If You Fall

Brimstone #1

by S.E. Lund

From USA Today Bestselling Author S. E. Lund comes IF YOU FALL: the first full-length standalone novel in a new suspenseful contemporary romance series, The Brimstone Series.

Miranda

Beckett Tate was the last man on Earth I should let into my safe mundane life as a still-mourning widow.

With his blond good looks, Cajun charm and fu*k me body, he was a bad boy who knew how desirable he was and had the notches on his belt to prove it. His brilliant smile and persistence finally won me over and we spent an intense week together that reminded me how good it could be.

Then he was gone without a word, leaving behind a package of letters I wrote to Dan before he died and a note warning me to stay away because he was “bad news.”

Despite his warning, I must know how he obtained my letters and why he warned me off…

Beckett

The last thing I needed was an entanglement with a new woman.

My company, Brimstone Security and Threat Assessment Inc. was in trouble due to the death of one of my partners during a mission in Afghanistan. I was focused on saving it, not seducing a new woman – however beautiful.

When I read Miranda’s letters to her now-dead husband, I had to meet her even if it was a huge mistake. Against my better judgment, I found her, pursued her and seduced her. I couldn’t resist her.

Leaving her was the hardest thing I’d done in a long time.

I warned her not to find me because even if she was the best thing that ever happened to me, I could be nothing but bad news for her.

IF YOU FALL is intended for 18+ due to strong language and content.

THE BRIMSTONE SERIES:

Three brothers-in-arms. Three unforgettable stories of love, loss and redemption. Three standalone full-length suspenseful contemporary romance novels with a HFN / HEA.

Coming May, August and November 2016.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Military Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2015

About the author

S. E. (Elizabeth) Lund is a writer who lives on the side of a mountain in beautiful British Columbia, Canada with her family of humans and animals. She read Dracula when she was ten, and has been warped ever since. She reads many genres and writes in a few, including paranormal romantic suspense, high fantasy, and YA SF/F. Her books are available on Amazon Kindle, which can be read on any PC, Mac or Smartphone with the Kindle App, available in the App store and at Amazon.

Reviews

[NMmomof4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

Overall Opinion: I'm really bummed with this one. My biggest complaint? The pacing (see below). I just felt like I was wading through insignificant junk to get to the good stuff, and then sadly the good stuff wasn't that good (meh at most). It sounded awesome from the blurb, so kudos to the author for sucking me in...but I'm just grateful it was just $0.99!!! ;)

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mira and Beckett's story. Beckett was going through some old boxes and found some of his belongings that had been sent to him from his service in Afghanistan. In his belongings, he finds a package of letters that are not his. He reads them, and realizes that they belong to another man that was in the same helicopter crash as he was. He decides to return them to his family but when he meets his widow, Mira, his plans change. They are both instantly attracted and connected. There is some running around each other, but they eventually starts whirlwind romance that ends in a not so good way. They do find their way back together and get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Mira and Beckett's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I struggled with this one A LOT! I skimmed a lot, and I felt like it dragged a lot. I feel like there was a lot of insignificant information thrown in as well as some parts that just felt repetitive. This was my biggest complaint for the book for sure.

Instalove: Kind of. They move quickly with feelings, but don't realize that they love each other until the end...so not instalove in the usual way.

H rating: 3 stars. I liked him, but he really needed to be more honest with the h. I was also confused by his jobs He was a marine, CIA operative, computer/tech genius, CEO of a company, and a DEA under cover agent against his Irish mafia estranged family all at one point in the story. Why can't we just stick to 1 or maybe 2?!? I felt like it was a little OTT tbh

h rating: 3 stars. Mira. She was ok....yep that's it.

Sadness level: Low/moderate. I never needed any tissues, but I guess I'd have to be invested/interested for that to happen ;)

Push/Pull: Yes The H pursues the h. The h is is hesitant at first, but gives in. She pushes him away when she finds out his secret, and this causes their short separation.

Heat level: Moderate. Then take a while to be intimate, but they have pretty good chemistry and scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes.

Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are mentioned. I don't remember any mention of past practices.

OW/OM drama: No Other than ghosts of dead significant others. Both of them say at one point in their inner dialogue that no one can replace their lost loved ones. I wouldn't say that either of them are hung-up on their lost loves, but they are a significant part in their story.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes There is a short separation. There is no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Possible Triggers: Yes Loss of a spouse (military), loss of a girlfriend, manwhore H before h, and assault.

Closure: This had ok closure and a HFN ending. It was one of those that has the conflict resolution in the end of the last chapter and then the epilogue. The H asks the h to move in with him

How I got it: I paid the $0.99 for it on amazon.

Safety: I'd say that this is probably either Safe for most readers

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a short separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts in present tense
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[Rosanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in fate??
Mira was married to a marine medic who died overseas helping soldiers.
Beckett was one of those soldiers that was seriously injured and treated by Dan Mira's husband.
Somehow almost a year later Beckett finds a box of personal belongings they gave him when he came back from Afghanistan. In that box were letters that Dan had on him from his wife Mira.
Fate brought Mira and Beckett together that day. The rest is history.
An amazingly sad and happy love story of two people brought together because of the death of a common person.
SE Lund is an amazing author. You will fall in love with Miranda and Beckett!!

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to a new series. If You Fall is a well-written story with an excellent story-line that keeps you guessing right up to the end. From the very first page to the very last, S. E. Lund has written a story that will keep you turning the pages.

I was given a courtesy copy for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC . This may have a few spoilers so read with caution.
I was not thrilled by this story. Lund has done much better work, and this was a bit disappointing. The first chapter was very hard for me to get through. The hero of the story; Becket ..aka Daniel, had so much clandestine alphabet soup going on with his character that I started to get lost. There was just too much secret ex marine, black ops, undercover DEA, and Irish Mafia family ties. Oh and let's not forget he is the CEO of his company. Just way too many facets of his character that don't really have anything to do with the story. Mira on the other had was a bit of a bore, no real background depth to match his backstory.
So the basic premise is that Becket receives a box of his stuff after returning from being injured in a secret mission and finds a packet of love letters. They are from a young bride, Mira, to her Navy Medic husband. Becket decides to delivery them to the widow but after reading them "falls in love with Mira." He tracks her down and when he meets her he decides that he wants to date her and that giving the letters to her would ruin any chance he has. He suffers a bit of survivors guilt, because her husband is killed while rescuing him.
The story goes on with Becket seducing Mira and them enjoying a week together before he leaves. He still doesn't tell her about the letters, and instead leaves them in her mailbox with a note. They eventually meet again and they end up together, because there has to be a happy ending.
So for me there is not much of a real plot here, the only things keeping the two apart is Becket's "idiocy" which he freely admits to. This felt like a writing class assignment. There was so much potential in the story line before it got cluttered with extra stuff. I didn't feel that the characters had a chance to be fully realized, there was some good banter between the two, but it fell flat in other places. The sex scenes started out with great detail and action, but by the 3rd or 4th encounter, the writing is not there as the bedroom door is shut and we are left with ' we made love twice that night'.
For me this book couldn't decide what it wanted to be. I respect Lund's writing power and wish that she would of picked one thing to focus on and build upon that.

[Bernice Hudnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

S. E. Lund is writing a new series. Book 1 of the Brimstone Series is the story of Miranda and Beckett. And the cover for this book is hot.

Miranda is a widow who lost her husband after 3 months of marriage. Her husband was in the military and was killed while trying to save lives. The one year anniversary of her husband’s death is approaching. She has been doing her best to cope and now is ready to start working towards accomplishing her dream of working for the FBI which she put on hold during her time of grief. One night while working at the restaurant/bar of her in-laws, a man walks in and nothing will ever be the same.

Beckett is the definition of complicated. He is ex-military, current CEO of his own company, and a CIA agent. He is also grieving from the losses of two important people he cared about. Beckett is also running from demons from his past and trying to save his business. One day he finds something that may hold the key to his happiness but there are just a few problems….

While I felt sorry for Miranda, it took me some time to actually like her. I can’t explain why but there is just something about her that made me just want to roll my eyes repeatedly. Beckett comes off as a little too pushy in the beginning. His pushiness overshadowed his hotness until he started to show his caring side. I wanted to like him but his cowardice just made me mad. Getting inside his head and hearing his story will help you understand him better but for me it’s still not enough to overlook why it took him so long to listen to his friend Casey. While Miranda came off as too forgiving, I am glad that she followed her heart.

I am interested to see what this author has in store for Brandon, Leah, and Casey.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

If You Fall is the first full length, standalone novel in a new contemporary romance series.

Firstly I LOVED it!!! In this book we meet Miranda, who is a young widow having lost her husband in the line of duty 3 months after they were married. Almost 12 months later and she is still trying to get over his death, she currently lives and works with his parents. Beckett, is trying to return some love letters that accidentally wound up in his belongings after his near fatal accident in Afghanistan. He tracks down the owner, Miranda, but how is he going to explain how he got these very personal letters without breaking her heart all over again.

I absolutely loved this book (I think i said it before!!) Miranda is such a lovely character and Beckett is HOT! I found this book emotional at times but I honestly cannot praise it enough. It is a fantastic story, has no plot holes, no cliffhanger and characters that you will love! The attention to detail is a definite plus side to this story, especially when talking about Afghanistan and working in the military. You can tell the author has really thought about what she's writing.

Yes it is different to the authors previous series and it takes a while to get to the 'hot' scenes but I felt it was in keeping with the story line and the characters. I loved the authors Unrestrained series and I know I'm going to love the Brimstone series too. I wonder who will feature in the next book - Leah and Brandon maybe?

If You Fall is definitely a great read and I wholeheartedly recommend this 5 star book.

[2 Blues · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC copy received for honest review. After recooperating from injuries sustained in Afghanistan Beckett opened up the box of personal items shipped home while he was in the hospital. Along with his belongings,he discovered a packet of letters from a new bride to her husband, and that husband wasn't Beckett ! The love and hope expressed there made him want to return them to the nameless woman. Using his contacts and the few clues contained in these missives, he was able to locate the wife of the medic that flew in to rescue him. Her husband, Dan, was trying to save Beckett's life when the copter crashed, killing Dan. The heartbreaking situation was made more difficult as this had been a Black Op known to only a few, and he couldn't even tell Mira what happened. Beckett was instantly drawn to and attracted to Miranda the moment he saw her. Immediate attraction, survivors guilt, and confidence she would blame him for her husband's death silenced him. Miranda was still mourning Dan, and the one-year anniversary of his death was fast approaching. Flirtation grew to more intimate relations. This book made me angry at times, sad, happy, hopeful, etc., which means a terrific story. Telling half-truths and the choices made mushroomed into a situation that could have ended badly. Not telling the whole truth, leaving out facts to protect another, or was it to protect himself. Thoughts to ponder in situations outside the pages/screens/soundtrack of a book.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

As always S. E. Lund never disappoints her fans! I found this a good book with a really good story.
I must tell that sometimes I had to go back and read some extracts in order to absorb all the details because in some points I lost myself between one chopper or two choppers, or in days (at a point there was a gap that was filled with few words that only a thorough read could capture).
I cannot stand typos and I must tell that in the book I found two or three of them. But the most disappointing of all was that almost in the end of the book, in a chapter dedicated to Beckett's point of view, suddenly the story was told by Miranda' standpoint. I really don't like neither typos nor editing errors because those make me wonder if the author actually reads the book or just writes it and leave everything to her editors.
I didn't like that a few sentences were repeated two or three times along the book, it could be better to express the same concept with different words. And a little part of the dialogues was repeated in both Beckett's and Miranda's chapters.

Notwithstanding this I give this book 4 stars. It has some emotional parts, some introspective analysis and psychological turmoil.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story of two damaged people who find love. Miranda is a young widow who is trying to put her life back together a year after losing he husband of only 3 months.Beckett is a man coping with survivors guilt after recently losing one of his best friends, fellow soldiers and his girlfriend who he lost 3 years ago. Loved the fact that we are able to read both Pov's. Though I would have liked to see the book switch back and forth chapter to chapter of pov instead of half the book in one pov and then the other. I loved the fact that Miranda wanted to show respect for her ex inlaws and not bring Beckett to their house of stay out all until the one year anniversary of Dan's death had passed. As for Beckett I loved reading how he was dealing with survivors guilt and felt at the same time that there must have been a reason why the things that happened to him lead him to Miranda. I look forward to more books by Ms Lund.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters Mira (Miranda) wrote to her late husband, fall into Beckett's hands and he reads them, trying to find out who wrote them and who they were meant for, so he can return them. He tracks her down but he is so attracted to her that instead of telling her who he is, he begins a deception that is likely to ruin something special that is happening between them. Beckett and Mira (Miranda) have both experienced personal tragedies and neither is prepared for a new relationship yet they are drawn together. I like Beckett despite the fact that he made some poor choices and took so long to come clean (try forever!) I also like Mira who I thought was very forgiving. I enjoyed this story a lot. It's a romantic story, sexy and sweet with a satisfying HEA.

I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

If You Fall by SE Lund is a story about two people brought together by loss. We have Beckett, a battle weary ex Marine who falls in love with Mira, the widow of the medic who gave his life to save Beckett's life in Afghanistan. How Beckett finds his way to Mira is the basis of this romantic tale.

I appreciated getting both sides of the story as it is told in alternating pov's between Beckett and Mira. We see mistakes made on both sides due to misunderstandings and half-truths. All in all, this was an enjoyable and satisfying read that I'm rating 4 stars.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted an ARC for an honest review.....
I am a big fan of SE Lund, the Unrestrained series is one of my all time favorites and If You Fall is a great new series.I like how the story unfolded, first from Miranda's POV, then from Beckett's, finally both together. I try to avoid spoilers, but know there are some very compelling baggage in play for both of them. The book is fast paced, well developed, and such a good read. I am so looking forward to the nest 2 books in the Brimstone Series. Thanks for the opportunity.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I will admit that it took me a few chapters to really get into this book but once I did, I rather enjoyed it. Both Beckett and Miranda are suffering from losing someone they care about to death. This is very hard on both of them in different ways. There were times when I thought Beckett was coming on too strong but his personality really won me over.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship build and unfold into something wonderful. I look forward to where this new series will go.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Fall by S. E. Lund is being reviewed as an ARC. This is a sweet war romance that takes some twist and turns before love is found. The story is well written and deals with survivor guilt by both characters. I feel that the author has a really good read on what the characters are feeling and how they react is spot on. Beckett and Miranda are believable and well written. Their emotions are right on. I love the story and the characters. This book is complete with no cliff hangers for the next book. Hooray!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Brimstone Series by S.E. Lund. The main characters in the book are Beckett Tate and Miranda Parker. This is a none stop page turner from beginning to end. This is a love story about two people restarting their lives again after tragedy and death. By the end, the story brought tears to my eyes and I felt such compassion for the two main characters. I look forward to more in this new series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to find love

Loved the story. Read this in a day. Had to know what was going to happen. Beckett is one determined hot alpha male. Who know what he wants and goes after it. Miranda is one strong caring compassionate woman. She has a lot of baggage. She has had a lot to deal with and feels guilty. Can Beckett give her what she needs to move forward. Can't wait to read more from this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first story in the Brimstone series. The cover is hot, there's some hot scenes, some drama, tear jerker moments and it makes you think maybe fate and soul mates are real. Or everything happens for a reason even if it is tragic to get you to find happiness. I can't wait to read more about the Brimstone family. See where S.E. Lund takes us next! I received a ARC for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can two hurt souls fall again?

I was captivated by this book from page 1. I enjoyed the banter between Beckett and Miranda and the way she kept herself reserved as best she could; but she couldn't fight it!

You can feel the pain they both carry while at the same time experiencing the passion between them. Will they survive their pasts?

Carpe diem!

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to a new series. If You Fall is a well-written story with an excellent story-line that keeps you guessing right up to the end. From the very first page to the very last, S. E. Lund has written a story that will keep you turning the pages.

I was given a courtesy copy for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by this book from page 1. I enjoyed the banter between Beckett and Miranda and the way she kept herself reserved as best she could; but she couldn't fight it! You can feel the pain they both carry while at the same time experiencing the passion between them. Will they survive their pasts?

I couldn't put this book down & you won't be able to either!

[Paula Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Love Story. A Must Read.

S.E. Lund is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints. You can't help but fall in love with Beckett and Miranda. Two wonderful souls who are thrown together due to tragedy. I wanted Beckett to man up and tell his story to Miranda. Can't wait for the next book and hope to read more about this couple.

[Vanessa Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big big fan of S.E. Lund and once again she gives you a great love story. This story is different from her usual "big time" alpha men. Though, this guy was just as amazing. Without spoiling the book -- it was fantastic. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down (laundry got back up...again).

A must read for all! Thanks for the read.

[Seepurple06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review....I have read se real of SE Lunds books. This was a good one, not my favorite. The story was great and wounded soldier and the mix up of personal belongings leads Beckett to Miranda, a soldiers widow. This one had me realize that fate is real.

[Bleumoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! The characters are interesting the story pulled me in and I couldn't wait to see what happened!!! There was a lot of yelling at the characters and some tears... I just love S. E. Lund's books she never fails to deliver!!!

[Victoria Colan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Romance

Loved this book it was beautifully written and emotional at times . I have read this author before and she did not let down. The two characters had a instant connection and the chemistry was hot . Overall it was a great romance and finding happiness once again.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, this was an exceptional story, quite the tear jerker at the end for Beckett and Miranda.

[Tiffany Francis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only made it half way through the book.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is a awesome love story. The complications,are forever in the way. Beckett and Mira deserve to find love together.

[Rhonda Hentschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!!

Wow!!! It's the middle dale of the night here, this book is sooooo good I couldn't put it down! Read it!!!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 35%. Moving at snail's pace, nothing happening in book.