What do you think?
Rate this book
Affliction of Falling #2
Valorous
***This novel is intended for adults(18+) for mature and explicit sexual content. It is a standalone and the series does not have to be read in order.*** Affliction of Falling Meet five friends as they learn to love without limitations by taking a journey onto the unexpected and rugged path of falling in love. Sometimes, falling in love doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes, falling in love means a twisting torment of sweet, liberating pain beyond the confines of your comfort zone… into something beyond your wildest dreams. *Note from the In lieu of a traditional blurb, I thought I would write from the heart. You see, Jade’s story is personal for me—a raw, collective idea that crawled from the depths of pain I vicariously experienced by way of caring for a patient population very dear to my heart. This story has taken me a few years to tell. Many times, the pure emotions evoked from these characters as they evolved became too overwhelming, prompting a need for a break. I actually started writing this story before Scrupulous, but I battled with wanting to tell it just right. I didn’t want to let down those who can personally relate to the trials and tribulations these characters endure. Cancer doesn’t care. It is a dark, insatiable illness, consuming all that it can in its path. Cancer can make or break not only a person, but also the family and friends championing alongside the warrior battling to heal their body and reclaim their life. My love and respect for oncology patients and their support systems of amazing people is never ending. My hope is that you connect with this next installment of the Affliction of Falling Series, that I do this story a fraction of the justice that it deserves, and entice you to continue to explore the multifaceted struggles of falling in love during difficult and non-conventional circumstances. Please enjoy this tale of love, loss and the joys of rediscovering one's own strength and ability love again.
238 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2016
2 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Canady
13 books195 followersYou can follow the series progress @ https://www.facebook.com/midnightbloo...
Or visit our webpage @ http://www.lunareclipseseries.com/hom...
What inspired you to write your first Novel? "My girlfriends and I were sitting around discussing our latest reads, all the perfect Cinderella type romance novels that are out there and how we would like to read something that more could relate to. I have been an avid reader since I was a child and love to write, so I decided to write something for us. A not so perfect love story; one that had a little humor, tied in some vampires, a little adult content, morally hard choices and was a satisfying read for all those hard working readers who want some good ole' junk food for the brain when they come home after a long day at work."
Raised in California she moved to Colorado to pursue her education and fell in love with the area as well as her now husband.
Though Kristina loved her art and literature classes in college she put that to the side in order to start her career in nursing. After establishing her career she felt something was missing. While she adores being a nurse she felt her artistic side was calling and started to pick up her writing and painting again, setting aside a few hours a day on her day's off. After a period of time she found that her short story had grown into her first novel. Writing is a passion of hers and she feels the greatest achievement in her art is creating works that bring enjoyment to others.
She continues to reside in Colorado with her husband and children. Kristina is working on her third novel, part III of The Lunar Eclipse Series.
You can follow the series progress @ https://www.facebook.com/midnightbloo...
Or visit our webpage @ http://www.lunareclipseseries.com/hom...
What inspired you to write your first Novel? "My girlfriends and I were sitting around discussing our latest reads, all the perfect Cinderella type romance novels that are out there and how we would like to read something that more could relate to. I have been an avid reader since I was a child and love to write, so I decided to write something for us. A not so perfect love story; one that had a little humor, tied in some vampires, a little adult content, morally hard choices and was a satisfying read for all those hard working readers who want some good ole' junk food for the brain when they come home after a long day at work."
Raised in California she moved to Colorado to pursue her education and fell in love with the area as well as her now husband.
Though Kristina loved her art and literature classes in college she put that to the side in order to start her career in nursing. After establishing her career she felt something was missing. While she adores being a nurse she felt her artistic side was calling and started to pick up her writing and painting again, setting aside a few hours a day on her day's off. After a period of time she found that her short story had grown into her first novel. Writing is a passion of hers and she feels the greatest achievement in her art is creating works that bring enjoyment to others.
She continues to reside in Colorado with her husband and children. Kristina is working on her third novel, part III of The Lunar Eclipse Series.
You can follow the series progress @ https://www.facebook.com/midnightbloo...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 25, 2016
**SPOILER ALERT** LOVED SHAE & JADE!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
WOWZERS!! I don’t even know where to begin as my mind was racing with so many thoughts, my emotions were all over the place and my heart was still trying to mend itself. I may come across as a hard ass but I do have a beating heart (most times ha!). This one most definitely pulls at your heart strings especially for me because being that I am a happily married woman, I can’t even begin to describe how it would make me feel if I were in Jade’s shoes and believe me I kept thinking about my hubby the whole time. The heartbreak, sorrow, loss, guilt, fear and so many other emotions she went through – it completely tore me apart.
The angst OH-EM-GEE the angst just about gave me whiplash and while I understood it as much as I can from a reader’s standpoint. I still wanted to shake the crap outta her to get her to snap out of it. To tell her to stop running and being afraid and I have to say I LOVE that her small group of friends is EXACTLY what she needed to get her ass back in gear. They loved and supported her wholeheartedly but they also kept it real so that she wouldn’t lose herself anymore than she already had.
Shae Shae Shae (sighing dreamily)…I fuckin' LOVE that man!! I totally get why he gave her space, I get it and I am not mad at him for it. Jade may have been pissy about it, but to me it goes both ways if she really wanted to contact him, but in all serious she wasn’t ready for it no more than when they were reunited by fate. Shae gave her the time and space she needed that first time around but he wasn’t going to give up on their second chance. I love that he was that strong, silent but stood up for himself and his feelings when need be type. He had that commanding presence about him and didn’t run from his feelings and I believe he did her a world of good with opening up her heart again even though she fought that ish like crazy. While he was strong enough to fight for her and himself he also understood that she needed to for them as a couple or they would always be at odds with each other. I loved the letter from Jack who was a selfless good man and I think it gave Jade that peace she needed to move forward once she got over her initial reaction to it all. Although Jack may have played a small role physically, his presence was definitely felt throughout and I loved his character and was sad to see him go. The ending was very fitting as she said her final farewells and set her heart free in order to start a new chapter with Shae.
While I really enjoyed book 1, I have to say that I loved Valorous much more. Thank you for an awesome damn read KC!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
WOWZERS!! I don’t even know where to begin as my mind was racing with so many thoughts, my emotions were all over the place and my heart was still trying to mend itself. I may come across as a hard ass but I do have a beating heart (most times ha!). This one most definitely pulls at your heart strings especially for me because being that I am a happily married woman, I can’t even begin to describe how it would make me feel if I were in Jade’s shoes and believe me I kept thinking about my hubby the whole time. The heartbreak, sorrow, loss, guilt, fear and so many other emotions she went through – it completely tore me apart.
The angst OH-EM-GEE the angst just about gave me whiplash and while I understood it as much as I can from a reader’s standpoint. I still wanted to shake the crap outta her to get her to snap out of it. To tell her to stop running and being afraid and I have to say I LOVE that her small group of friends is EXACTLY what she needed to get her ass back in gear. They loved and supported her wholeheartedly but they also kept it real so that she wouldn’t lose herself anymore than she already had.
Shae Shae Shae (sighing dreamily)…I fuckin' LOVE that man!! I totally get why he gave her space, I get it and I am not mad at him for it. Jade may have been pissy about it, but to me it goes both ways if she really wanted to contact him, but in all serious she wasn’t ready for it no more than when they were reunited by fate. Shae gave her the time and space she needed that first time around but he wasn’t going to give up on their second chance. I love that he was that strong, silent but stood up for himself and his feelings when need be type. He had that commanding presence about him and didn’t run from his feelings and I believe he did her a world of good with opening up her heart again even though she fought that ish like crazy. While he was strong enough to fight for her and himself he also understood that she needed to for them as a couple or they would always be at odds with each other. I loved the letter from Jack who was a selfless good man and I think it gave Jade that peace she needed to move forward once she got over her initial reaction to it all. Although Jack may have played a small role physically, his presence was definitely felt throughout and I loved his character and was sad to see him go. The ending was very fitting as she said her final farewells and set her heart free in order to start a new chapter with Shae.
While I really enjoyed book 1, I have to say that I loved Valorous much more. Thank you for an awesome damn read KC!
August 25, 2016
Never thinking that she'd have to face such heartache and loss, Jade Ritter is doing her best to hold things together. In San Francisco on business, Shae MacCain arrives at just the right time, offering friendship and an escape from the heartbreak that Jade's life has become. When the unthinkable happens, and Jade is left to pick up the pieces of her life, Shae moves on, and the support of her unique circle of friends is the only thing keeping her going. As one part of a couple, Jade has come to be defined as one half of a whole. Now that she's on her own again, and after grieving the loss of that part of her life, her quest to rediscover all of the things that make her uniquely Jade will take her far outside of her comfort zone.
VALOROUS is the second book in the Affliction of Falling series by author Kristina Canady, and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more than the first book. While I didn't dislike SCRUPULOUS, I would have liked to have seen more plot and character development, and Kristina has done a nice job with that in this second book.
Jade is an interesting character. It really is satisfying to see how stepping out on her own allows her to take back those parts of herself that define her womanhood and free her to be who she really is. Leaving behind all that is comfortable, and the people that make up one's intimate circle, would be hard for anyone, and that Jade has the courage and fortitude to do it, even in the face of her own fear, made me appreciate her. Watching her learn that she doesn't need anyone else to define her makes it that much more satisfying when she learns to accept that opening herself up again is a choice, and that, with the right person, she doesn't have to put aside those rediscovered parts of herself.
I found myself very engaged with this book, and not wanting to put it aside, which is always the mark of a successful read for me. I enjoyed Jade's journey of self-discovery, her relationship with Shae, and the interactions with her zany but lovable troupe of friends that support her no matter what, and easily give VALOROUS 4 stars. I have become invested in this group of characters, and look forward to reading more about them, because, between the lot of them, there is never a dull moment.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
April 20, 2017
Full review to follow
Merged review:
The second book of the Affliction of Falling series is simply beautiful. Heartbreakingly stunning. With the authors note at the forefront of my mind, I braced this story already feeling emotions bubbling under the surface!
Jade's story was a heart shattering one. Her first true love, Jack, is sick and with Jade's release of a nearby coffee shop for one hour every day from being holed up in that hospital room she meets Shae.
Excerpt:
Sure, he was devastatingly attractive but that is not what I saw. It was his vibrancy and passion for art that attracted me, held me with its hooks and syphoned my depression away.
As their friendship developed, Jade struggled with the time she took away from Jack, without realising how much of a life line those moments with Shae truly helped her keep sane. Watching her soul mate deteriorate my heart broke....
Excerpt:
Shae was fastening a safety line that I didn't know I needed. It was something not even my own friends or family could manage, but somehow, Shae had masterfully succeeded without me even realising it.
As Jade tries to find a way to somehow exist, despite Jacks wishes for her to live, sometimes existing is all she can manage. But a year later she decides to travel and to find herself once more. Maybe she would find more than herself *susan eggs on the character*....
Excerpt:
My dream trip, I can do this. I promised Jack that I would go on and live, over the last year I've done nothing but exist. I need to learn how to live but in order to do that; I need to figure out who I really am anymore.
The journey Jade faces is a rollercoaster as she tried to piece herself back together. Struggling to leave her grief behind I felt like I was championing her forward. With the support of Shae and her friends can she leave her past where it belongs?
Final excerpt:
My soul, my heart - only belonged to one, and that was Jack. Shae is a threat to that, our connection raw and life altering, I can't have it. I can't have anyone impede on the love in my heart for my lost husband.
A truly stunning read that has it tear inducing lows but equally heart thundering highs as you travel along Jade's journey. Simply brilliant. This author never fails to astound me.
Merged review:
The second book of the Affliction of Falling series is simply beautiful. Heartbreakingly stunning. With the authors note at the forefront of my mind, I braced this story already feeling emotions bubbling under the surface!
Jade's story was a heart shattering one. Her first true love, Jack, is sick and with Jade's release of a nearby coffee shop for one hour every day from being holed up in that hospital room she meets Shae.
Excerpt:
Sure, he was devastatingly attractive but that is not what I saw. It was his vibrancy and passion for art that attracted me, held me with its hooks and syphoned my depression away.
As their friendship developed, Jade struggled with the time she took away from Jack, without realising how much of a life line those moments with Shae truly helped her keep sane. Watching her soul mate deteriorate my heart broke....
Excerpt:
Shae was fastening a safety line that I didn't know I needed. It was something not even my own friends or family could manage, but somehow, Shae had masterfully succeeded without me even realising it.
As Jade tries to find a way to somehow exist, despite Jacks wishes for her to live, sometimes existing is all she can manage. But a year later she decides to travel and to find herself once more. Maybe she would find more than herself *susan eggs on the character*....
Excerpt:
My dream trip, I can do this. I promised Jack that I would go on and live, over the last year I've done nothing but exist. I need to learn how to live but in order to do that; I need to figure out who I really am anymore.
The journey Jade faces is a rollercoaster as she tried to piece herself back together. Struggling to leave her grief behind I felt like I was championing her forward. With the support of Shae and her friends can she leave her past where it belongs?
Final excerpt:
My soul, my heart - only belonged to one, and that was Jack. Shae is a threat to that, our connection raw and life altering, I can't have it. I can't have anyone impede on the love in my heart for my lost husband.
A truly stunning read that has it tear inducing lows but equally heart thundering highs as you travel along Jade's journey. Simply brilliant. This author never fails to astound me.
August 27, 2016
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
This is a book about love, lost love, healing, and find oneself again. This is a dark, heavy book. It is very raw and very personal. It took me down a dark tunnel and, at times, I felt like I was just spiraling into nothingness. It is perfection at its best. That being said, I don’t think the feelings I felt while reading it were anything but what I was supposed to feel. I think that was the point in the way the author told the story and I applaud her on such a job well done.
This book is incredibly emotional. It’s not all sadness or darkness, but there is anger, and laughter, and frustration. There is the feeling you get when you realize how in love you are with someone and how much more you fall in love each day. The range of emotions will encompass you into a cocoon of sorts and keep you feeling until well after the story is finished.
If you’ve read book one,Scrupulous, which you need to if you haven’t, it was written based off female lead Sorcha. She still plays a huge role in this book and I think she really provides some much needed comic relief. She is also the voice of reason. Without her character and her personality, I would be coming out of this book an emotional wreck.
There is no question as to whether or not I enjoyed this book. I did so without a doubt. I need a happy, sugary sweet, life is perfect book to read next, but I don’t regret reading this. It brought up emotions, feelings, and topics I haven’t necessarily thought about because I haven’t been in the situation. It brought up some discussions that I had with my husband while pausing my reading. It brought a realness to a story and tragedy that occurs daily somewhere in the world.
Go get yourself a copy of book 1 and book 2 and start reading. Get yourself a sweet book to read after book 2 but prepare yourself for some beautiful writing.
This is a book about love, lost love, healing, and find oneself again. This is a dark, heavy book. It is very raw and very personal. It took me down a dark tunnel and, at times, I felt like I was just spiraling into nothingness. It is perfection at its best. That being said, I don’t think the feelings I felt while reading it were anything but what I was supposed to feel. I think that was the point in the way the author told the story and I applaud her on such a job well done.
This book is incredibly emotional. It’s not all sadness or darkness, but there is anger, and laughter, and frustration. There is the feeling you get when you realize how in love you are with someone and how much more you fall in love each day. The range of emotions will encompass you into a cocoon of sorts and keep you feeling until well after the story is finished.
If you’ve read book one,Scrupulous, which you need to if you haven’t, it was written based off female lead Sorcha. She still plays a huge role in this book and I think she really provides some much needed comic relief. She is also the voice of reason. Without her character and her personality, I would be coming out of this book an emotional wreck.
There is no question as to whether or not I enjoyed this book. I did so without a doubt. I need a happy, sugary sweet, life is perfect book to read next, but I don’t regret reading this. It brought up emotions, feelings, and topics I haven’t necessarily thought about because I haven’t been in the situation. It brought up some discussions that I had with my husband while pausing my reading. It brought a realness to a story and tragedy that occurs daily somewhere in the world.
Go get yourself a copy of book 1 and book 2 and start reading. Get yourself a sweet book to read after book 2 but prepare yourself for some beautiful writing.
August 31, 2016
This story took my emotions to all levels; happiness, sadness, joy, heartache, and angst. Not many books of this type wring so much emotion from mere reading but this book is more than capable of it.
When Jade lost the love of her life (Jack) I could feel her loss, sense her breaking. Thankfully; she is surrounded by a group of what I'd term to be 'extreme friends' and they all had her back. Each, in his or her own way loves Jade and helps her through her sorrow. Yet; Jade knows she must seek out herself and find the woman she once was and has lost.
Thus; she travels to Europe and finds someone who for a short period of time became her friend when she needed one so badly. Shae isn't a man prone to flowery thoughts of love but knows Jade to be the woman of his heart. His patience with her is almost endless - almost. She tests his patience and in most cases they get through what is her feelings of guilt over feeling what she does for Shae when the once love of her life 'Jack' died.
Very human emotions are written so descriptively in this story. I felt so much for Jade, for Jack, and for Shae. I wanted that happy ever after and this book didn't disappoint me one bit. It has everything a person wants in romance, along with a hot Scotsman vying for his lady. The guy likes ropes, too.......
I loved this and am so glad it was offered through Kindle-Unlimited. Thank you.
When Jade lost the love of her life (Jack) I could feel her loss, sense her breaking. Thankfully; she is surrounded by a group of what I'd term to be 'extreme friends' and they all had her back. Each, in his or her own way loves Jade and helps her through her sorrow. Yet; Jade knows she must seek out herself and find the woman she once was and has lost.
Thus; she travels to Europe and finds someone who for a short period of time became her friend when she needed one so badly. Shae isn't a man prone to flowery thoughts of love but knows Jade to be the woman of his heart. His patience with her is almost endless - almost. She tests his patience and in most cases they get through what is her feelings of guilt over feeling what she does for Shae when the once love of her life 'Jack' died.
Very human emotions are written so descriptively in this story. I felt so much for Jade, for Jack, and for Shae. I wanted that happy ever after and this book didn't disappoint me one bit. It has everything a person wants in romance, along with a hot Scotsman vying for his lady. The guy likes ropes, too.......
I loved this and am so glad it was offered through Kindle-Unlimited. Thank you.
August 25, 2016
I just spent half an hour finding the words to make this review sing...then it went and vanished on me because the app froze up!
Grrr
So, for the second time (which I have no doubt will be a lot less eloquent!)...
This is the second book in this series. It can be read as a stand alone, although the characters and some of the back story and side plots do cross over. It isn't necessary to read Scrupulous to enjoy Valorous.
I came into this book a little bit on the weary side. I had read Scrupulous and found it a little on the so-so side, but still an ok read.
But, once I started I knew this one would be different. You can tell that this story has a little more meaning to it, that the author has put a little bit more of her own heart and soul into it.
There are so many feels, a cacophony of emotions. I was sad, I was angry, I was frustrated, I was overjoyed, I laughed, I cried. I got caught up in the emotions, analysing my life, my future, my friends.
Everything about this book is bolder than Scrupulous. It has me wanting to get to know the other characters and become apart of their lives.
Definitely worth a read!
Grrr
So, for the second time (which I have no doubt will be a lot less eloquent!)...
This is the second book in this series. It can be read as a stand alone, although the characters and some of the back story and side plots do cross over. It isn't necessary to read Scrupulous to enjoy Valorous.
I came into this book a little bit on the weary side. I had read Scrupulous and found it a little on the so-so side, but still an ok read.
But, once I started I knew this one would be different. You can tell that this story has a little more meaning to it, that the author has put a little bit more of her own heart and soul into it.
There are so many feels, a cacophony of emotions. I was sad, I was angry, I was frustrated, I was overjoyed, I laughed, I cried. I got caught up in the emotions, analysing my life, my future, my friends.
Everything about this book is bolder than Scrupulous. It has me wanting to get to know the other characters and become apart of their lives.
Definitely worth a read!
September 2, 2016
As soon as I read the “note from the author”, I knew I had to read this book. A portion of this story hits personal emotions that strike a little too close to home for me.
Jade is the main female character in Valorous and her and her husband’s whole life gets turned upside down when they least expect it. Now, having to care for her sick husband, Jade battles with her inner beast. Does life go on for the one left behind? How is it humanly possible to love another after you just lost the love of your life to cancer? Jade must face the hard facts that life doesn’t end for her when, unfortunately, it does for her husband.
Innocent bystander/supporter, Shae (drool-worthy Scottish hunk), enters Jade’s life when it seems that all hope has been lost. Will Jade allow herself to fall another man? Does the fear of betraying her dead husband weigh heavier than what she is willing to open her heart to?
Valorous can be read as a standalone. Ms. Canady did a superb job writing this story. The characters are will-formed and the storyline is one that most cancer patients/caregivers can relate to. I highly recommend this book. Good job, Ms. Canady!
Jade is the main female character in Valorous and her and her husband’s whole life gets turned upside down when they least expect it. Now, having to care for her sick husband, Jade battles with her inner beast. Does life go on for the one left behind? How is it humanly possible to love another after you just lost the love of your life to cancer? Jade must face the hard facts that life doesn’t end for her when, unfortunately, it does for her husband.
Innocent bystander/supporter, Shae (drool-worthy Scottish hunk), enters Jade’s life when it seems that all hope has been lost. Will Jade allow herself to fall another man? Does the fear of betraying her dead husband weigh heavier than what she is willing to open her heart to?
Valorous can be read as a standalone. Ms. Canady did a superb job writing this story. The characters are will-formed and the storyline is one that most cancer patients/caregivers can relate to. I highly recommend this book. Good job, Ms. Canady!
September 4, 2016
Full review can be found HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~Lisa
~Lisa
August 25, 2016
Talk about a heart wrenching story!! I really enjoyed Jade and Shae's story. A book of self discovery, heartache, survival and love. It was really very touching and inspiring.
(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)
(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)
May 30, 2017
Oh where to begin with this book from the amazing Kristina Canady.
The tears, I don't think I ever cried so hard from the first paragraph in a book.
This book has it all, the heartbreak, being afraid to let go, being afraid to embrace what is in front of you and learning to get out of your head.
The sex is just so hot!
I love being able to learn more of the BDSM lifestyle through these books because they are done from truth, and a vast knowledge.
Jade and her group have this openness about their lives and its great to see the bonds.
Jade is searching for herself as tragedy strikes.
Shae is a man who felt a connection with Jade an never forgot her.
He didn't know how to help her so he left.
With the help of her friends, she embarks on a vacation which finds her redisovering herself.
I won't go into more because this is a book you want to read plus I hate spoilers.
This is a great series and Kristina Canady really out did herself.
The tears, I don't think I ever cried so hard from the first paragraph in a book.
This book has it all, the heartbreak, being afraid to let go, being afraid to embrace what is in front of you and learning to get out of your head.
The sex is just so hot!
I love being able to learn more of the BDSM lifestyle through these books because they are done from truth, and a vast knowledge.
Jade and her group have this openness about their lives and its great to see the bonds.
Jade is searching for herself as tragedy strikes.
Shae is a man who felt a connection with Jade an never forgot her.
He didn't know how to help her so he left.
With the help of her friends, she embarks on a vacation which finds her redisovering herself.
I won't go into more because this is a book you want to read plus I hate spoilers.
This is a great series and Kristina Canady really out did herself.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews