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Spotlight New Adult #3
Learning to Fall
“Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.”
Avid reader and art student Steph is participating in a monthly blog challenge to Live Like Fiction, and this was the task for October. When Grayson, former co-captain of her university rugby team, walks into her class, she knows it’s meant to be – she has to go out with this guy. Even if she’s never been attracted to big, hunky, athletic types. With Grayson’s “player” reputation off the field, Steph thinks he’ll be good for one date that’ll be worth blogging about, and that’s it.
But you know how it goes: Soon, it becomes more than just one date – and Steph and Grayson are caught up in “living like fiction.” How long can they keep playing their roles before reality steps in?
Avid reader and art student Steph is participating in a monthly blog challenge to Live Like Fiction, and this was the task for October. When Grayson, former co-captain of her university rugby team, walks into her class, she knows it’s meant to be – she has to go out with this guy. Even if she’s never been attracted to big, hunky, athletic types. With Grayson’s “player” reputation off the field, Steph thinks he’ll be good for one date that’ll be worth blogging about, and that’s it.
But you know how it goes: Soon, it becomes more than just one date – and Steph and Grayson are caught up in “living like fiction.” How long can they keep playing their roles before reality steps in?
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Mina V. Esguerra
47 books595 followersMina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development Communication, put to good use in her work as trainer and content management consultant. Mina lives in Metro Manila, Philippines, with her husband and daughter.
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
She finds inspiration in the lives and experiences of other people, so the answer to "Is this story based on you?" is always, always "No."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 12, 2016
I was looking for my October Challenge, and he was right there, stripping in front of me.
And with that line right there, I was hooked. Learning to Fall has one of the most adorable meet-cute moments I've read in recent memory.
Steph is a book blogger (yes, you read that right) participating in monthly book challenge called Live Like Fiction. One challenge in particular sets up this adorable meet-cute perfectly. The challenge is to go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero who isn't your type.
Enter Grayson Price. Grayson is the co-captain of the Addison Hill rugby team. Built and gorgeous but totally not Steph's type, which makes him the perfect candidate for the challenge. And just like the fictional characters that Steph is so familiar with, life started to get a lot more complicated.
It's been days since I've finished this book but I can tell you with certainty that, yes, this book made me swoon all over the place because Grayson Price, despite not Steph's type, is certainly my type of hero. He's sweet, loyal, gorgeous, and built like the rugby god that he is.
^^ Kinda of like that, yeah?
But gorgeous rugby, eye-candy aside, what made me enjoy this book more was Steph. Basically, she's me and most of my friends who's as crazy about books as I am. And she hit the nail right when in the head when she said this...
There was so much comfort in being friends with people who liked the same things. Believe me. I tried being friends with real people, but friendship offers stopped coming when I missed one too many dorm parties.
Steph is basically me and all my book friends. We are all Steph!!
I'm not usually a fan of books that mirror too much of what I do IRL because of the cringe factor but Mina Esguerra managed to make it authentic and funny and yeah, not cringey. The whole Live Like Fiction Challenge was cleverly woven into the story.
I also liked the straightforwardness of the romance between Steph and Grayson. These are two mature people, capable of handling their feelings. In other words, low-drama. I also really appreciate that even though Grayson was this hot rugby player, he's not really written as the best player or even belong to the best team in the country. He failed miserably at some things. He had a chink on his hero armor, which made him even more endearing to me as a reader. And Steph is smart but sort of underachieves and lacks drive and focus. And like Grayson, she also failed at one point or another.
These are not perfect characters but that's what I liked about them. Their flaws made them relatable to me.
This is the third book in the series. I didn't read the first two but that didn't affect my enjoyment because the book is a standalone. And while the previous couples were mentioned in the book, their presence had no affect on the plot whatsoever. So this one is safe to read as a standalone.
March 9, 2017
This was enjoyable, but nothing special really. I expected so much more. Might write a full review later.
February 21, 2017
You can also read my review at: https://katreadsph.wordpress.com/?p=2399
Learning To Fall is the third book in Mina Esguerra’s Spoltlight series, but can be read as a stand alone, like how I did! It follows the story of Steph, a book blogger (aaah, so so close to home!) who is participating in a monthly book challenge. For the month October, the challenge was to “Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.” And since she is sooo NOT into athletic and hunky men, she knew she would be dating Greyson Price the very first moment she laid her eyes on him.
Greyson Price, however, is not your typical kind of jock. Being the co-captain of the rugby team, you would expect him to be all air and confidence, with girls all swooning over him. Greyson, though, like I said, is not your typical sporty guy. He is very reserved, you almost know nothing against him. He likes taking control of things and I would go on to say that he’s almost very perfectionist. I really like this portrayal of him, but I guess at some point in the book, it kind of back fired for me. I was at that point where I can’t see and feel things through him anymore. He’s such a very private and controlled character that I definitely had to make an effort to get into his head.
This, however, did not lessen the beauty of this book. I loved every single scene where Steph was contemplating about the stuff she’ll do for blog. The little excerpts from her posts are really cute and entertaining. Again, so very close to home. ❤
If you are a book blogger, then I definitely definitely recommend this. It was such a cute little book, and you will just breeze through it. Don’t get fooled by the length, though, because it contains really cute and romantic scenes that will just leave you smiling and swooning.
Overall. I am giving it 4 stars! It was a fun and light read, and I can’t wait to get into Mina Esguerra’s other works!
February 10, 2016
4,5 stars
Really, really enjoyed it.
Really, really enjoyed it.
April 14, 2016
Learning to Fall is my favorite installment from this series.
Expect a lot of failings below.
Steph is an avid reader and a book blogger who recently flunked the last semester of her academic college year. Therefore, she recently decided, she must take on hiatus from the blogging community. In addition, she pronounced, she would participate on the monthly challenge Live Like Fiction.
The task for this month is Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN'T YOUR TYPE.
Conveniently, she met Grayson, who posed as a seminude model for her art class. He is the former co-captain of her university’s rugby team. Athletic, hunky, briskly. She instantly knew, he is the one. Soon after, they get tangled up “living like fiction.” Will they ever find the courage to live their life without the restriction of fiction?
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Learning to Fall. I purposely lowered my expectation because, I adore Falling Hard so much, I thought nothing could debunk that. But, here we are.
I like how the story started out in a straightforward note. Steph asked Grayson on a date.
Amazing. Impressive. I can’t deal.
“Will you have dinner with me?” I blurted out.
It was as good a time as any.
For my case, Learning to Fall started out a bit slow, I almost ditched it. Woops. As, I’ve iterated I have plenty of expectation for it. But, I’m glad I stayed because the rest is truly worth it.
Grayson isn’t portrayed as the dumb-jock who likes to f*ck a lot. He does sleep around, but it’s not something that is negatively symbolized in the book. He just happens to sleep around. There’s no degradation for his character and for the women he had a relationship with. I truly like how he’s written. He’s not an asshole, which is a start for me. He’s level headed who have his priority straights. While, Steph on the other hand, is still your home-girl heroine who likes to read. But, unlike me she can actually pick up guys for dates.
I love their interaction, and banter. Their relationship might have started with a fake-dating trope, but eventually, it evolved into something that is founded by mutual love and respect. They are so cute.
Here’s one of my favorite scenes from the book:
This particular part speaks to my soul. This is a testament, there are thousands of romance books out there, where women have their head around their shoulder.
If you’re still not convinced why you should pick it up:
Book signings.
Book metaphors.
She calls him captain.
10/10 relationship goals.
I highly recommend Addison Hill to everyone who are looking for a fast paced romance.
My wrap-up review for Addison Hill is also posted at Hollywood News Source.
Expect a lot of failings below.
Steph is an avid reader and a book blogger who recently flunked the last semester of her academic college year. Therefore, she recently decided, she must take on hiatus from the blogging community. In addition, she pronounced, she would participate on the monthly challenge Live Like Fiction.
The task for this month is Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN'T YOUR TYPE.
Conveniently, she met Grayson, who posed as a seminude model for her art class. He is the former co-captain of her university’s rugby team. Athletic, hunky, briskly. She instantly knew, he is the one. Soon after, they get tangled up “living like fiction.” Will they ever find the courage to live their life without the restriction of fiction?
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Learning to Fall. I purposely lowered my expectation because, I adore Falling Hard so much, I thought nothing could debunk that. But, here we are.
I like how the story started out in a straightforward note. Steph asked Grayson on a date.
Amazing. Impressive. I can’t deal.
“Will you have dinner with me?” I blurted out.
It was as good a time as any.
For my case, Learning to Fall started out a bit slow, I almost ditched it. Woops. As, I’ve iterated I have plenty of expectation for it. But, I’m glad I stayed because the rest is truly worth it.
Grayson isn’t portrayed as the dumb-jock who likes to f*ck a lot. He does sleep around, but it’s not something that is negatively symbolized in the book. He just happens to sleep around. There’s no degradation for his character and for the women he had a relationship with. I truly like how he’s written. He’s not an asshole, which is a start for me. He’s level headed who have his priority straights. While, Steph on the other hand, is still your home-girl heroine who likes to read. But, unlike me she can actually pick up guys for dates.
I love their interaction, and banter. Their relationship might have started with a fake-dating trope, but eventually, it evolved into something that is founded by mutual love and respect. They are so cute.
Here’s one of my favorite scenes from the book:
“I’m happy for my sister. Nathan looks yummy.”
The look of horror on his face made my giggle upgrade into belly laughing. “That’s your type, then? That’s why you’ve ignored guys like me for years?”
What could I say? Guilty as charged. Darren, Stefan, every guy I’d lusted after, they were dark-haired, somewhat lean, guys I never saw sweaty or disheveled. Nathan, handsome as he was in the ways that could’ve triggered interest in me, was already more rugged than I’d have liked. I thought I’d fall for an artist or a scholar.
“How many times am I going to pay for that?”
This particular part speaks to my soul. This is a testament, there are thousands of romance books out there, where women have their head around their shoulder.
“Hey,” Grayson said, nudging my foot under the table with his.
“You need help?”
“I think you have enough to eat over there without having to share my food.”
“Not the food. Motivation, or something.”
“Oh please,” I said. “This is not one of those times when the solution is going to be a man.”
“You mean me?”
“I mean, your problem can’t be fixed by my feminine wiles. My looming problem has nothing to do with you, too.”
“Then I’m not a man lumbering in to solve your problem,” he said. “I’m a coach. ‘Cause it looks like you never had one, since you never liked the type.”
If you’re still not convinced why you should pick it up:
Book signings.
Book metaphors.
She calls him captain.
10/10 relationship goals.
I highly recommend Addison Hill to everyone who are looking for a fast paced romance.
My wrap-up review for Addison Hill is also posted at Hollywood News Source.
November 3, 2015
Series review originally posted at Chachic's Book Nook.
So one day, I asked Mina if she'll ever consider writing a main character who was a book blogger. I told her that I don't think I've read a book with a book blogger MC before. A few months (or about a year?) later, Learning to Fall is out in the wild! I could really relate to Steph's life as a book blogger, especially since she's a blogger on hiatus. So many of my blogging buddies have also gone on breaks or have stopped blogging altogether and I have to admit that I've also thought about doing that. It's pretty much a given that I loved that Steph is a big fan of books and would happily spend hours reading. I also thought it was awesome that through her blog, she's found good friends who know her so well. Because that's something that have also happened with me. I feel like we do reveal more of ourselves than we realize through book reviews because our thoughts and feelings about books are very personal (I think I can write a whole blog post about this topic). A non-spoilery snippet:
I think Mina was able to portray a pretty accurate depiction of Steph's blogging life. Steph wasn't the only one I liked in this book, I thought Grayson was a great guy too. A hot athlete who's also very sweet... what's not to like? He's pretty driven too. He knows what he wants and tries to go after them, the challenge is that he seems to want too many things that can't be balanced together. From their meet cute until the end of the book, I was rooting for these two to find a way to be together. As with the earlier titles in the series, Steph and Grayson also had to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives after college. Again, I thought it was realistic for characters in that age bracket to be in that kind of mindset. Like the earlier two titles in the series, I enjoyed reading Learning to Fall. I liked the book blogging aspect of it so much that I sent it off as a Kindle gift to my own blogger friends.
So one day, I asked Mina if she'll ever consider writing a main character who was a book blogger. I told her that I don't think I've read a book with a book blogger MC before. A few months (or about a year?) later, Learning to Fall is out in the wild! I could really relate to Steph's life as a book blogger, especially since she's a blogger on hiatus. So many of my blogging buddies have also gone on breaks or have stopped blogging altogether and I have to admit that I've also thought about doing that. It's pretty much a given that I loved that Steph is a big fan of books and would happily spend hours reading. I also thought it was awesome that through her blog, she's found good friends who know her so well. Because that's something that have also happened with me. I feel like we do reveal more of ourselves than we realize through book reviews because our thoughts and feelings about books are very personal (I think I can write a whole blog post about this topic). A non-spoilery snippet:
In theory, blogging shouldn't take a lot of time. Read a book, then write about it. Simple, right? Obligation fulfilled to the publisher or author who sent the book, to the readers who read the blog.
Not quite.
Blogging found me at a time when I needed people. I knew this, didn't need a therapist to tell me. Moving to another state, starting college, figuring out how to be a fully functional adult and artist... there was so much comfort in being friends with people who liked the same things. Believe me, I tried being friends with real people, but the friendship offers stopped coming when I missed one too many dorm parties.
I think Mina was able to portray a pretty accurate depiction of Steph's blogging life. Steph wasn't the only one I liked in this book, I thought Grayson was a great guy too. A hot athlete who's also very sweet... what's not to like? He's pretty driven too. He knows what he wants and tries to go after them, the challenge is that he seems to want too many things that can't be balanced together. From their meet cute until the end of the book, I was rooting for these two to find a way to be together. As with the earlier titles in the series, Steph and Grayson also had to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives after college. Again, I thought it was realistic for characters in that age bracket to be in that kind of mindset. Like the earlier two titles in the series, I enjoyed reading Learning to Fall. I liked the book blogging aspect of it so much that I sent it off as a Kindle gift to my own blogger friends.
February 17, 2016
Full review at Book Thingo.
Learning To Fall is a great example of a story that doesn’t need to rely on extreme plot twists and tortured characters to get those all-elusive feels from the reader. Steph and Grayson are possibly the most adorable couple I’ve ever read in new adult romance. The subtle dismantling of romantic stereotypes in order to make Grayson even more swoony is just glorious to read.
Mina V. Esguerra uses the language of romance readers to make me fall in love with the characters, and I think that’s why Learning To Fall will appeal to many other romance bloggers and readers who read blogs. The biggest weakness of the story is the denouement. I needed just that little bit longer to savour the happy time with Team Stayson.
Learning To Fall is a great example of a story that doesn’t need to rely on extreme plot twists and tortured characters to get those all-elusive feels from the reader. Steph and Grayson are possibly the most adorable couple I’ve ever read in new adult romance. The subtle dismantling of romantic stereotypes in order to make Grayson even more swoony is just glorious to read.
Mina V. Esguerra uses the language of romance readers to make me fall in love with the characters, and I think that’s why Learning To Fall will appeal to many other romance bloggers and readers who read blogs. The biggest weakness of the story is the denouement. I needed just that little bit longer to savour the happy time with Team Stayson.
October 4, 2024
Learning to Fall is a book about opening oneself to the world and being more vulnerable and adventurous because it starts with a blogging challenge for Steph to fake date. I can say that it's an unfiltered version of the fake dating trope because the relationship didn't seem too staged and reading this felt more realistic than reading or watching just any romcom. I appreciated Steph's passion for her hobbies and Grayson's passion for his and how they ended up together despite their differences, however, I do wish there were more scenes in the book that could explain their chemistry. I also found it a bit shallow on how they started doing the act right at the start which seemed like doing the do is less meaningful.
October 8, 2015
"Sometimes falling is inevitable, because the laws of God and nature just want it to happen. This is also a side effect of trying too hard, and burning with ambition. There are people who will never fall at all. They will probably fear it the most."
To all the readers-slash-bloggers out there, if you think you have a reading addiction, you ain't seen nothing yet! Meet Steph Bennet. Like me and you, she L-O-V-E-S to read, and it has taken up a huge part of her life. While you and I have been getting sleepless nights mumbling that we'll only finish one more chapter before going to sleep which is a total lie, vying for Belle's (of Beauty and the Beast) boss skill of reading and walking without bumping into anyone or anything, and our horrendously increasing book piles without enough shelf space, Steph here is probably the worst of us. Unless you've done far worse than she did: skipping classes, waiting until the last minute to do a project she had months to do, and eventually failing classes all because she prioritized her books and blog rather than her school work. Wow, that's tough to beat!
I can definitely relate with Steph when it comes to the profession she's aspiring for, although hers is a lot more complex than mine. You can go through classes that help you unleash your inner artist, and you read all the references you can to help your brain get to work, but you truly can never know when your next creative idea can come sneaking in. Imagine how much I cheered for her over that exhibit idea. Ah! What's not to love about that?
While I do like Steph, and Grayson was a stand out hottie, the character I loved the most was Del. Yes, she's a minor character. I know she barely made an appearance in the story, yet she stood out with just a few snippets in Steph's life. I love her honesty. I feel like everyone should have a friend like Del, who calls you out when she feels you need it. Plus, the "magic peen" was hilarious!
The rugby game plan rhetorics was an interesting mix to the scenarios our characters get themselves into. Although I have to admit, I struggled a bit with visualizing them. Through them, it made me see Grayson so much more of a put-together guy. The kind of guy you'd definitely want to introduce to your parents. Awesome!
I love the idea of Live Like Fiction. It would help anyone step outside their comfort zone once in a while, and it truly would make one's life more interesting. I did wonder if it was true, then I saw the author's notes saying it was made up. Bummer! I was hoping to give it try.
I was in quite a reading stump when I saw that Mina's Learning to Fall had available ARCs to request. Okay, to be honest, New Adult books are not exactly my strongest suit, and the choice was rather a spur of the moment. But after reading the synopsis, I got curious. With a book blogging protagonist, an insightful blog challenge, and a hottie love interest - who wouldn't be?
Learning to Fall was a pleasurable (pun intended) experience for me. It was a fun and easy read. I've turned down a lot of New Adult books in the past, the first one I tried wasn't exactly as engrossing as this, and the next one I tried really wasn't for me, but I'm thinking of trying out others now. I guess I'm finally starting to appreciate NA. Imagine that!
*Thank you, Mina V. Esguerra and Jothee Tan for granting my request to view an advance copy of Learning to Fall.
To all the readers-slash-bloggers out there, if you think you have a reading addiction, you ain't seen nothing yet! Meet Steph Bennet. Like me and you, she L-O-V-E-S to read, and it has taken up a huge part of her life. While you and I have been getting sleepless nights mumbling that we'll only finish one more chapter before going to sleep which is a total lie, vying for Belle's (of Beauty and the Beast) boss skill of reading and walking without bumping into anyone or anything, and our horrendously increasing book piles without enough shelf space, Steph here is probably the worst of us. Unless you've done far worse than she did: skipping classes, waiting until the last minute to do a project she had months to do, and eventually failing classes all because she prioritized her books and blog rather than her school work. Wow, that's tough to beat!
I can definitely relate with Steph when it comes to the profession she's aspiring for, although hers is a lot more complex than mine. You can go through classes that help you unleash your inner artist, and you read all the references you can to help your brain get to work, but you truly can never know when your next creative idea can come sneaking in. Imagine how much I cheered for her over that exhibit idea. Ah! What's not to love about that?
While I do like Steph, and Grayson was a stand out hottie, the character I loved the most was Del. Yes, she's a minor character. I know she barely made an appearance in the story, yet she stood out with just a few snippets in Steph's life. I love her honesty. I feel like everyone should have a friend like Del, who calls you out when she feels you need it. Plus, the "magic peen" was hilarious!
The rugby game plan rhetorics was an interesting mix to the scenarios our characters get themselves into. Although I have to admit, I struggled a bit with visualizing them. Through them, it made me see Grayson so much more of a put-together guy. The kind of guy you'd definitely want to introduce to your parents. Awesome!
I love the idea of Live Like Fiction. It would help anyone step outside their comfort zone once in a while, and it truly would make one's life more interesting. I did wonder if it was true, then I saw the author's notes saying it was made up. Bummer! I was hoping to give it try.
I was in quite a reading stump when I saw that Mina's Learning to Fall had available ARCs to request. Okay, to be honest, New Adult books are not exactly my strongest suit, and the choice was rather a spur of the moment. But after reading the synopsis, I got curious. With a book blogging protagonist, an insightful blog challenge, and a hottie love interest - who wouldn't be?
Learning to Fall was a pleasurable (pun intended) experience for me. It was a fun and easy read. I've turned down a lot of New Adult books in the past, the first one I tried wasn't exactly as engrossing as this, and the next one I tried really wasn't for me, but I'm thinking of trying out others now. I guess I'm finally starting to appreciate NA. Imagine that!
*Thank you, Mina V. Esguerra and Jothee Tan for granting my request to view an advance copy of Learning to Fall.
October 5, 2015
ARC was provided.
OH. MY. GOSH. I think I just found another Mina V. Esguerra book that I'd marry in a heartbeat. And that is, ladies and gentlemen, Learning to Fall.
Learning to Fall is the third book of the Addison Hill series where I got to know about my new bff, Steph Bennett. (Eeee. She's a book blogger! Well not that kind of a book blogger because she's more focused on the artsy side of things since she's also an art student.) She was stuck in a lot of things thus forcing herself to make adult choices (AKA setting her priorities straight). Or else good bye education. That said, she had to set aside her book blogging duties for a little while. But that didn't mean she'd be as in gone in the blogosphere. Nope, not at all. We've got Sera's Live Like Fiction blogging challenge to thank for that. Because of that, I got to meet a very naked (heh, I wish) Grayson Price, Addison Hill's rugby club former co-captain.
Mina had me at book blogging and challenges. And just enough of everything. I was captivated just from the first few pages alone because Steph was an interesting character. I loved that she loved books and that she spent time to read and review them to incorporate her artistic side to it. I also liked how easily relatable her character was. I mean, college, choosing what you think is best for you, honoring your parents, getting laid, falling in love, typical challenges of a girl her age. Her struggles were also very believable and totally NA. (Good job on that, Mina.) It helped that she's best friends with Daria and Victoria's sister because I got to know her thoughts about the girls... and their boyfriends. Haha! The same thing goes for Grayson because I liked how he handled things and Steph. Like how he was really a good guy for taking a firm stand to be one before the meet and greet with Steph's parents. I liked how sure he was of things and how freaking hot he was in bed. And not just in bed. (Congrats, Grayson, you've just been selected to join other men in my book boyfriends roster.)
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book not only because Mina stepped up the steam level (O.M.F.G prepare to fan yourselves) on this one and that you have something to do by the end of the book, but also because she excellently executed the NA feel to it without the usual insta-everything. If anything, I loved how Grayson and Steph got to know each other first by spending time together (Grayson wanting to know how Steph lives her life, Steph knowing Grayson's co-captain/businessman/artist life) and from there, they just knew what to do with each other's worlds. They didn't just fall. They learned how to fall. (And consciously at that.)
Learning to Fall releases October 6th and is part of my eBook giveaway!
OH. MY. GOSH. I think I just found another Mina V. Esguerra book that I'd marry in a heartbeat. And that is, ladies and gentlemen, Learning to Fall.
Learning to Fall is the third book of the Addison Hill series where I got to know about my new bff, Steph Bennett. (Eeee. She's a book blogger! Well not that kind of a book blogger because she's more focused on the artsy side of things since she's also an art student.) She was stuck in a lot of things thus forcing herself to make adult choices (AKA setting her priorities straight). Or else good bye education. That said, she had to set aside her book blogging duties for a little while. But that didn't mean she'd be as in gone in the blogosphere. Nope, not at all. We've got Sera's Live Like Fiction blogging challenge to thank for that. Because of that, I got to meet a very naked (heh, I wish) Grayson Price, Addison Hill's rugby club former co-captain.
Mina had me at book blogging and challenges. And just enough of everything. I was captivated just from the first few pages alone because Steph was an interesting character. I loved that she loved books and that she spent time to read and review them to incorporate her artistic side to it. I also liked how easily relatable her character was. I mean, college, choosing what you think is best for you, honoring your parents, getting laid, falling in love, typical challenges of a girl her age. Her struggles were also very believable and totally NA. (Good job on that, Mina.) It helped that she's best friends with Daria and Victoria's sister because I got to know her thoughts about the girls... and their boyfriends. Haha! The same thing goes for Grayson because I liked how he handled things and Steph. Like how he was really a good guy for taking a firm stand to be one before the meet and greet with Steph's parents. I liked how sure he was of things and how freaking hot he was in bed. And not just in bed. (Congrats, Grayson, you've just been selected to join other men in my book boyfriends roster.)
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book not only because Mina stepped up the steam level (O.M.F.G prepare to fan yourselves) on this one and that you have something to do by the end of the book, but also because she excellently executed the NA feel to it without the usual insta-everything. If anything, I loved how Grayson and Steph got to know each other first by spending time together (Grayson wanting to know how Steph lives her life, Steph knowing Grayson's co-captain/businessman/artist life) and from there, they just knew what to do with each other's worlds. They didn't just fall. They learned how to fall. (And consciously at that.)
Learning to Fall releases October 6th and is part of my eBook giveaway!
October 23, 2015
**Review posted on Will Read for Feels**
A couple of months ago I declared that Playing Autumn was my favorite MVE book, but what do you know...I'm about to eat my words. Learning to Fall is just amazing and so good that I'm having a hard time trying to be coherent without the feels getting in the way.
Most of the people who read the first Addison Hill book (The Harder We Fall/Falling Hard) took notice of Grayson, and for good reason. I knew he had something special going on and I'm so glad Mina followed through. The premise of the story was already a familiar trope: pretend relationships and the perils of falling for the other person. However, the additional details to the plot was a refreshing thing to read, specifically Steph and Grayson's personalities and the circumstances surrounding them.
Mina's growth from her chick lit books to the edgier and mature New Adult genre was evident in Learning to Fall. Steph and Grayson were solid characters in the sense that she embodied a lot of people's insecurities and hangups under a tough and carefree exterior, while he tries to be somebody for everybody.
Oh, and did I say that Grayson's a dreamboat? I mean, more than the abs and the smooth moves (coining their couple name was adorbs), he was the epitome of an ideal book boyfriend. It's tough to explain in detail what that means, but that's what the book is there for, right? And Steph...wow. I felt like I was living vicariously through her. I liked her own brand of spunk. Sure, she had issues, but her chinks made her human and relatable, and her sporadic whining about her life didn't strike me as overbearing.
One thing I loved about the story was their struggle from a relationship of convenience to something real. The way Mina raised the stakes in this transition was particularly spot on. I've always wanted a MVE book that pushed characters to their limit, and this was it. I was reading this particular scene where Steph was having an online chat with one of her bookish friends about her predicament and I was all over the place trying to contain my feels.
If there was one thing that held me back from giving this a 5-star review, it would have to be the abrupt steamy scene that came from nowhere. I know it's totally unlike me to pick on a sex scene but it felt too sudden that I was wondering if I skipped on any parts.
All in all, I'd recommend Learning to Fall for the feels, steam, and a whole lot more, especially if you've already read The Harder We Fall/Falling Hard. Team Stayson doesn't disappoint.
Now excuse me while I go collect my feels on the floor.
A couple of months ago I declared that Playing Autumn was my favorite MVE book, but what do you know...I'm about to eat my words. Learning to Fall is just amazing and so good that I'm having a hard time trying to be coherent without the feels getting in the way.
Most of the people who read the first Addison Hill book (The Harder We Fall/Falling Hard) took notice of Grayson, and for good reason. I knew he had something special going on and I'm so glad Mina followed through. The premise of the story was already a familiar trope: pretend relationships and the perils of falling for the other person. However, the additional details to the plot was a refreshing thing to read, specifically Steph and Grayson's personalities and the circumstances surrounding them.
Mina's growth from her chick lit books to the edgier and mature New Adult genre was evident in Learning to Fall. Steph and Grayson were solid characters in the sense that she embodied a lot of people's insecurities and hangups under a tough and carefree exterior, while he tries to be somebody for everybody.
Oh, and did I say that Grayson's a dreamboat? I mean, more than the abs and the smooth moves (coining their couple name was adorbs), he was the epitome of an ideal book boyfriend. It's tough to explain in detail what that means, but that's what the book is there for, right? And Steph...wow. I felt like I was living vicariously through her. I liked her own brand of spunk. Sure, she had issues, but her chinks made her human and relatable, and her sporadic whining about her life didn't strike me as overbearing.
One thing I loved about the story was their struggle from a relationship of convenience to something real. The way Mina raised the stakes in this transition was particularly spot on. I've always wanted a MVE book that pushed characters to their limit, and this was it. I was reading this particular scene where Steph was having an online chat with one of her bookish friends about her predicament and I was all over the place trying to contain my feels.
If there was one thing that held me back from giving this a 5-star review, it would have to be the abrupt steamy scene that came from nowhere. I know it's totally unlike me to pick on a sex scene but it felt too sudden that I was wondering if I skipped on any parts.
All in all, I'd recommend Learning to Fall for the feels, steam, and a whole lot more, especially if you've already read The Harder We Fall/Falling Hard. Team Stayson doesn't disappoint.
Now excuse me while I go collect my feels on the floor.
October 19, 2015
It's always an honor to receive a book from the author asking you to give an honest review about it. It means they value your review and your ability to review without any pretense. Therefore, I'm going to give this an honest review:
I got this ARC...yay! I enjoyed this book. I am excited to buy my physical copy. Having a female blogger (book blogger to be exact) as the protagonist hits close to home. Steph is an art student who currently resides out of her hometown to pursue her dream while fixing the setbacks that happened just before she graduates. She is an avid (book) blogger who is currently doing the Live like Fiction book challenge, and for October she is willing to date someone who is not her type. To fulfill that challenge she has to ask Grayson, the typical jock, to be her date. Their then deceit will pile up. I know that the basic frame of this story might be cliche: girl meets boy, gets into a 'pretend' relationship with boy and eventually they get together but what made me like this is because of Steph's ideals. I can definitely relate with Steph...definitely. This is the problem with book worms. They tend to overthink and follow their ideals closely. This is most definitely the problem with FEMALE bookworms, female being the operative word. The more we read, the more we want something perfect. Especially with FEMALE HOPELESS ROMANTIC bookworms (I know some). Ouch. Crazy but true. It takes a lot to get out of the comfort zone. It takes a lot to courage to get past the ideals and just take the leap. This story made me think about things. LOL. But the truth is, what I loved about this, is that I could definitely relate to Steph.
Mina Esguerra is one of my favorite Filipino authors (support local!). Her first book that I read is "My Imaginary Ex" around 2009 or 2010? It was a long time ago. Oh, Zack *still swooning* I definitely recommend that book.
I got this ARC...yay! I enjoyed this book. I am excited to buy my physical copy. Having a female blogger (book blogger to be exact) as the protagonist hits close to home. Steph is an art student who currently resides out of her hometown to pursue her dream while fixing the setbacks that happened just before she graduates. She is an avid (book) blogger who is currently doing the Live like Fiction book challenge, and for October she is willing to date someone who is not her type. To fulfill that challenge she has to ask Grayson, the typical jock, to be her date. Their then deceit will pile up. I know that the basic frame of this story might be cliche: girl meets boy, gets into a 'pretend' relationship with boy and eventually they get together but what made me like this is because of Steph's ideals. I can definitely relate with Steph...definitely. This is the problem with book worms. They tend to overthink and follow their ideals closely. This is most definitely the problem with FEMALE bookworms, female being the operative word. The more we read, the more we want something perfect. Especially with FEMALE HOPELESS ROMANTIC bookworms (I know some). Ouch. Crazy but true. It takes a lot to get out of the comfort zone. It takes a lot to courage to get past the ideals and just take the leap. This story made me think about things. LOL. But the truth is, what I loved about this, is that I could definitely relate to Steph.
Mina Esguerra is one of my favorite Filipino authors (support local!). Her first book that I read is "My Imaginary Ex" around 2009 or 2010? It was a long time ago. Oh, Zack *still swooning* I definitely recommend that book.
October 11, 2015
"One crazy month, I read forty."
Steph is a blogger. A book blogger to be precise. She's been active in the book blogging world for a while now. But life got in the way and she needs to slow down and get her priorities sorted out. Putting a semi-hiatus in blogging, she struggles to get her life together and see where she intends her career to go.
Steph - I love her. I expected her to be awkward. She wasn't. And she was even funnier than Grayson! Her snarkiness is what made me love her. Although she's a little lost, she's the i-dont-take-shit-from-anyone kind of gal and i freaking love it!
Grayson, a rugby player who's on medical leave, poses for an art class she teaches in. He's not her type at all. But part of her deal in her semi-hiatus blogging status is to do a monthly challenge. She thinks Grayson is the the perfect guy for her Live Like Fiction October challenge.
Grayson - the player who isn't a player. Grayson is sweet and kind and everything that is not the stereotypical athlete. He may not do the serious relationship that often but he does perfectly well in being the perfect boyfriend.
Two great characters combined - not to mention Steph is a book blogger - How can i not enjoy this?
Mina retained what I love about her works. Witty quips and moments that had me laughing my ass off. (Thank goodness i read this at home. Otherwise, id be getting weird looks from strangers when I'm either laughing or trying not to laugh.) Did i mention that this books have the steamiest of scenes? No? From Mina's recent releases, this probably have the hottest scenes.
Learning to Fall is a funny, awesome story about two people whose fiction became reality. Two people who took someone else's fantasy and made it their own.
Steph is a blogger. A book blogger to be precise. She's been active in the book blogging world for a while now. But life got in the way and she needs to slow down and get her priorities sorted out. Putting a semi-hiatus in blogging, she struggles to get her life together and see where she intends her career to go.
Steph - I love her. I expected her to be awkward. She wasn't. And she was even funnier than Grayson! Her snarkiness is what made me love her. Although she's a little lost, she's the i-dont-take-shit-from-anyone kind of gal and i freaking love it!
Grayson, a rugby player who's on medical leave, poses for an art class she teaches in. He's not her type at all. But part of her deal in her semi-hiatus blogging status is to do a monthly challenge. She thinks Grayson is the the perfect guy for her Live Like Fiction October challenge.
Grayson - the player who isn't a player. Grayson is sweet and kind and everything that is not the stereotypical athlete. He may not do the serious relationship that often but he does perfectly well in being the perfect boyfriend.
Two great characters combined - not to mention Steph is a book blogger - How can i not enjoy this?
Mina retained what I love about her works. Witty quips and moments that had me laughing my ass off. (Thank goodness i read this at home. Otherwise, id be getting weird looks from strangers when I'm either laughing or trying not to laugh.) Did i mention that this books have the steamiest of scenes? No? From Mina's recent releases, this probably have the hottest scenes.
Learning to Fall is a funny, awesome story about two people whose fiction became reality. Two people who took someone else's fantasy and made it their own.
February 7, 2017
I really like reading Mina Esguerra's books. Mostly I'd say I love the happy endings. I love the characters in this one. Steph is relatable esp. for a lot of young folks these days. And the best men are fictional... Grayson exemplifies that. I'd rate this SPG and more suitable for the more mature audience. Overall, it's a feel-good kind of story.
March 10, 2016
recommended by Kat
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Reviewed at Dear Author.
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Reviewed at Dear Author.
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
October 3, 2017
You taught me how to fall. How to do it without hurting myself more than I have to."
I can really relate to Steph, I'm in that kind of situation right now that I don't know what to do with my life after graduating. I don't have grand dreams/goals, I don't think I even have one to start with. This book was somehow a push to follow my passion and do whatever I can right now. Maybe, I'll give a proper review soon... "Maybe"
February 18, 2017
3.5 stars??? Idk I'm really confused because I really enjoyed it but the pace seemed a bit off sometimes AND THE ENDING LEFT ME WANTING SO MUCH MORE *sobs*
August 11, 2017
3.5 stars
March 14, 2017
BOOK BLOGGER HEROINE. And so well done. I loved everything related to that. I loved everything related to her life crisis as well. The uncertainty, the self esteem issues, the loss of focus, it was all so well done.
I wasn't as interested in Grayson's story with the reality show and the family business and of course this might be partly because I was so invested in Steph's life (I wanted more!!) but also partly I think because it was a bit too much plotwise (and maybe themewise) for a novella. Grayson was a great character though, and the romance worked. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
"You've always underestimated yourself."
"Thanks, Molly."
"And Grayson's always overstretched."
"It's not wrong to want a lot of things," I said, the defense quick and automatic.
"Exactly," Molly said.
I wasn't as interested in Grayson's story with the reality show and the family business and of course this might be partly because I was so invested in Steph's life (I wanted more!!) but also partly I think because it was a bit too much plotwise (and maybe themewise) for a novella. Grayson was a great character though, and the romance worked. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
March 22, 2017
if you are a voracious reader of mature YA I think you will enjoy this book. I really liked it and will be checking out her other books.
March 24, 2017
So I think this is by far the steamiest #romanceclass book I’ve read. Heck, the meet-cute was already something else, as it is featuring hot, confident and almost naked Grayson.
Grayson and Steph's chemistry is organic (i don't know if i'm even qualified to say this). But that’s it, they just work together really well.
Steph is a character I really, really enjoyed reading. I get her indecisions, the feeling of being stuck and overwhelmed, and being scared of what's gonna happen next. We're not really alike though, for one, the closest I got to making art are the drawings of forage and insects we drew for a laboratory class. I also kinda don't consider myself a legit book blogger, I think of myself as someone that reads a lot, but only sometimes contributes to the blog. (I’m really sorry, Inah! Hahaha) I think I always have one foot out when it comes to blogging, but I get it, I get how you will be totally caught up in it, which is not necessarily bad though. This community is so amazing, with really diverse thoughts, and I can attest that the friends you meet in this community are just the most lovable and supportive people in the world.
Grayson is kinda too good to be true for me, because he appears always calm and he always says the right things, and he is so good at juggling things. Anyway, I still want him for a boyfriend.
Delilah is my spirit animal, especially when she fangirled and stalked Steph's relationship with Grayson so hard. She was so relatable and funny, plus the verbal whipping she gave Steph during the last parts of the book was fire (and on point)!
I kinda want to see Steph’s exhibit in real life, also Live Like Fiction is an amazing challenge. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS! (Lol jk, I doubt if I can even go through one challenge)
This one has a good pace, it was light and easy to read, but it was really uhh "exciting" (that is putting it very mildly, wink wink). Overall, this is a very enjoyable book to read, and I cannot wait to read more books my Ms. Mina!
Grayson and Steph's chemistry is organic (i don't know if i'm even qualified to say this). But that’s it, they just work together really well.
Steph is a character I really, really enjoyed reading. I get her indecisions, the feeling of being stuck and overwhelmed, and being scared of what's gonna happen next. We're not really alike though, for one, the closest I got to making art are the drawings of forage and insects we drew for a laboratory class. I also kinda don't consider myself a legit book blogger, I think of myself as someone that reads a lot, but only sometimes contributes to the blog. (I’m really sorry, Inah! Hahaha) I think I always have one foot out when it comes to blogging, but I get it, I get how you will be totally caught up in it, which is not necessarily bad though. This community is so amazing, with really diverse thoughts, and I can attest that the friends you meet in this community are just the most lovable and supportive people in the world.
Grayson is kinda too good to be true for me, because he appears always calm and he always says the right things, and he is so good at juggling things. Anyway, I still want him for a boyfriend.
Delilah is my spirit animal, especially when she fangirled and stalked Steph's relationship with Grayson so hard. She was so relatable and funny, plus the verbal whipping she gave Steph during the last parts of the book was fire (and on point)!
I kinda want to see Steph’s exhibit in real life, also Live Like Fiction is an amazing challenge. WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS! (Lol jk, I doubt if I can even go through one challenge)
This one has a good pace, it was light and easy to read, but it was really uhh "exciting" (that is putting it very mildly, wink wink). Overall, this is a very enjoyable book to read, and I cannot wait to read more books my Ms. Mina!
October 7, 2015
My rating should have been 3.5 stars, but a four is nice enough. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher (I think). Cross-posted at ultra-violet-harte.tumblr.com and in my FB wall.
Synopsis:
The story was about Steph Bennett, an arts major who is a graduating student. Or she was supposed to be. She should be finishing her studies, but Steph wonders what her life would be after college. Also, her book blogging takes a lot of time. To proceed with the static of her academic life, she means to finish a sort-of-a-last-challenge for her book blog… and that’s where the hunk ex-captain of her uni's rugby team comes in.
Grayson Price is, as the book says, “a stereotypical romance novel hero”, an heir to a P.I. company, a good rugby coach, and a hot “player”. For Steph’s book blog challenge, he offers Steph not only modelling services, but also a pretend-relationship.
However, both of them starts becoming comfortable with each other, and each of them have been seeing how real life cracks beneath the facade. Will they still live like fiction? Or will everything between them become a reality after all?
The actual review:
Actually, I have never liked sports-based romances that much (except probably those by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and future romances that might have judo in them), so I never expected to like this book.
Steph is a character easy to empathize with, especially for me, as we were both in the limbo of graduation: she wasn’t able to finish her studies (as I haven’t finished my thesis yet) because of a lot of things. Her fear of not knowing what to do after college, and at the same time not getting her life back in order is something a lot of people have experienced. The way she tries to face everything though is still brave, and for that she is the reason I loved this book.
Grayson is someone I didn’t like so much, though. Rugby is a sport that didn’t interest me at all, and all the technical-sports-stuff-scenes (where Grayson was featured in) were a downer for me. At the same time, Grayson seems to be forcing everything, and because of this (and an injury) everything in his life is messed up, one way or another. Being an overachiever is one thing, but trying to get everything is too much, not only for Grayson, but also for me as I read about him.
As both Steph and Grayson learn how their lives have fallen apart, they also fall for each other. Their relationship, while a pretend one at first, were very natural and at the same time makes a reader squeal like a fangirl, a testament to Ms. Mina’s cleverness in writing romantic interactions. However, the sex scenes, even though they were the steamiest from Ms. Mina’s works, were somehow like Grayson himself: for me they felt like a bit forced and a little flat.
Learning to Fall is the first one I’ve read from the Addison Hill series, and if I’ve the time after finishing my thesis, I’ll read them all in one go. I would like a judo-themed book (or at least something which has mixed martial arts) from the series though *I’m crossing my fingers, Ma’am Mina*
All in all, it was an excellent book.
Synopsis:
The story was about Steph Bennett, an arts major who is a graduating student. Or she was supposed to be. She should be finishing her studies, but Steph wonders what her life would be after college. Also, her book blogging takes a lot of time. To proceed with the static of her academic life, she means to finish a sort-of-a-last-challenge for her book blog… and that’s where the hunk ex-captain of her uni's rugby team comes in.
Grayson Price is, as the book says, “a stereotypical romance novel hero”, an heir to a P.I. company, a good rugby coach, and a hot “player”. For Steph’s book blog challenge, he offers Steph not only modelling services, but also a pretend-relationship.
However, both of them starts becoming comfortable with each other, and each of them have been seeing how real life cracks beneath the facade. Will they still live like fiction? Or will everything between them become a reality after all?
The actual review:
Actually, I have never liked sports-based romances that much (except probably those by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and future romances that might have judo in them), so I never expected to like this book.
Steph is a character easy to empathize with, especially for me, as we were both in the limbo of graduation: she wasn’t able to finish her studies (as I haven’t finished my thesis yet) because of a lot of things. Her fear of not knowing what to do after college, and at the same time not getting her life back in order is something a lot of people have experienced. The way she tries to face everything though is still brave, and for that she is the reason I loved this book.
Grayson is someone I didn’t like so much, though. Rugby is a sport that didn’t interest me at all, and all the technical-sports-stuff-scenes (where Grayson was featured in) were a downer for me. At the same time, Grayson seems to be forcing everything, and because of this (and an injury) everything in his life is messed up, one way or another. Being an overachiever is one thing, but trying to get everything is too much, not only for Grayson, but also for me as I read about him.
As both Steph and Grayson learn how their lives have fallen apart, they also fall for each other. Their relationship, while a pretend one at first, were very natural and at the same time makes a reader squeal like a fangirl, a testament to Ms. Mina’s cleverness in writing romantic interactions. However, the sex scenes, even though they were the steamiest from Ms. Mina’s works, were somehow like Grayson himself: for me they felt like a bit forced and a little flat.
Learning to Fall is the first one I’ve read from the Addison Hill series, and if I’ve the time after finishing my thesis, I’ll read them all in one go. I would like a judo-themed book (or at least something which has mixed martial arts) from the series though *I’m crossing my fingers, Ma’am Mina*
All in all, it was an excellent book.
October 8, 2015
I knew I will break my blogging hiatus one of these days. But what I didn’t expect was to break it for a book whose protagonist was a book blogger in a hiatus. It was ironic in the most awesome way. Steph made me realize how much I missed book blogging and everyone in this community.
Art student and book blogger, Steph Bennett started her story with a blog post telling all her followers and blogger friends why she decided to go on an indefinite hiatus but will still continue Sera’s monthly blog challenge called “Live Like Fiction.”
The October challenge was to go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero who isn’t her type. So when she saw Grayson Price, rugby player, stripping to pose for the art students she was supervising, she knew she have to ask him out. Physically, he was the stereotypical athletic alpha male hero with tattoo and not at all her type. Or so she thought. But when one date led to another, she knew this was already beyond the monthly blog challenge.
Steph embodied the struggle of a book blogger who loved to blog but has to put it on hold because she has to sort her life, first. It was easy for me to understand her, empathize with her, and relate to her because I’ve been there. (I think, I still am) And it was kind of weird, because we often read books to become someone we’re not. But it’s different this time. Steph and I were sort of the same. She’s just in a different situation and has Grayson with her.
Speaking of which, if I was doing the Live like Fiction challenge, I’d probably pick a mysterious bad boy or a musician. I wouldn’t pick Grayson because he is my type. He was definitely a book boyfriend material. The moment Steph saw him, I knew she was a goner. Not liking him is impossible. But he’s the type of guy that wants a lot of things. He tries to juggle three things at once and the people around him, even his parents, thinks he can’t handle all that responsibility. Steph gets him and believes in him that he can do whatever he put his mind into.
And oh, I have to mention Delilah, one of Steph's blogger friend, in this review because she's the epitome of fangirling. I can't help but giggle while reading their convo. And she's the voice of reason to Steph whenever she's making excuses about not going for what she wants. She's definitely a memorable character.
Learning to Fall is a awesome read with a lot of fun, steam and swoon-worthy moments. I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending, though. I wish it showed what happened to Steph's book-inspired painting exhibit. I want know how her efforts paid off. But other than that, I don't have any problem with it. I haven't read the other Addison Hill novels before this (please, don't shoot me) but I'll make sure I'll binge read it, one of this days.
Art student and book blogger, Steph Bennett started her story with a blog post telling all her followers and blogger friends why she decided to go on an indefinite hiatus but will still continue Sera’s monthly blog challenge called “Live Like Fiction.”
The October challenge was to go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero who isn’t her type. So when she saw Grayson Price, rugby player, stripping to pose for the art students she was supervising, she knew she have to ask him out. Physically, he was the stereotypical athletic alpha male hero with tattoo and not at all her type. Or so she thought. But when one date led to another, she knew this was already beyond the monthly blog challenge.
Steph embodied the struggle of a book blogger who loved to blog but has to put it on hold because she has to sort her life, first. It was easy for me to understand her, empathize with her, and relate to her because I’ve been there. (I think, I still am) And it was kind of weird, because we often read books to become someone we’re not. But it’s different this time. Steph and I were sort of the same. She’s just in a different situation and has Grayson with her.
Speaking of which, if I was doing the Live like Fiction challenge, I’d probably pick a mysterious bad boy or a musician. I wouldn’t pick Grayson because he is my type. He was definitely a book boyfriend material. The moment Steph saw him, I knew she was a goner. Not liking him is impossible. But he’s the type of guy that wants a lot of things. He tries to juggle three things at once and the people around him, even his parents, thinks he can’t handle all that responsibility. Steph gets him and believes in him that he can do whatever he put his mind into.
And oh, I have to mention Delilah, one of Steph's blogger friend, in this review because she's the epitome of fangirling. I can't help but giggle while reading their convo. And she's the voice of reason to Steph whenever she's making excuses about not going for what she wants. She's definitely a memorable character.
Learning to Fall is a awesome read with a lot of fun, steam and swoon-worthy moments. I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending, though. I wish it showed what happened to Steph's book-inspired painting exhibit. I want know how her efforts paid off. But other than that, I don't have any problem with it. I haven't read the other Addison Hill novels before this (please, don't shoot me) but I'll make sure I'll binge read it, one of this days.
November 3, 2015
**Review originally posted on my blog**
One of the things that pique my interest is the portrayal of the main character – because she’s a book blogger! As a book blogger, I’m curious to know the life of another blogger and true enough, reading this book confirms that being one paints a more lively color to life. Aside from that, despite it being a work of fiction, this book also seems to bring its characters to life and convinces the readers that it’s possible for them to experience a fictional life in reality once in a while.
I love the concept of this Live Like Fiction Challenge. The monthly challenges surely look exciting to do and Steph, without any hesitation, grabs the opportunity to be part of it. It’s because of the challenge that Steph meets Grayson and from that point on, their lives become intertwined more than they expected it to be. At a glance, it seems impossible to think that an artist and/or bookworm won’t mix well with a sports enthusiast, especially with a rugby player, but surprisingly enough, Mina V. Esguerra manages to successfully make Grayson and Steph look perfect together. And boy, what an interesting read this book has become.
Just like what the title says, I, too, am learning to fall for the hero and heroine. This would be the first time I encountered a character portrayed as an artist and what Steph does just fascinates me. She has the talent and passion to do what she loves. As for Grayson, he may be perceived as a player, but giving him the benefit of the doubt changes everything I think about him. As I read further, I learn that he possesses qualities of what women call “man of her dreams”. I may not be a sports enthusiast, but I’ve become so invested in their relationship. Their undeniable attraction and chemistry are evident and I like the fact that despite their independence, they still complement each other. There’ve been struggles along the way, each finding their own goals and dreams, but I’m impressed by how they still help each other reach for their goals.
As much as this is the story about two persons’ journey towards their desired future, Learning to Fall also tells Grayson and Steph’s unique love story. One cannot ignore the very steamy scenes included in this book as well. Kudos to Mina V. Esguerra for writing detailed, stimulating scenes for readers to enjoy. She definitely delivers the story well that it had me devouring the book in a day or two. The book convinces me enough that living a fictional life isn’t too far-fetched. Overall, Learning to Fall entertains me more than I expect it to. I would have wanted to see more of Steph’s work, though. Aside from that, I’m definitely on Team Stayson all the way.
One of the things that pique my interest is the portrayal of the main character – because she’s a book blogger! As a book blogger, I’m curious to know the life of another blogger and true enough, reading this book confirms that being one paints a more lively color to life. Aside from that, despite it being a work of fiction, this book also seems to bring its characters to life and convinces the readers that it’s possible for them to experience a fictional life in reality once in a while.
I love the concept of this Live Like Fiction Challenge. The monthly challenges surely look exciting to do and Steph, without any hesitation, grabs the opportunity to be part of it. It’s because of the challenge that Steph meets Grayson and from that point on, their lives become intertwined more than they expected it to be. At a glance, it seems impossible to think that an artist and/or bookworm won’t mix well with a sports enthusiast, especially with a rugby player, but surprisingly enough, Mina V. Esguerra manages to successfully make Grayson and Steph look perfect together. And boy, what an interesting read this book has become.
Just like what the title says, I, too, am learning to fall for the hero and heroine. This would be the first time I encountered a character portrayed as an artist and what Steph does just fascinates me. She has the talent and passion to do what she loves. As for Grayson, he may be perceived as a player, but giving him the benefit of the doubt changes everything I think about him. As I read further, I learn that he possesses qualities of what women call “man of her dreams”. I may not be a sports enthusiast, but I’ve become so invested in their relationship. Their undeniable attraction and chemistry are evident and I like the fact that despite their independence, they still complement each other. There’ve been struggles along the way, each finding their own goals and dreams, but I’m impressed by how they still help each other reach for their goals.
As much as this is the story about two persons’ journey towards their desired future, Learning to Fall also tells Grayson and Steph’s unique love story. One cannot ignore the very steamy scenes included in this book as well. Kudos to Mina V. Esguerra for writing detailed, stimulating scenes for readers to enjoy. She definitely delivers the story well that it had me devouring the book in a day or two. The book convinces me enough that living a fictional life isn’t too far-fetched. Overall, Learning to Fall entertains me more than I expect it to. I would have wanted to see more of Steph’s work, though. Aside from that, I’m definitely on Team Stayson all the way.
October 5, 2015
Review also posted on SHE FLIES WITH FAERIES
What do you get when you mix a hot rugby player with an artistic book blogger? You get a sexy, scorching combination, that is.
LEARNING TO FALL tells the story of Steph, a book blogger slash Arts student who meets this hot, sexy, and witty guy. Well, hot, sexy, and witty guy is really not a problem, except Steph’s distracted enough already.
However, fate comes into play when she joins this monthly blog challenged entitled Live Like Fiction. What does she have to do? Well, go out with someone who isn’t her type, that is.
I have to say, Grayson is like, one of the hottest love interests I’ve ever encountered in a book. Not to mention, he has the right brand of humor to go along with it. I also enjoyed his banter with Steph: how he almost always catches her off-guard, and how he challenges her to be a better student, and a better person.
Sure, you may have heard of the one date and it’s over trope before, but what makes this different is the fact that Steph is not one of those flaky, weak characters. She is strong on her own, and she knows how to deal with her man. Of course, there were times when her complexities hit her, but that’s just a normal part of life–which is another thing I loved about this book: how it’s almost unreal, and yet, somehow, you feel like it actually could happen.
Here’s another thing: this book will challenge you. I mean, it will keep you thinking about what could happen in your life if you actually take chances that you’re often to shy, or too hesitant to take. It’s not just about blog challenges; it’s about those important moments in your life; the ones that matter, even without looking like it in the beginning. It’ll remind you that in life, you do have to make decisions—your own decisions–because you could actually be in control of your life.
You’re the one who makes your life what it is–and that’s the best thing you could take away from Steph and Grayson.
LEARNING TO FALL certainly ended with a bang. Read it all the way through. Who knows? Maybe, you’d find your own Grayson, too!
October 16, 2016
Learning to Fall
Mina V. Esguerra
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR: Anyone looking for a light, fun, albeit predictable romantic read
WHO IT ISN’T FOR: Someone looking to be blown away by a profound, heartstrings-pulling, gut-wrenching romance (Sorry babe, no tissue-box consuming cry-fests here)
Mina V. Esguerra
Learning to Fall is book 3 of the Young Adult Addison Hill series, which is a series of books set in a fictional university called Addison Hill. The book is written by Filipino writer Mina V. Esguerra, but takes place in an American University, starring American characters. Each book is a stand-alone and chronicled different characters.
WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR: Anyone looking for a light, fun, albeit predictable romantic read
WHO IT ISN’T FOR: Someone looking to be blown away by a profound, heartstrings-pulling, gut-wrenching romance (Sorry babe, no tissue-box consuming cry-fests here)
This book chronicles the life of Steph, an art-student-cum-blogger whose graduating year is extended by an academic mishap. Having resolved to focus all her efforts on graduating, it is in this purgatory year she meets Grayson, your stereotypic jock (but is he?). Both characters figure in a convenient meet-cute that sets the stage for a clever, plot vehicle that progresses/hinders(?) their budding romance. The question is, can two people, so seemingly different, make things work?
THE LOW-DOWN: READ IT. Being YA, chic lit sets relatively low expectations from the get-go. But this isn’t your typical romance novel. Sure, it’s predictable, but only in the sense that you know how it all ends, as most romance novels do. But everything else, the mechanisms, the character conflicts, is still anyone’s guess.
Character development, especially the way Mina V. Esguerra dissects the internal struggles of these characters, in a very realistic and organically relatable way, was such a plus for me. Pacing is solid and it gave me enough guesswork throughout. There are enough conflicts to keep things spicy.
THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK CHOICE: I picked up this book in a spur-of-the-moment trip to my favorite bookstore in Baguio, St. Cloud Bookstore. I was in the mood for a light-hearted, no-brainer read and since the bookstore was 80% Filipino-writer stocked, my sister was picking between two of the titles written by Mina Esguerra. I decided to buy one of the two. It is a leisurely read and it hit just the right spots for me. It fulfills what it intended to as a romance novel. Definitely great paired with a hot cup of chocolate on a cold, rainy night spent chilling by a window.
October 5, 2015
I feel like things kind of come in full circle with this book. Fans of Mina's Addison Hill Series will easily recognize Steph and Grayson, the secondary characters for Falling Hard . While Steph didn't make much of an impression on me in Falling Hard, I clearly remember Grayson because he's the smooth one. Plus he's a sexy man. With abs. Yessss. He may love his sports metaphors (and actually comes up with their ship name Stayson! So adorbs) but he just really wants to be the guy that can do it all.
I may be a little bit in love.
There is a lot of steam in this book. I am not kidding. But I love that each time seems different because you see the transition between them turning from being together for convenience, and when they really start relying on each other. This ultimately is the reason why Steph freaks out and almost ends everything.
I love these two characters. They're well thought out, and their new adult struggles are just all too real. Steph is an artist, and that alone already raises a lot of red flags where I come from. Add that to her penchant for reading books and reviewing them, the struggle of learning to do what you love and finding a job, and I thought--hello, is that me in book form? She was relatable, even during times where she was being totally whiny about her life.
My only issue with this book would be the main premise of how the two characters start to date each other, even if they weren't supposed to be each other's type. There's a lot going on in the story already even without it, but the buildup and conclusion make it worth the read!
All in all it's a good book, my second favorite of Mina's Addison Hill/Breathe Rockstar romances. Did I mention that this book brings those two worlds together! You're going to have to read to find out why (the word 'yummy' is only used once in the book, and it's used to describe someone who totally fits!!).
I may be a little bit in love.
There is a lot of steam in this book. I am not kidding. But I love that each time seems different because you see the transition between them turning from being together for convenience, and when they really start relying on each other. This ultimately is the reason why Steph freaks out and almost ends everything.
I love these two characters. They're well thought out, and their new adult struggles are just all too real. Steph is an artist, and that alone already raises a lot of red flags where I come from. Add that to her penchant for reading books and reviewing them, the struggle of learning to do what you love and finding a job, and I thought--hello, is that me in book form? She was relatable, even during times where she was being totally whiny about her life.
My only issue with this book would be the main premise of how the two characters start to date each other, even if they weren't supposed to be each other's type. There's a lot going on in the story already even without it, but the buildup and conclusion make it worth the read!
All in all it's a good book, my second favorite of Mina's Addison Hill/Breathe Rockstar romances. Did I mention that this book brings those two worlds together! You're going to have to read to find out why (the word 'yummy' is only used once in the book, and it's used to describe someone who totally fits!!).
October 2, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
The ARC called this Someone Else’s Fantasy, and the working title made sense given the story’s premise. Steph, art student and book blogger, has joined a blog challenge that gave her something to do each month, something completely out of her usual rhythm. For October, the challenge is to “Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.” Enters Grayson Price in Steph’s drawing studio, the tattooed, big and blonde rugby captain, posing for the art students to draw with barely any clothes on. So Steph thinks, well, That wasn’t so hard. He just walked into the room, didn’t he?
Learning to Fall is the steamiest Mina V. Esguerra book I’ve read, and that’s coming from Falling Hard (previously titled The Harder We Fall). I just thought people would want to know this very important fact. But then, the steam was done really well, and does not distract from the book’s plot but actually helps it along. Steph and Grayson both do not have their lives in order (who does, really?) but they’re both trying to get there. They have their own stubborn ways of doing it, and they also have unique demons they have to face. One of the things I appreciated about the book was that Steph and Grayson learned to depend on each other, to help each other, while still learning to figure a few things out on their own. That’s a key thing to a relationship that works, I think. To be able to be an individual, while also being one-half of a whole.
The ARC called this Someone Else’s Fantasy, and the working title made sense given the story’s premise. Steph, art student and book blogger, has joined a blog challenge that gave her something to do each month, something completely out of her usual rhythm. For October, the challenge is to “Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.” Enters Grayson Price in Steph’s drawing studio, the tattooed, big and blonde rugby captain, posing for the art students to draw with barely any clothes on. So Steph thinks, well, That wasn’t so hard. He just walked into the room, didn’t he?
Learning to Fall is the steamiest Mina V. Esguerra book I’ve read, and that’s coming from Falling Hard (previously titled The Harder We Fall). I just thought people would want to know this very important fact. But then, the steam was done really well, and does not distract from the book’s plot but actually helps it along. Steph and Grayson both do not have their lives in order (who does, really?) but they’re both trying to get there. They have their own stubborn ways of doing it, and they also have unique demons they have to face. One of the things I appreciated about the book was that Steph and Grayson learned to depend on each other, to help each other, while still learning to figure a few things out on their own. That’s a key thing to a relationship that works, I think. To be able to be an individual, while also being one-half of a whole.
October 5, 2015
4.5 Stars
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review
Because she spends way too much time on reading books and blogging and not enough time on her studies, Steph Bennett is facing her last year of college...for the second time. She's a passionate artist but has no idea what she wants to do with her talent when she graduates from Addison Hill University.
Grayson Price wants it "all": a career as a rugby coach, a part on a reality TV show, and a role in his father's P.I. firm. Things never go quite as planned for these two, so when they conspire to partake in a "pretend relationship", you know they're going to be in for a bumpy ride.
I've only read one other book by Mina Esguerra and I thought the book was ok but it didn't WOW me. BUT THIS BOOK.....I don't even know where to start because this book was EVERYTHING!!
I love the way that this books makes fun of other books...including itself. I immediately connected with Steph and Grayson's characters and their relationship adds the perfect amount of angst to the story to keep the reader engaged. The steamy scenes were just right...not overdone book porn.
My only complaint is that the book is too short...I never wanted it to end. And if anyone is up for the Live Like Fiction – Monthly Challenges... I'm in!
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review
Because she spends way too much time on reading books and blogging and not enough time on her studies, Steph Bennett is facing her last year of college...for the second time. She's a passionate artist but has no idea what she wants to do with her talent when she graduates from Addison Hill University.
Grayson Price wants it "all": a career as a rugby coach, a part on a reality TV show, and a role in his father's P.I. firm. Things never go quite as planned for these two, so when they conspire to partake in a "pretend relationship", you know they're going to be in for a bumpy ride.
I've only read one other book by Mina Esguerra and I thought the book was ok but it didn't WOW me. BUT THIS BOOK.....I don't even know where to start because this book was EVERYTHING!!
I love the way that this books makes fun of other books...including itself. I immediately connected with Steph and Grayson's characters and their relationship adds the perfect amount of angst to the story to keep the reader engaged. The steamy scenes were just right...not overdone book porn.
My only complaint is that the book is too short...I never wanted it to end. And if anyone is up for the Live Like Fiction – Monthly Challenges... I'm in!
October 15, 2015
Team Stayson!!!
This was a cute read with a central couple who complement each other so well. Grayson Price, ex-Addison Hill rugby captain, is blond and huge (hihihi) and not Steph Bennet's (trying-to-graduate art student / book blogger) usual type. Until a Live Like Fiction monthly blog challenge dares her to go out with him.
I heart Grayson. In a book discussion about sports romances, a peeve mentioned was that rude = alpha. Mina was able to write Grayson with all of the qualities of an alpha - strong, a leader, decisive - without giving him dickish qualities. He even articulates this - something like 'I'm not a jackass boyfriend' (I'm paraphrasing). Le Swoon!
Steph is kooky and fun, but also a bit aimless (as perhaps 90% of us were on our last semesters in college). She gets a talking-to, however, near the end of the book that had me nodding.
Mina has a gift for clarity and incisiveness in her work. There are certain beats and tropes that I as a reader have come to expect, but Mina upends these expectations, making me think -- y'know, this is right. There's no reason for *this* to happen just because it's always happened that way in other stories.
And Live Like Fiction sounds like a lot of fun! But I peeked at the complete list at the back of the book and I think I'm too chicken to try any... any braver souls out there willing to try it?
This was a cute read with a central couple who complement each other so well. Grayson Price, ex-Addison Hill rugby captain, is blond and huge (hihihi) and not Steph Bennet's (trying-to-graduate art student / book blogger) usual type. Until a Live Like Fiction monthly blog challenge dares her to go out with him.
I heart Grayson. In a book discussion about sports romances, a peeve mentioned was that rude = alpha. Mina was able to write Grayson with all of the qualities of an alpha - strong, a leader, decisive - without giving him dickish qualities. He even articulates this - something like 'I'm not a jackass boyfriend' (I'm paraphrasing). Le Swoon!
Steph is kooky and fun, but also a bit aimless (as perhaps 90% of us were on our last semesters in college). She gets a talking-to, however, near the end of the book that had me nodding.
Mina has a gift for clarity and incisiveness in her work. There are certain beats and tropes that I as a reader have come to expect, but Mina upends these expectations, making me think -- y'know, this is right. There's no reason for *this* to happen just because it's always happened that way in other stories.
And Live Like Fiction sounds like a lot of fun! But I peeked at the complete list at the back of the book and I think I'm too chicken to try any... any braver souls out there willing to try it?
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