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Falling Forward
The love of her life is getting married and cynical businesswoman Kate Kleider needs a date. When she ventures out into the world of beaches, bikinis, and bonfires, she finds surfer dude Jamison Rigby. Jamison agrees to be her date, but he’s got something more on his mind … he’s determined to loosen her up. Full of passion, humor, and even a bit of mystery, Falling Forward by Audrey Jane Andrews will be a welcome addition to your contemporary romance library. New to SoCal, businesswoman Kate Kleider’s introverted world of single living gets turned upside-down when she receives an invitation to her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. She desperately needs a date, for that one night, and nothing more. Women find laidback Laguna Beach native Jamison Rigby irresistible. He’s tanned, muscular, and witty. However, he swore off the bevy of bikinis to focus on his struggling surf shop. When he agrees to go to the wedding with Kate, they form an unlikely bond full of humor, cheap food, and – unfortunately – secrets. Content Spicy, Contemporary
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2015
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 6, 2016
3.5/5.0
A post bends more than Kate does. Her boss, co-workers, best friends, both in California and from back home, have got to be the most hysterical—yet supportive—secondary characters ever.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A post bends more than Kate does. Her boss, co-workers, best friends, both in California and from back home, have got to be the most hysterical—yet supportive—secondary characters ever.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 21, 2015
Kate Kleider’s dream boss Glenn is offered the chance to open his own marketing firm in SoCal and so Kate follows him across the country from the cold, uptight east coast to the laid back California coast. It doesn’t hurt that it puts Kate too far from her parents to have to visit the mother than made her teen years a living hell and made her doubt everything about herself except her work. However, after several months of rotating between home and office without embracing the SoCal lifestyle, Kate’s boss traps her into getting a tour of the area from sexy surf shop owner, Jamison Rigby. As her ex-boyfriend that Kate is still hung up on has just invited her to his wedding in San Francisco and she desperately needs a date, Kate accepts. After a few dates of laughter and cheap food, Jamison agrees to be her date for that night with no strings. The wedding being 6 weeks away allows plenty of time for no strings to become a problem for both of them until they discover that they have both been hiding things from each other; things that could tear them apart.
I enjoyed this novel tremendously. Many women can identify with Kate’s desire to be successful and independent in spite of her doubts about her looks, her worth, and her inability to move on from her past relationship with the ex-boyfriend whose wedding she has to attend. It is obvious that the author is writing about what she knows when you read this book. The details are all there and not glossed over like they would be if she did not know about the subject matter. The relationship does not jump into bed right away. They develop a friendship first and a mutual respect for each other which I also appreciate in a romance novel with substance to it.
The pacing is good, the characters are fully developed people that you can really feel for by the end. This novel also deals with the effects of mental illness on families and how each person is impacted differently. It helps you to see that the person is not the illness and the person deserves forgiveness. Despite the heavy topic, the novel was quite light hearted most of the time and difficult to put down. It is also at times funny, motivational, sweet and touching. There were scenes that made me cry and others that made me laugh. If you love an erotic romance with substance, you will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this novel tremendously. Many women can identify with Kate’s desire to be successful and independent in spite of her doubts about her looks, her worth, and her inability to move on from her past relationship with the ex-boyfriend whose wedding she has to attend. It is obvious that the author is writing about what she knows when you read this book. The details are all there and not glossed over like they would be if she did not know about the subject matter. The relationship does not jump into bed right away. They develop a friendship first and a mutual respect for each other which I also appreciate in a romance novel with substance to it.
The pacing is good, the characters are fully developed people that you can really feel for by the end. This novel also deals with the effects of mental illness on families and how each person is impacted differently. It helps you to see that the person is not the illness and the person deserves forgiveness. Despite the heavy topic, the novel was quite light hearted most of the time and difficult to put down. It is also at times funny, motivational, sweet and touching. There were scenes that made me cry and others that made me laugh. If you love an erotic romance with substance, you will enjoy this book.
July 22, 2015
I was going to give this book only 4 stars at first because as a contemporary romance, I expected the traditional outline that I'm used to reading. I love falling in love. Falling Forward is a contemporary romance, but it does it on its own and very different terms. It is told in the first person, which I normally do not like in a romance as I want the characters equally fleshed out, so it took some adjustment. Once I adjusted, I saw that this book is a more realistic romance from most out there.
The main character Kate is hysterical,in dialogue (both inner and outer) and actions. Her traits are believable and easy to pick up on. Even during the second half of the book, which focuses more on a cliché death, her humor is still sharp and we see an added sadness and humanity that didn't show in the first half. It made for a full-bodied character.
I wish Andrews fleshed out the love interst Jamison more, but again, that is the downfall of a first person romance. He was the weakest character of the book, but I still was able to picture who he was, especially through the first 2 chapters. More dialogue between them would have rounded out their relationship more.
The auxiliary characters were fantastic - Glenn and Leigh. Both described perfectly though dialogue. Leigh in particular was exceptionally done and her relationship with Kate rings very true to several friendships I have.
Back to 4 stars. I wanted to give this book 4 stars, but unlike several other romance novels I read that fit the 'romance outline', the characters in this book stuck with me. I was sorry to see it end. It was quick-paced and hard to put down. I searched around to see if Andrews wrote any additional books and I haven't found any. If and when Andrews writes more books, I will gladly read them.
The main character Kate is hysterical,in dialogue (both inner and outer) and actions. Her traits are believable and easy to pick up on. Even during the second half of the book, which focuses more on a cliché death, her humor is still sharp and we see an added sadness and humanity that didn't show in the first half. It made for a full-bodied character.
I wish Andrews fleshed out the love interst Jamison more, but again, that is the downfall of a first person romance. He was the weakest character of the book, but I still was able to picture who he was, especially through the first 2 chapters. More dialogue between them would have rounded out their relationship more.
The auxiliary characters were fantastic - Glenn and Leigh. Both described perfectly though dialogue. Leigh in particular was exceptionally done and her relationship with Kate rings very true to several friendships I have.
Back to 4 stars. I wanted to give this book 4 stars, but unlike several other romance novels I read that fit the 'romance outline', the characters in this book stuck with me. I was sorry to see it end. It was quick-paced and hard to put down. I searched around to see if Andrews wrote any additional books and I haven't found any. If and when Andrews writes more books, I will gladly read them.
September 17, 2015
This is my first book by Audrey Jane Andrews and I'm hooked!! She has an AMAZING way with words. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. It had everything I look for in a book, a great story, amazing characters that are well written, awesome supporting characters, twists, turns, suspense, excitement, drama, comedy and LOVE!! Who could ask for more? Not me!
Kate is a businesswoman, new to Southern California, who needs a date to her ex boyfriends wedding. She is not ready to date yet but doesn't want to go alone.
Jamison is a Laguna Beach native who owns a surf shop and ALL the women love him. He's sworn off all the women to get his shop up and running. He and Kate meet during a race and start getting to know one another.
When he agrees to go to the wedding with her, they form a unique bond full of FUN, food, and secrets. There unfortunately comes a time where those secrets have to come out. Kate and Jamison are forced to deal with a rough time and this story is written so well that you just keep reading and cheering and hoping and wanting and before you know it, things are progressing and I'm NOT going to tell you the END!
Audrey Jane Andrews has written an AWESOME story, can't wait to read more of her work!!
Kate is a businesswoman, new to Southern California, who needs a date to her ex boyfriends wedding. She is not ready to date yet but doesn't want to go alone.
Jamison is a Laguna Beach native who owns a surf shop and ALL the women love him. He's sworn off all the women to get his shop up and running. He and Kate meet during a race and start getting to know one another.
When he agrees to go to the wedding with her, they form a unique bond full of FUN, food, and secrets. There unfortunately comes a time where those secrets have to come out. Kate and Jamison are forced to deal with a rough time and this story is written so well that you just keep reading and cheering and hoping and wanting and before you know it, things are progressing and I'm NOT going to tell you the END!
Audrey Jane Andrews has written an AWESOME story, can't wait to read more of her work!!
July 21, 2015
I purchased this book a few weeks ago because I saw it advertised on twitter as a good book for bird lovers. Birds do not play the central theme of the book, but a funny side story. when I went to the authors website to see if I could leave a review I laughed when I saw the king fisher on her page.
This book is unexpectedly great. It is hysterical and sad and quick paced. It touched me deeply and I felt inside the main character at all times. Sometimes I laughed out loud! It is a love story in the deepest sense, but one that happens to everyday people. I highly recommend!
This book is unexpectedly great. It is hysterical and sad and quick paced. It touched me deeply and I felt inside the main character at all times. Sometimes I laughed out loud! It is a love story in the deepest sense, but one that happens to everyday people. I highly recommend!
September 29, 2015
Wow just wow is all I can say. This book so so moving. You are going to love every single word of it. I tell you I fell in love with each character, even the ones I hated at the beginning. Ms Andrews has out done herself with this one. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next
March 1, 2016
***This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.***
I really enjoyed reading Falling Forward. The author is an amazing writer and kept me captivated from the very beginning. I was hooked into the story and genuinely cared about what happened to the characters as the stories progressed. The story had humor and a very sweet romance that started with a bump and ended in a bang (no pun intended).
Kate Kleider is an uptight business woman who doesn’t feel comfortable in the laid back atmosphere of SoCal and Jamison Rigby is a laid back native who takes everything in stride. Jamison is easy to fall for. He is romantic and sweet and there is more to him than meets the eye, and he would do anything for Katie. Kate is more of a stick in the mud that took me a long time to warm up to. This is probably my only issue with this whole wonderful book. Katie is very selfish, ornery, and judgmental and she just plain pissed me off. I mean I gave her some leeway due to her pretty crappy upbringing, but at some point even that wore thin. Jamison is such an amazing character and makes the perfect leading man that it just irritated me how much I just did not like Kate. It took until the very end of the book before I ever had a small change of heart. I just wanted to shout, “It’s about time you did something for someone else!” However, in the end, after getting over my mad, I really loved this book and look forward to reading anything that she publishes in the future. She has a great talent for writing and I can’t wait to see what else that brings.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
I really enjoyed reading Falling Forward. The author is an amazing writer and kept me captivated from the very beginning. I was hooked into the story and genuinely cared about what happened to the characters as the stories progressed. The story had humor and a very sweet romance that started with a bump and ended in a bang (no pun intended).
Kate Kleider is an uptight business woman who doesn’t feel comfortable in the laid back atmosphere of SoCal and Jamison Rigby is a laid back native who takes everything in stride. Jamison is easy to fall for. He is romantic and sweet and there is more to him than meets the eye, and he would do anything for Katie. Kate is more of a stick in the mud that took me a long time to warm up to. This is probably my only issue with this whole wonderful book. Katie is very selfish, ornery, and judgmental and she just plain pissed me off. I mean I gave her some leeway due to her pretty crappy upbringing, but at some point even that wore thin. Jamison is such an amazing character and makes the perfect leading man that it just irritated me how much I just did not like Kate. It took until the very end of the book before I ever had a small change of heart. I just wanted to shout, “It’s about time you did something for someone else!” However, in the end, after getting over my mad, I really loved this book and look forward to reading anything that she publishes in the future. She has a great talent for writing and I can’t wait to see what else that brings.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
November 3, 2015
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kate is an ambitious 26 year old set on climbing the corporate ladder. With a troubled childhood that leaves her unable to trust in new relationships, east-coaster Kate moves to California for a job promotion and meets laid-back surfer Jamison. Can Kate put the past behind her and take a chance on falling in love with someone so different from herself?
I thought Falling Forward was very fun love story. Kate has a good sense of humor making for some entertaining narration, and she has the best friend in the whole world: Leigh. I'm actually really jealous of her relationship with Leigh; I've never been able to maintain long-distance friendships very well. Leigh is the best friend everyone wishes they had: supportive, kind, fun, and willing to set you straight when you make mistakes. I thought the story had a good amount of convincing conflict and satisfying resolution. I love how Kate's and Jamison's histories are more similar as they initially believed.
There were one or two sex scenes that were too explicit for my tastes. I like less detail in those scenes, rather than more. Overall, this was a fun book: perfect for a relaxing day at the pool or beach.
Kate is an ambitious 26 year old set on climbing the corporate ladder. With a troubled childhood that leaves her unable to trust in new relationships, east-coaster Kate moves to California for a job promotion and meets laid-back surfer Jamison. Can Kate put the past behind her and take a chance on falling in love with someone so different from herself?
I thought Falling Forward was very fun love story. Kate has a good sense of humor making for some entertaining narration, and she has the best friend in the whole world: Leigh. I'm actually really jealous of her relationship with Leigh; I've never been able to maintain long-distance friendships very well. Leigh is the best friend everyone wishes they had: supportive, kind, fun, and willing to set you straight when you make mistakes. I thought the story had a good amount of convincing conflict and satisfying resolution. I love how Kate's and Jamison's histories are more similar as they initially believed.
There were one or two sex scenes that were too explicit for my tastes. I like less detail in those scenes, rather than more. Overall, this was a fun book: perfect for a relaxing day at the pool or beach.
August 8, 2015
Full disclosure, my friend is the author of this book and I normally don't read this genre; she asked me to read it and write an honest review.
Be careful what you ask for...
Kidding! This book was a lot of fun to read. I found myself strongly attached to the main character, Kate, wanting to learn more about her. She's just a little neurotic and very funny; as the story progressed I began to try and guess what she was going to do next. Despite not being a fan of romance, I really was invested in her dynamic with Jamison. Maybe I need to expand my horizons a bit.
The first half/three quarters of the book were excellent, focusing on Kate's life/career/past and it's impact on relationships. The last quarter of it was very good, although it felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to live inside Kate's head a little longer.
Be careful what you ask for...
Kidding! This book was a lot of fun to read. I found myself strongly attached to the main character, Kate, wanting to learn more about her. She's just a little neurotic and very funny; as the story progressed I began to try and guess what she was going to do next. Despite not being a fan of romance, I really was invested in her dynamic with Jamison. Maybe I need to expand my horizons a bit.
The first half/three quarters of the book were excellent, focusing on Kate's life/career/past and it's impact on relationships. The last quarter of it was very good, although it felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to live inside Kate's head a little longer.
February 15, 2016
This is such a wonderful story. I loved all of the characters, they were all so warm and funny, and realistic. The humor was fantastic; I laughed out loud several times. I also cried more than once. The writing is very well-done, and the story flows really well. I was swept up into it right away, and couldn't put it down.
Definitely a recommended read. One of the best I've read so far this year. I look forward to more from this author.
Definitely a recommended read. One of the best I've read so far this year. I look forward to more from this author.
February 6, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of Falling Forward. A great read full of personal discovery and rising above someone's past. Kate finds an unexpected connection with Jamison who she believes is her exact opposite. Jamison is sweet charming and loyal. A great story about love prevailing and believing in one's self. Highly recommended inspirational read.
March 1, 2016
Had a blast with the two characters in this book Kate Kleider & Jamison Rigby a struggling surf shop owner...will definitely be looking into more of this authors books at a later date...4.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews