a fairytale where she was a Boss, a wife, a mother that was able to enjoy everything life had to offer. What she didn't know is THAT type of love wouldn't be easy for her to find. When she met Malik he was fine af, full of potential, but a broken hood baby that wanted to love her deeply, but he wasnt sure how. He was just trying to survive and take care of the fallout of his past actions. What he didn't know was that he could flourish when loved right. He was a coding genius and he knew he was on the verge of something great, but his past kept humbling him. Aku was a real one. She loved him down, and through his mess. I felt her pain and cried right along with her. Their journey to love was hard af, but it was genuinely beautiful. French, was not playing about his daughter and watching him put his feelings aside and support his daughter was just 🥺😩
 Lastly, I definitely predicted the sweet surprise 🫢, and I loved that for them. The Epilogue and the extra note were everything!

There is so much more to love about this book: 
Non typical careers 
The present parents that loved each other that inspired both mcs to love 
The rival gang topic was handled with so much care, explaining the mindset and the struggle to move beyond it. 
The villages surrounding the mcs.
The sisterhood between Aku, Ahvi, and Noodle💕
The cameos from the family. 

I mean bravo Ms. Latrice, perfect ending to this series.

SN; This had to be like 2040, I loved the tech elements but would have loved some more futuristic ideas.
Profile Image for Melise.
468 reviews48 followers
July 14, 2025
Evelyn DON’T Miss like at all. Phenomenal story and whew everytime I thought we were good lmao WE WASNT. It’s a must you keep some tissue on hand cus she gonna make you cry. I will say my only issue really was how judgmental French was like I KNOWWW YOU NOT ACTING LIKE THIS. Still love him down but much like Tiny in Lunar’s book he disappointed me this novel.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,808 reviews
July 16, 2025
😭😭😭

Falling Into Gravity serves as a love letter to those of us who were born in the “forgotten zip codes”, where survival was the most important part of the day. I have a different level of respect for Evelyn because even though she’s giving us romance and drama with an urban theme, she consistently drops gems and affirmations in her stories. It’s always those subtle reminders that remind me that - actually - yes, I can literally have it all. I feel seen and that’s what I appreciate the most.

Now - I was feigning for Aku’s story and my babygirl, the lover girl who wanted what her parents and friends had, did not disappoint! Aku marches to the beat of her own drums. She’s independent and feisty, but she loves hard and has a loyalty that makes her one of one. And that’s what Malik needed - someone to match his energy, elevate him, heal his wounds, and remind him to adjust his crown because he was literally a “black king”. I got chills watching their love unfold; it was flirty, tested, dangerous, but also pure. Malik stole my heart because he was carrying such a heavy load from carrying his family, his friends, and community on his back. Malik deserved Aku, and honestly, I think he knew it the first time he saw her. 🫠

The theme of gravity was so relevant because it demonstrated the force and pull between Malik and Aku. They kept coming back to each other, no matter the challenges they faced. Their chemistry was undeniable and their similarities outweighed their differences. And even though Aku was a long way from home - hence Malik’s “you’re not in Kansas anymore” reference, she built her own home with Malik - and did things her way. I loved the way Aku and Malik poured their energy into each other, a true power couple. We stan!! Ps, the final epilogue from the lens of Big Lunar doesn’t do this series enough justice - although it made me tear up. Like, who knew the kids from the Jig would go from to the moon, to having superpowers. Evelyn, please!!! It was the character development and worldbuilding for me. Amazing job on this one!😭
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
338 reviews21 followers
July 17, 2025
I laughed, I cried, & then cried again. Is this really the end of the series?!?!?!? I loveeeee this family so much 🥺😩😂

Aku & her journey to find love was beautiful. I knew I was going to love her. She reminds me of me. Being a lover girl & free spirited 💗💁🏽‍♀️☺️

Malik felt familiar. Exactly like the boys whose burdens are too much. They feel like they have no way out 🙁 Feel like if they love it’s going to leave them.

Everything about this story tugged on my heart strings. From French being sooo protective of Aku. That man was slipping & sliding on that carpet fighting with Lik LMAOOOOOO! Noodle, Bu, Ahvi, Lil Lunar….I love when the whole family is in a scene together.

If you haven’t read the series please do. It’s so special.
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
179 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2025
LEGACY…… let’s fall!!!!


Aku & Malik. I’m fallen , I got you . They both meant every word when they said it . Everything was put into this book and I was here for every sec , another hit from E.L . I would definitely recommend this series. You can dive in here but you NEED to get the whole experience so go back TO the moon and you will not regret. This family the way they ride so hard & love the hardest for one another is beautiful to see . & I love that the most…..

French , Bu & Malik how they love akuuuuu through out this book mannnnn!!! & how they love their women! The ones . All of the men’s but them my top 3 so yeaaaa! I was ready for this story to come to end cause I really in Crescent , Emerald City , LA locked in with them!

Aku is that girl she got her HAE and I was rooting for them the whole time!!!! Solar is her mama tho so what did we really expect oooo I love them!

Get into it!!! So many gems you don’t want to miss .

BIG LUNAR . S/O to you!!! The ending message. 😭😫
Profile Image for Crimson.
586 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2025
Encore, encore, encore

What a beautiful ending to a superb series!!! You went and saved the best for last. I knew this book was going to be just as good as the other ones. There isn't much to be said other than GREAT JOB. Y'all just read the damn series!!!!
Profile Image for Monique Smith.
2 reviews
October 6, 2025
Love!!

I’m so in love with this whole series!! The first book in this series was first time I’ve ever read this author and It’s become one of my favorites, if not that all time fav series, I’ve read. I binged the whole thing in less than 2 weeks! This final book was chef’s kiss! The characters, the conflict- with themselves and between them was just everything!! The perfect amount of spice mixed with a drop of fluffy. lol You have a new fan indeed!! 🙌🏾
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
365 reviews16 followers
July 17, 2025
4/5
— My girl boss, Aku, just wanted to experience that real and monumental love she’s witnessed around her. I’m so happy she finally found that with the hood nerd, Malik. These two went through it before finding common ground but I didn’t expect anything less — building a legacy.
— I always love moments with French, Aku and Qamar. And I can’t get enough of the bond between Aku, Noodle, Bu, Lunar and Ahvi, it’s a pleasure to witness. — I love the Moony family, real bad. I’m going to miss them if this was the end.
6 reviews
August 30, 2025
Wow!

106!!! 106!!! Annotations!!! In one book!!! All I can say is wow!! From the beginning to end just wow!! I love how Aku exudes love and shes unashamed. It wasn’t looked at as a weakness but a superpower. Like she knew she had the right to love how and who she wanted. I love how she never let her past hurt stop her from accepting love. So much so that Malik had no choice but to except and start to heal . This book had my cracking up and crying like snot nose sobbing. I love the 8th wonder series for so many reason but the biggest is how they carry Big Lunar with them through every season every test. His legacy never ends!! In the beginning of the epilogue I feel like we see Malik as his healed and authentic self unashamed and raw and I love that, and our last letter. Had me in pieces. I’ve read every book in this series as it was released and seeing the evolution and growth of the charctors really make you feel like they’re real… if you want to question your sanity and cry snot bubbles then listen to “Blessed” by Daniel Caesar while you read “to the ones who held on” idk why after the wedding section that song just kept playing on a loop when I tell you I was beautifully wreaked! I’m so sad for this series to come to an end but I’m happy went on the journey the upside is I’m subscribe to her Patreon so I still can get little nuggets! If you’re wondering whether to start The 8th wonder series idk what you’re waiting on!!
45 reviews
July 23, 2025
Falling Into Gravity

This story was so raw, real, and beautiful! I ugly cried a few times. Malik was such a realistic character and somewhat relatable. I felt so bad for Malik with the way her carried so much grief and guilt from that one night that changed everything for him and the people around him. Being a product of your environment and circumstances can literally keep you stuck in that hood mindset and possibly get you killed. When the hood and survival is all that you know, everything else seems foreign and terrifying. When Malik’s world collided with Aku, he just seemed so shocked and didn’t know what to do. It made me sad that he had so many thoughts and feeling of being unworthy of safety, happiness and true love. Although Aku had he own insecurities, she was just the medicine that Malik needed, even if a couple dang near death experiences to get to their safe happy place had to happen. It was refreshing to read the speech that Malik gave at MIT regarding so many black geniuses not having the tools and access to make their dreams come true, and to put them in a better environment and way of life. So many can be looked over and forgotten in the hood. I was so shocked and made me tear up with the ending, the letter from Lunar. That was the most perfect ending to have for this series after everything everyone had went through. To the moon!
4 reviews
August 5, 2025
Read. It.

This was the perfect way to end the 8th wonder series by Evelyn Latrice. Falling into Gravity was Aku’s love story but it was also so much more. It was being able to put into words what so many of us have felt in our bodies. It was joy, resilience, fear, anger, love but more than anything it was an affirmation.

Fictional stories can often times teach us more than self help books because you see a mirror held up to you, you see a window that offers you a view into another world and you see doors that open and let you experience it all. That is what this book did for me. As an educator it affirmed the reason I stepped into the classroom, so kids who looked like me knew that they had someone who believed in them. As a mother, it ignited the fire to make sure my son walks this world knowing he is pure sunshine, he can warm you, he can energize you, he can make roses bloom through concrete, but he will also burn this world to the ground if needed. Our black babies are truly the 8th wonder of the world. Light, wrapped in magic sent to reflect back to us what we have given to them. Shoutout to Evelyn Latrice for giving these characters a dream that reached the moon and letting us experience it with them.

If you are looking for a series that wraps you and holds you while you break apart and are out back together, this…start this one…right now.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,608 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2025
Please don't say it's the end!

I'm still ugly crying as I write this. This book/series is worth all the stats in the galaxy. The 8th Wonder series by Evelyn Latrice is undoubtedly the best series I've read...maybe ever!! Aku and Malik gave me butterflies. Aku was ready to be loved like she deserved and realized that she wasn't accepting less than that. Malik arrived on her scene and flipped her world upside down. I loved, loved, loved how this author made it known in each book that we are not the sum total of our trauma and as black men and women, boys and girls, we can overcome what once was situation - ally temporary. Malik felt like he owed The Crescent everything because of his people who bled for it. He didn't know how to really love because his first love was toxic. Aku, our loud and proud daughter of Solar and French, the niece of Big Lunar gives this man the blueprint on how to live a Black Man, and handle things when the world is falling apart all around you. This is about love, legacy, found family, and overcoming adversity no matter what's in the way. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Profile Image for Taryn Johnson.
615 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2025
This book was everything I was expecting and more. This entire series has been such a joy to read, and the final installment truly delivered.

In this book, we’re introduced to a new romance that felt incredibly sweet and authentic. Two people from very different worlds come together and genuinely get each other. They both have their own goals and struggles, yet find real connection through their shared values and understanding.

I especially loved Malik’s journey. He’s a man who wants love, a career, and change; but he doesn’t know how to reach any of it. Then he meets Aku, and she becomes the answer to so much of what he’s been searching for. Aku, too, wants love, but she's careful not to force anything on someone who isn’t ready. Their story was a raw and honest look at love when you’re still figuring out what love even looks like.

The author’s note at the end was the perfect touch. It offered hope, especially to Black readers. It felt like the icing on top of an already beautiful series. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
Profile Image for A Joseph.
203 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2025
Falling

All Aku wanted was a love that she saw daily. The love that she deserved because that is what her daddy showed her. However, she started to give up after shrinking herself being with Devin. One day while she’s in Crescent Park, things start to change and the universe starts shifting.

Falling into Gravity is a story that has several takes. Loving someone more than you love yourself. Finding a safe space. Battling demons and thinking you will only amount to the history of your community. Running from a love you aren’t accustomed to. Creating your own legacy. Not lowering your standards. Not selling out. Finding a love where you learn and grow everyday.

The wrap up of the 8th Wonder Series is definitely bittersweet because we don’t want to see them go but their story has been told because “To every Black kid in a forgotten ZIP code—I see you. You’re not invisible. You’re not behind. You just need a door. I built mine, and now I’m holdin’ it open.”
Profile Image for TellsOfABibliophile.
497 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2025
Malik was so smart, hood, ambitious, and guarded. He had so much hurt and regret in him that I just wanted to hug him. He went through a lot and felt undeserving until Aku came through.

Aku was really that girl 💅🏾. Aku loved so hard. When she loves you, feel it. She was so real, so authentic, and such a rider. She really held it down. She spoke words of encouragement and just loved Malik through the good and the bad.

I really can’t put into words how powerful these two were to each other.

The growth of Malik 👏🏾. It was a journey getting him to this place. With time and love, it was all he needed. My girl Aku deserved it all.

😩 This is it. This is so bittersweet because I love this family so much. But I’m satisfied and so happy for each and everyone of them.

Thank you to the author for this ARC; all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Dalisha.
60 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2025
Hate that it’s over. Evelyn Latrice did such a wonderful job with this standalone series. Every book was filled with love, hope, family, survival and healing. Just like all the other books, Aku and Malik’s story was so good. The way that she loved him in such a way for him to see that he didn’t need to live in survival mode anyone was beautiful. Their love wasn’t perfect but it was real.

Reading Big Lunar’s message at the end had me teary eyed. Hi life and spirit played such huge part in the love of his family. His message that the love of young black girls and boys matter and that dreaming big is okay, it’s beautiful and possible was a great way to end this series.

I’m going to miss their stories. One of the best standalone series I’ve read in a long time ♥️
121 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
Falling Into Gravity

Evelyn Latrice has done it again. This book was everything from the first page, to beyond the "The End" (The Dear Readers almost took me out). I cried, laughed and cried again. Aku and Malik my goodness, such an amazing love story to show up in each others life and see them unapologetically.....I mean really see them. This book had the perfect amount of everything from trauma to triumph. This entire series was BEAUTIFUL. If you haven't read The 8th Wonder Book I highly recommend you get into it....chef's 💋
1 review
July 20, 2025
The most beautiful Book I’ve Ever Read!!!!!!!

This book was so well written, I am still in awe. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. As the mother of a black son, this story healed parts of me I didn’t even know was broken. As a woman that is literally just a girl, that just wants to love and be loved….this story gave me strength when it’s easier to feel broken. This book feels like safety on paper. Hands down my favorite book of the series and of 2025. This is literary magic! It was a privilege to read!! Thank you 💫
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,057 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
Freaking Awesome Finale🔥🔥🔥

Falling into Gravity had me laughing, grasping for imaginary pearls, praying, and crying. The flow of this book will hold you captive til the very end, the entire series will; but it was just something about book 5 that brought it all together for everyone. Enjoy how Aku knew her worth not allowing someone to dim her light turning away from her goals, hopes, wishes and dreams, and her Uncle Lunar guided each and everyone of them into their peace and happiness. A must read series
81 reviews
July 17, 2025
and she did it again!

One thing with this author is her pen game continues to elevate. I love how she takes her time and makes each book into a memorable piece. I can tell when an author is in love with their craft, and I can tell that Ms Latrice poured her heart and soul into this book. Man this one right here got me so emotional.

I pray and hope that this author climb to the top of the charts because her work is truly amazing.

Can’t wait for more!
2 reviews
July 18, 2025
This was the perfect ending to such a beautiful series. Loved how Aku showing up for Malik while still holding true to her boundaries. Loved how Malik saw and accepted Aku. Loved the ode to the west coast. Loved the updates on all other characters. The theme/metaphor of the Wiz of Oz was perfect and totally fit the story. No spoilers but the letter at the end took me out. Like real tears. So beautifully written.
Profile Image for Ty Ty.
52 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2025
akuuuu

Honestly I’ve been wanting to go back and restart this series because each one is so good. But I start hearing characters and I be like what was there story again. But honestly aku might be my favorite it’s a tie between her and Noodle. I loved Malik and Aku. I loved the light she spoke, I loved Malik’s realness. Him and French fighting had me laughing. But the vows had me crying. Evelyn you’re easily becoming a staple for me in this kindle game. Keep going!
16 reviews
August 2, 2025
Standing Ovation!!!

I literally always have to prepare myself when I read a book from this series. It makes you go through all emotions. Evelyn you ended this so beautifully and this has to be the best series I have read to date. I love love but its even more beautiful when you're about to find it while you feel like you're missing something. Someone comes along and sees you but still loves you and uplifts you through it. Perfectly imperfect. I love this ❤️❤️
22 reviews
October 13, 2025
Absolutely Amazing!

This book gave me all the feels. I loved every character, they made you laugh, cry and root for them to win! They made you want to be part of a family so full of love and willing to live that love out loud. Thank you Evelyn Latrice for writing such a beautiful lyrical work! This book, this series was written with such care and love. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
20 reviews
July 16, 2025
Powerful!

This book touched my heart, not just because of the love but because of the blackness, and the hood, the black people in poor urban neighborhood who are overqualified but unfunded to reach their full potential, so they're stuck in a system designed for them not to go beyond their hood. If I can give Aku and Malik 10 stars I would. Great writing Evelyn Latrice!
Profile Image for Jibria.
300 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2025
Honey

I can't lie a few times I told Aku to shut up lol. Why would you let Malik walk into foolishness when you know how the colors move. Anywho still loved her. Little Lunar is still my top but go ahead and put Malik right behind him. He was so lost and finally saw the love that surrounded him. Girl Pharoah is almost book Bae and he didn't even say much.
6 reviews
July 22, 2025
WHEW! TALK ABOUT A SEASON FINALE

It was absolutely amazingg!!! Sad to say bye to my fav family but can’t say that my heart isn’t full!!! Such a beautiful story, the whole seriesss!! I love them like a fat kid loves cakes and I’m sooo glad my girl Aku got the love she always dreamed of! Just beautiful!! 💓💓💓
Profile Image for Bianca.
956 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2025
Nice ending

This was a good end to the Moony family chronicles, although I do wonder if Ahvi’s little sister and Monday eventually come together as adults. I noticed how this author would have her characters resemble people in real life so I guess Malik was a comparative to Nipsey Hussle. The story had me laughing and in tears because I love the way Aku was upfront and honest about where she was at and where she wanted to go and she pushed Malik to see his worth.
3 reviews
July 27, 2025
Eloquent Urban

Evelyn Latrice .. you’re magical. I’ve loved this entire series because for someone who could connect to more than one character I appreciated the authenticity of the words on each page. If you are a fan of the urban genre - don’t hesitate to read this series. Evelyn, don’t stop writing!!
Profile Image for Sita Miller.
105 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2025
Aku the lover gworl!
I loved this story. I feel like I grew up with this family. We saw the parents as kids and their kid’s as adults. Aku was patient and loving while Malik was trying to find his footing in a world outside of Crescent. Each book in this series made me cry at some point whether it was happy tears or sadness. Definitely a good story with a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.