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Falling Down
Josh finds himself homeless at eighteen, but he has a plan. He’ll head north on the bus to New England and spend October there for his mother’s sake. She always talked about going to see the fall leaves someday. And when the leaves are done and the harsh winter comes, Josh plans to find a place to curl up and let go. It will be a relief to finally stop fighting.
Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now a former Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody’s hero.
Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark’s cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger’s eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expects that he’ll be the one to fall.
The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries begin?
Trigger Warning: Suicidal thoughts
Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now a former Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody’s hero.
Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark’s cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger’s eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expects that he’ll be the one to fall.
The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries begin?
Trigger Warning: Suicidal thoughts
252 pages, ebook
First published November 9, 2016
301 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,806 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
November 7, 2016
Eli Easton takes us to the woods of New Hampshire where 18-year-old Josh, homeless and adrift, comes to die. Once the snow falls, the fluffy blanket of cold and ice will be more cozy than the stench and fear he lives every day.
Josh and his mom once lived in their car, but he had his mom then, his loving, gentle mother who believed in him and tried so hard to give him a good life. Now Josh is all alone, and he's numb to everything but death.
Mark, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, finds Josh sleeping under a bridge. He gives Josh a sleeping bag, then breakfast, then a job and place to live.
Something about Josh calls to Mark, who feels lost and disconnected from his family. The youngest of five boys, Mark has never felt good enough, tough enough; he certainly doesn't dare tell his family he's gay. He joined the Marines to prove that he could be strong and brave, but war broke him.
Mark and Josh's relationship is built on friendship and trust. They like to hang out on the front porch in rocking chairs, drinking beer and talking all night. Josh is crushing hard on Mark, but Mark is six years older than Josh and doesn't think he can be what Josh needs.
This is not a light story; it's melancholy and dark in places. Josh struggles with thoughts of suicide, and Mark worries about him so much.
When the men give in to their feelings about halfway through, the three steamy scenes are tender and passionate. I enjoyed the slow burn here; it was very appropriate to the story and made the coming together that much hotter.
I really liked Mrs. Fisher, an older woman who hires Mark to paint her elaborate Victorian house. Josh is an artist, and he helps pick out the paint colors, which Mrs. Fisher likes more than the ones she chose. Josh just doesn't have faith in his artistic talent; he's scared of rejection, scared that if he doesn't have his sketches, he won't have anything at all.
Falling Down isn't a mystery, so I saw the inevitable coming. You know the story has to come full circle. Of course, that didn't make the last few chapters any easier to take. My heart broke for Josh, and for Mark too. Mark panics. For one moment, he gets it all wrong. And it costs him dearly.
Josh talks to his mom sometimes. He carries her ashes, but she's right there beside him. She doesn't always say what he wants to hear, but that's because it's not her talking at all. Except at the end; at the end it's her, and she gets it right.
Those words in the snow . . . *sobs*
Fortunately, there is an epilogue, and it's glorious. I loved this story. It will stay with me for a long time.
Josh and his mom once lived in their car, but he had his mom then, his loving, gentle mother who believed in him and tried so hard to give him a good life. Now Josh is all alone, and he's numb to everything but death.
Mark, a veteran who served in Afghanistan, finds Josh sleeping under a bridge. He gives Josh a sleeping bag, then breakfast, then a job and place to live.
Something about Josh calls to Mark, who feels lost and disconnected from his family. The youngest of five boys, Mark has never felt good enough, tough enough; he certainly doesn't dare tell his family he's gay. He joined the Marines to prove that he could be strong and brave, but war broke him.
Mark and Josh's relationship is built on friendship and trust. They like to hang out on the front porch in rocking chairs, drinking beer and talking all night. Josh is crushing hard on Mark, but Mark is six years older than Josh and doesn't think he can be what Josh needs.
This is not a light story; it's melancholy and dark in places. Josh struggles with thoughts of suicide, and Mark worries about him so much.
When the men give in to their feelings about halfway through, the three steamy scenes are tender and passionate. I enjoyed the slow burn here; it was very appropriate to the story and made the coming together that much hotter.
I really liked Mrs. Fisher, an older woman who hires Mark to paint her elaborate Victorian house. Josh is an artist, and he helps pick out the paint colors, which Mrs. Fisher likes more than the ones she chose. Josh just doesn't have faith in his artistic talent; he's scared of rejection, scared that if he doesn't have his sketches, he won't have anything at all.
Falling Down isn't a mystery, so I saw the inevitable coming. You know the story has to come full circle. Of course, that didn't make the last few chapters any easier to take. My heart broke for Josh, and for Mark too. Mark panics. For one moment, he gets it all wrong. And it costs him dearly.
Josh talks to his mom sometimes. He carries her ashes, but she's right there beside him. She doesn't always say what he wants to hear, but that's because it's not her talking at all. Except at the end; at the end it's her, and she gets it right.
Those words in the snow . . . *sobs*
Fortunately, there is an epilogue, and it's glorious. I loved this story. It will stay with me for a long time.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
February 9, 2017
4 Stars!!
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Once again, Eli Easton delivered a sweet, sweet tale that warmed my heart. 'Falling Down' is a heartfelt story about finding hope and love and second chances at life, fantastically written and sucked me in from the start. I’m a big fan of this author and after reading the blurb I was more than curious to find out how these two characters’ journey to happiness would unfold.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
Josh feels alone ever since his mother, the only person in the entire world who loved and cherished him, died. Josh is tired. He doesn’t want to feel anymore…to feel anything. He wants to find peace. He wants to die. He’s not afraid of dying, but he would have loved to know what it’s like to be loved by someone, by a man. Since he’d run away from his stepdad’s home three months ago, Josh is homeless, sleeping under the bridges or anywhere he can find a warm enough place. He still wants to do one thing he wanted to do together with his mother - to visit New England, to see the fall leaves.
Mark is a twenty-four years old former marine who, at the moment, doesn’t exactly know what he wants to do with his life. He is renting a cabin in Gainesville, New Hampshire, away from his family (since they don’t know that he’s gay), spending his days working as a painter. Painting helps him forget – forget that he wasn’t strong enough to serve his country more, forget about his nightmares at night, forget that he’s a disappointment to…everyone, that he’s a f@ck-up.
Mark “meets” Josh when he finds him sleeping under a bridge near his cabin. He gives Josh a sleeping bag, a breakfast in the morning and offers him a job – to work for him and also a place to live on the sunporch. From whatever reason, Mark feels drawn to Josh. He figures out immediately that Josh is homeless and all he wants to do is to help him in any way he can. The two of them start a tentative friendship that slowly blossoms into so much more.
“No matter if Josh lived 'til he was ninety or found his peace in the snow, he would love Mark 'til the end. He was suddenly so grateful to have experienced that.”
This heartfelt romance, despite some dark-ish undertones, was pure and simply wonderful! Both Josh and Mark were great, endearing characters I felt for from the very beginning. I liked their portrayal and how both of them had so much depth. My heart broke for Josh. He was such a lost soul and I wanted to give him a big hug so badly at times. As the story unfolds we get to meet another Josh, not the depressed and weak one but a sweet, caring, kind one. Mark was simply great with Josh. I loved how sweet and caring he was with him from the start and I absolutely loved his kindness, compassion and tenderness.
I also loved how these two characters’ relationship progressed, how they first became friends, then later something more... how they got to know each other and also their interactions. Needless to say, I loved their friendship and also how they got to trust each other. Their slow burn relationship was fantastically done. This book is not very steamy, but I enjoyed all the sexy scenes as the story unfolded.
All of the supporting characters were awesome and engaging and I wouldn’t mind reading more about some of them.
All in all, 'Falling Down' was another great read by Eli Easton – sweet, sexy, with just a little bit of angst and drama to keep you intrigued from start to finish. If you are looking for a slow burn romance with a hurt/comfort/healing storyline, then you have to try this lovely read!
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May 30, 2020
Eli Easton is one of my all-time favorite authors, and she does it again with a heartfelt, angsty book that showcases her serious side.
*Trigger warnings: PTSD, suicidal thoughts, depression*
Falling Down is about a 18-year old man at the end of his rope. Josh is heartbroken, homeless, and sees no way out of his depression other than death. But he decides to make one last trip in order to honor his mother and visit a place that they dreamed of seeing together.
Josh was a rough character for me to read about because he was so broken, so hurt, and so shut down. I had a bit of a difficult time seeing him as a sexual being, someone ready and willing to love, because he reminded me of a child in need of comforting. I slowly made that transition along with Mark, the man who gave Josh a job and a place to stay. I'm really happy that the author made this one slow burn because I would have really struggled with it otherwise.
The emotions run high with this one. I didn't cry, but I can see how many would while reading this story. I have an extremely close bond with my mother, and seeing Josh's pain at her loss and hearing what she meant and still means to him was hard.
Mark is also going through some stuff as a result of trying to prove himself in the military and being shown firsthand how ill-suited he is for that type of work. Also, Mark is closeted, and struggles with how to come out to his family. There was a lot of angst from Mark, but he really stepped up and became a rock for Josh to lean on. Josh needed Mark to give him stability and the freedom to overcome his bleak mental state, and Mark was the ideal counterpoint for him.
I liked that neither man was perfect. They both made some mistakes, and there were some misunderstandings, but everything felt realistic and not just like a plot device.
The last 20% of this book will put your emotions through the ringer. I knew it was coming, but it made me so anxious. Be prepared to bite your nails.
Falling Down was a lovely, painful, yet hopeful slow-burn love story for all fans of angsty contemporary romance. Another winner from the always reliable Eli Easton.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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*Trigger warnings: PTSD, suicidal thoughts, depression*
Falling Down is about a 18-year old man at the end of his rope. Josh is heartbroken, homeless, and sees no way out of his depression other than death. But he decides to make one last trip in order to honor his mother and visit a place that they dreamed of seeing together.
Josh was a rough character for me to read about because he was so broken, so hurt, and so shut down. I had a bit of a difficult time seeing him as a sexual being, someone ready and willing to love, because he reminded me of a child in need of comforting. I slowly made that transition along with Mark, the man who gave Josh a job and a place to stay. I'm really happy that the author made this one slow burn because I would have really struggled with it otherwise.
The emotions run high with this one. I didn't cry, but I can see how many would while reading this story. I have an extremely close bond with my mother, and seeing Josh's pain at her loss and hearing what she meant and still means to him was hard.
Mark is also going through some stuff as a result of trying to prove himself in the military and being shown firsthand how ill-suited he is for that type of work. Also, Mark is closeted, and struggles with how to come out to his family. There was a lot of angst from Mark, but he really stepped up and became a rock for Josh to lean on. Josh needed Mark to give him stability and the freedom to overcome his bleak mental state, and Mark was the ideal counterpoint for him.
I liked that neither man was perfect. They both made some mistakes, and there were some misunderstandings, but everything felt realistic and not just like a plot device.
The last 20% of this book will put your emotions through the ringer. I knew it was coming, but it made me so anxious. Be prepared to bite your nails.
Falling Down was a lovely, painful, yet hopeful slow-burn love story for all fans of angsty contemporary romance. Another winner from the always reliable Eli Easton.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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November 15, 2016
For this book to be about a suicidal, homeless 18 year old and a 24 year old ex-Marine recovering from PTSD, while hiding in the closet from his entire family, this was much more upbeat (for the most part) than what I expected.
When Josh's mother died suddenly, he could have stayed with his step-father, but that meant lying about his sexuality, so he left. He'd been homeless for a while and decided to go see the fall leave in New England, then curl up in the snow and end it all.
Mark had always feared losing his family's love, if his sexuality were ever discovered, so he enlisted in the Marines in an attempt to run away from his true nature and prove that he's every bit as tough as his 4 older brothers. Needless to say, that didn't work and only left him broken and suffering terrible nightmares about the things he had seen and done in Afghanistan.
Upon the boys meeting, Mark helped by giving Josh a purpose in the form of a job and Josh gave Mark the hope of caring for and opening up to someone again.
I loved the early interactions between Mark and Josh, with Mark suspecting Josh's suicidal thoughts and being especially careful around him, while trying to not only be Josh's employer, but also his friend and add some much-needed stability in his upturned young life.
I also loved how Mrs. Fisher, whose massive, old Victorian they were painting, added a grandmotherly presence and some extra depth to the story.
The entire story worked really well for me; however, when "the big thing" finally happened and all hell broke loose, that part felt a bit forced to me, like a firing squad of bad shit just suddenly let loose all at once.
Though I did enjoy seeing Matt's entire family rallying around him to try and help Josh, then continue their support during the aftermath.
With this being an Eli Easton story, of course Matt and Josh do get their HEA and we even get an epilogue from a year down the road to check in on how they're doing.
I'd rate this one a very strong 4 stars and suggest it to any Easton fans or new readers looking for a slightly angsty, mildly sexy read.
------------------------------------------
My copy of the story was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
January 4, 2020
3.5 Hearts!
One is not going to get anything less from Easton other than good writing and strong feels.
Josh has had it rough in his short 18 years of life, and he’s basically given up. He doesn’t want to feel or hope or want because that will inevitably bring disappointment, and Josh has definitely had quite enough.
Mark has his own baggage as well, especially from his time served in the military. He’s got a protective and caring side to him but at the same time, he’s scared of letting others down and thus afraid to commit to anything, including telling his brash traditional family that he’s gay.
When Mark sees Josh huddling under a bridge one night, Mark can’t not help him, and what begins as lending a helping hand slowly turns into so much more. Ensue a slow burn accompanied by lots of doubt and personal struggle on both these guys’ parts. Beware suicidal thoughts, in the closet anxiety, some selfishness and at times, an inability to empathize with the other’s situation, However, when it comes down to it, Easton doesn’t fail on the emotions nor the sexy.
Narrated by Michael Stellman, I’ve enjoyed him in the past and this was no different. He brings to the fore a certain melancholy fitting for the story, and the emoting done by both Mark and Josh was pitch perfect.
Overall, if you're a fan of this author, then I doubt this will disappoint. Easton for sure can be brutal in the angst but don’t be too intimidated by the subject matter here. Though there’s not a lot of puppy and rainbows except for the wonderful epilogue, this was kinda tame in the pain factor in comparison to some of her other stuff.
Again, a solid romance with a fulfilling happy ending!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review<
One is not going to get anything less from Easton other than good writing and strong feels.
Josh has had it rough in his short 18 years of life, and he’s basically given up. He doesn’t want to feel or hope or want because that will inevitably bring disappointment, and Josh has definitely had quite enough.
Mark has his own baggage as well, especially from his time served in the military. He’s got a protective and caring side to him but at the same time, he’s scared of letting others down and thus afraid to commit to anything, including telling his brash traditional family that he’s gay.
When Mark sees Josh huddling under a bridge one night, Mark can’t not help him, and what begins as lending a helping hand slowly turns into so much more. Ensue a slow burn accompanied by lots of doubt and personal struggle on both these guys’ parts. Beware suicidal thoughts, in the closet anxiety, some selfishness and at times, an inability to empathize with the other’s situation, However, when it comes down to it, Easton doesn’t fail on the emotions nor the sexy.
Narrated by Michael Stellman, I’ve enjoyed him in the past and this was no different. He brings to the fore a certain melancholy fitting for the story, and the emoting done by both Mark and Josh was pitch perfect.
Overall, if you're a fan of this author, then I doubt this will disappoint. Easton for sure can be brutal in the angst but don’t be too intimidated by the subject matter here. Though there’s not a lot of puppy and rainbows except for the wonderful epilogue, this was kinda tame in the pain factor in comparison to some of her other stuff.
Again, a solid romance with a fulfilling happy ending!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review<
September 8, 2023
An incredible book. A little too much drama for me near the end, but you can see it coming and luckily it all works out. Otherwise an extremely good piece, melancholy, a bit poetic but also so incredibly full of love.
Since suicide is the big topic here probably not a book I would re-read, but it is utterly well written and the topic is handled wonderfully. Maybe a little superficial here and there, but still very satisfying overall.
His mom was the one who told Josh he was worth something. With her gone, that positive voice grew dimmer and dimmer and finally winked out, like a failing light. 🤧🤧🤧
Josh is a beautiful character. Very wounded, introverted and absent a lot, but he hasn't completely lost sight of reality and Mark is very slowly tickling his spirits back awake.
The interactions between the two are my favorite part of the book. They are also little hidden philosophers, despite the heaviness of the subject I always had to grin.
„Say you try to 'really experience' a beautiful sunset. Great. But then it's gone. And it hurts that it's gone, because now you know there's this beautiful thing that will never happen again. So maybe it was better never to have seen it in the first place."
"There are always more sunsets."
"Yeah, but there's never that sunset." 🖤🥀🖤
Since suicide is the big topic here probably not a book I would re-read, but it is utterly well written and the topic is handled wonderfully. Maybe a little superficial here and there, but still very satisfying overall.
His mom was the one who told Josh he was worth something. With her gone, that positive voice grew dimmer and dimmer and finally winked out, like a failing light. 🤧🤧🤧
Josh is a beautiful character. Very wounded, introverted and absent a lot, but he hasn't completely lost sight of reality and Mark is very slowly tickling his spirits back awake.
The interactions between the two are my favorite part of the book. They are also little hidden philosophers, despite the heaviness of the subject I always had to grin.
„Say you try to 'really experience' a beautiful sunset. Great. But then it's gone. And it hurts that it's gone, because now you know there's this beautiful thing that will never happen again. So maybe it was better never to have seen it in the first place."
"There are always more sunsets."
"Yeah, but there's never that sunset." 🖤🥀🖤
November 15, 2016
I know, I know...Everybody loved this. Well, I liked it. Kinda. Obviously, I'm the minority, so don't mind me and my dissenting opinion.
I just didn't like Josh. There, I said it. I don't know exacly why, I think it was little things here and there. For starters, I side-eyed the vegan thing so hard. You 're vegan, that's awesome. But dude! You 've been homeless for the past three months, you 're skin and bones, you 're starving, your hands are shaking, you 're looking at bread like it's the most precious thing, but you turn down bakon? Eat the damn bacon, Josh!
And then a kind man offers him a decent job with decent money, and right off the bat he starts negotiating asking for more. I know my personal views are probably coloring my judgement when it comes o Josh, but that's how I feel. I also realise that he's just 18 years old, and a lot of his immaturity comes from that.
And in the end, the "big thing" felt like it happened because it had to, and because the author was preparing us for it from the beginning, not because it was organic to the plot.
As for Mark, he was ok I guess, and he stole the show in the end, but other than that he was just ok. Honestly, Mrs Fisher and the kind officer in the end were my favorite characters.
So, 3 stars because the writing is great and the epilogue was awesome. I didn't like this as much as I thought I would, but that's just me. *shrug*
I just didn't like Josh. There, I said it. I don't know exacly why, I think it was little things here and there. For starters, I side-eyed the vegan thing so hard. You 're vegan, that's awesome. But dude! You 've been homeless for the past three months, you 're skin and bones, you 're starving, your hands are shaking, you 're looking at bread like it's the most precious thing, but you turn down bakon? Eat the damn bacon, Josh!
And then a kind man offers him a decent job with decent money, and right off the bat he starts negotiating asking for more. I know my personal views are probably coloring my judgement when it comes o Josh, but that's how I feel. I also realise that he's just 18 years old, and a lot of his immaturity comes from that.
And in the end, the "big thing" felt like it happened because it had to, and because the author was preparing us for it from the beginning, not because it was organic to the plot.
As for Mark, he was ok I guess, and he stole the show in the end, but other than that he was just ok. Honestly, Mrs Fisher and the kind officer in the end were my favorite characters.
So, 3 stars because the writing is great and the epilogue was awesome. I didn't like this as much as I thought I would, but that's just me. *shrug*
dnf
November 10, 2016DNF at 46%
I'm so sorry, but I’m just not feeling it.
Eli Easton is always hit or miss for me. And this just couldn't keep my attention. I felt no connection to either Mark or Josh, so I decided to throw in the towel.
(And I'm still surprised at the fact that Eli Easton decided to make Josh vegan. Seriously dude, you're homeless for god's sake, how on earth do you have the luxury to be picky??)
Sorry to leave my buddy readers Els, Wendy and Karlijn hanging.
I'm so sorry, but I’m just not feeling it.
Eli Easton is always hit or miss for me. And this just couldn't keep my attention. I felt no connection to either Mark or Josh, so I decided to throw in the towel.
(And I'm still surprised at the fact that Eli Easton decided to make Josh vegan. Seriously dude, you're homeless for god's sake, how on earth do you have the luxury to be picky??)
Sorry to leave my buddy readers Els, Wendy and Karlijn hanging.
February 15, 2021
Wow. All the stars. This book was so real and so beautiful. My heart is so sad and so full right now. If you’ve read my reviews on this subject, you know that suicide is a topic close to my heart, as my only brother committed suicide. And those books, where a suicidal character finds a will to live, they give me so many feelings.
I loved both Josh and Mark. I loved how neither of them was perfect. But the book was more about Josh, and his journey. He felt so real. I’ve also dealt with depression for years, and those dark thoughts, they spoke to me. How the smallest thing can send you spiralling out of control, hating yourself and feeling alone and unloved.
The epilogue made me so happy. Josh and Mark both went through hell and deserved a HEA. Not everyone gets that. But that’s why we read romance, right, for that happy ending that gives us hope for humanity?
I loved both Josh and Mark. I loved how neither of them was perfect. But the book was more about Josh, and his journey. He felt so real. I’ve also dealt with depression for years, and those dark thoughts, they spoke to me. How the smallest thing can send you spiralling out of control, hating yourself and feeling alone and unloved.
The epilogue made me so happy. Josh and Mark both went through hell and deserved a HEA. Not everyone gets that. But that’s why we read romance, right, for that happy ending that gives us hope for humanity?
November 7, 2016
Just looking at the cover for Falling Down and reading the blurb, I knew I was in for a good cry. This story made my heart hurt, but by the end it was singing.
Josh Rivers is a young man who thinks he has nothing left to live for. The only person who ever really loved him, his mother, is dead and Josh is just so tired. Tired of fighting, tired of being alone, tired of being. So he makes one last promise to himself and his mother and heads north to see the leaves change. She always wanted to go, but they never made it. He just wants to see the beauty of the fall, before going to sleep, one last time.
Mark Sullivan is a former Marine who doesn't know which direction to go. He moved to a cabin outside of Gainesville, NH so he could have some space from his suffocating, but well-meaning family. While driving home from a job, one day, he sees a young man walking alongside the road. That young man looked bleak. Like there was no hope left in is soul.
But Josh wasn't the only one who had lost sight of hope. Mark was there, too. He felt like he let his brothers down, his father, his brothers-in-arms. Mark felt like he would always be alone so he pushed everyone away.
Mark and Josh gave each other purpose. They were both adrift and needed the connection they found with each other. And while Mark hired Josh to help him with a job, he quickly became attached - more attached than he ever thought he could get with anyone. Their romance was a slow burn and I loved that. They build a friendship and they learn how to trust each other. And when they loved, they loved big. But even then, they didn't fully trust what they had, and that almost cost them dearly. And I cried. I cried for Josh, and I cried for Mark, and I cried for what was slipping away. But worry not, we get a glorious happy ending.
Falling Down is about getting up, even when you just want to lie down and sleep. It's about learning to trust and love. It's about finding a new family and embracing the one you've got. It's about life. And hope. And love. So much love.
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ARC of Falling Down was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Josh Rivers is a young man who thinks he has nothing left to live for. The only person who ever really loved him, his mother, is dead and Josh is just so tired. Tired of fighting, tired of being alone, tired of being. So he makes one last promise to himself and his mother and heads north to see the leaves change. She always wanted to go, but they never made it. He just wants to see the beauty of the fall, before going to sleep, one last time.
Mark Sullivan is a former Marine who doesn't know which direction to go. He moved to a cabin outside of Gainesville, NH so he could have some space from his suffocating, but well-meaning family. While driving home from a job, one day, he sees a young man walking alongside the road. That young man looked bleak. Like there was no hope left in is soul.
But Josh wasn't the only one who had lost sight of hope. Mark was there, too. He felt like he let his brothers down, his father, his brothers-in-arms. Mark felt like he would always be alone so he pushed everyone away.
Mark and Josh gave each other purpose. They were both adrift and needed the connection they found with each other. And while Mark hired Josh to help him with a job, he quickly became attached - more attached than he ever thought he could get with anyone. Their romance was a slow burn and I loved that. They build a friendship and they learn how to trust each other. And when they loved, they loved big. But even then, they didn't fully trust what they had, and that almost cost them dearly. And I cried. I cried for Josh, and I cried for Mark, and I cried for what was slipping away. But worry not, we get a glorious happy ending.
Falling Down is about getting up, even when you just want to lie down and sleep. It's about learning to trust and love. It's about finding a new family and embracing the one you've got. It's about life. And hope. And love. So much love.
---------------
ARC of Falling Down was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2016
This touched me on so many levels. Amazing!
May 3, 2019
Josh is eighteen and homeless, apathetic about life, and still missing his mother who died the year before. He decides pretty spontaneously to head north to New England so he can see the changing of the leaves and wait for the snow to come and let himself finally let go.
Mark is twenty-four and struggling a bit after leaving the active Marines. He's very closeted and, with the exception of a hook-up friends-with-benefits, he's pretty alone in the Gainesville area of New Hampshire separated from his larger family in Concord while he tries to put his life together.
Mark finds Josh, invites him in and offers him a job. Their relationship quickly turns to friendship that turns in a delicious slow burn to romance, even though Mark fights it because he doesn't want to take advantage of Josh.
Told from the dual POV of both Mark and Josh, the story has a sort of melancholic baseline that could have been off-putting, but Easton writes this beautifully, like a sad poem. The reader experiences Josh's depression and apathy and gets glimpses of the PTSD/Nightmares Mark struggles with, but through it all there is a current of hope that flows strongly and makes this a wonderful story.
Falling Down is a slow burn friends to lovers romance, with some angst and deeper tones, but a lot of hope, some heated not too explicit passion, and a wonderful HEA.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Falling Down provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
The apathy Josh wore like a shroud crept back in, numbing his heart.
Mark is twenty-four and struggling a bit after leaving the active Marines. He's very closeted and, with the exception of a hook-up friends-with-benefits, he's pretty alone in the Gainesville area of New Hampshire separated from his larger family in Concord while he tries to put his life together.
Mark finds Josh, invites him in and offers him a job. Their relationship quickly turns to friendship that turns in a delicious slow burn to romance, even though Mark fights it because he doesn't want to take advantage of Josh.
Josh looked back at his sketchbook, his mouth twisting. "I... I want you." Josh's voice was firm and unashamed but it held a hint of anguish. "And you don't feel that way. It's fine. But no, it's not what I want, just hanging around like I'm your kid brother."
Mark's heart pounded. The words had been said out loud now, and there was no putting that genie back in the bottle. "Josh—"
"I get it. It's fine. It's not your problem, and you didn't ask for it. But can you please leave now? I know this is your house, but this is my room, at least for today." He scribbled at something on the page furiously. The darkness—anger, bitterness, despair—rolled off him in waves.
Yeah, Mark realized. We're really going to have to have that talk now.
"Okay. Look. It's not that I don't want you like that, Josh. I do. I—God, I do."
Josh's pencil went still in his hand.
"But I don't want to take advantage of you, and I don't know... I don't even know where I'm going to be in six months. I don't want to get into a situation where I cause you more pain. I care about you Josh. You, as a person. Your life. Can't you see that? I don't want to be that guy, just another asshole who hurt you."
Told from the dual POV of both Mark and Josh, the story has a sort of melancholic baseline that could have been off-putting, but Easton writes this beautifully, like a sad poem. The reader experiences Josh's depression and apathy and gets glimpses of the PTSD/Nightmares Mark struggles with, but through it all there is a current of hope that flows strongly and makes this a wonderful story.
He wouldn't look away from Mark's eyes for a second. This was them. Them, together. Josh and Mark.
Josh hadn't loved very many people in his life. Really, there was only one: his mom. Now he loved someone else: Mark. God, he did. Hugely. Epically. Terminally. No matter what else happened from here on out, no matter if he stayed with Mark or had to leave. No matter if Josh lived 'til he was ninety or found his peace in the snow, he would love Mark 'til the end. He was suddenly so grateful to have experienced that.
Falling Down is a slow burn friends to lovers romance, with some angst and deeper tones, but a lot of hope, some heated not too explicit passion, and a wonderful HEA.
"I love you, Josh," Mark whispered.
"Always," Josh whispered back.
And that was all and it was everything.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Falling Down provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 18, 2016
Le doy cuatro estrellas dudando sí serían mejor tres, pero ya que ha tenido que sobrevivir mi rabia absoluta por las elecciones en USA, vamos con las 4.
Easton tiene libros que son absolutamente meh para mi, y otros que se ganaron un trocito de mi corazón lector como Superhero o Mating Michael, este se acerca más a lo segundo que a lo primero. Una historia de amor en un entorno muy melancólico, como es el otoño, en la que se tocan temas duros, pensamientos y sentimientos con mucho peso, y que nos deja con un suspiro de esperanza.
No es un libro perfecto, he torcido el gesto ante algunas cosas, pero es un libro bonito, con partes muy tristes, pero bonito.
Recomendable.
Easton tiene libros que son absolutamente meh para mi, y otros que se ganaron un trocito de mi corazón lector como Superhero o Mating Michael, este se acerca más a lo segundo que a lo primero. Una historia de amor en un entorno muy melancólico, como es el otoño, en la que se tocan temas duros, pensamientos y sentimientos con mucho peso, y que nos deja con un suspiro de esperanza.
No es un libro perfecto, he torcido el gesto ante algunas cosas, pero es un libro bonito, con partes muy tristes, pero bonito.
Recomendable.
November 11, 2016
I'm just not sure how this happened...
I have to admit even I think this one's a case of it's me. I was all set to love this story. It had the makings of one that would take me apart and then put me back together again and I'm truthfully not sure why it didn't happen that way.
Josh tugged at my heartstrings and I felt for him. Losing his mom so suddenly and unexpectedly. Not really having anyone who seemed to care enough to see how much this affected him. Seriously I have to admit I was at a loss as to how the hell this would happen and sadly I know it does. People fall through the cracks in real life too and that's what happened with Josh. The only person who he felt truly understood and cared for him was ripped from his life and there was no safety net for him. I should have been in tears at this point and yet I wasn't and still I'm not sure why.
And then there's Mark. He's basically hiding from the world in a cabin in the woods. Mark's been hiding his whole life. Too afraid of losing the love of his family to share with them who he really is. Running off to join the marines rather than deal with the fallout of telling his family he's gay. Fighting off the nightmares of his time in Afghanistan on his own, not allowing anyone to see his pain.
In spite of all this Mark for me came across as a survivor. Someone who refused to give in or give up and thank heavens for this because he was just what Josh needed. Someone who would care enough for Josh to get him through a time when he wasn't caring enough for himself.
Add to all this some fabulous secondary characters Mrs. Fisher the elderly lady whose house Mark and Josh are painting, she was simply adorable and I loved how she made them lunch everyday. I've known more than a few little old ladies who she reminds me of. Mark's family, he may have been unsure of them but the fact that they were right there for him when he needed them tells me volumes about what kind of family they were. The police officer who did his job when Mark needed him to and did it without passing judgement was for me a breath of fresh air, after having read a book or two with secondary characters in it who were douchebag cops and individuals in general.
Seriously, how could this not be an absolute win for me. This is the stuff that I thrive on in a story. So the best that I can say is I got nothing? No, real idea as to why this was just good and not amazing. I got what should have been an awesome story by an author who has without fail impressed me every time I read her books. I can't even say that this one failed I liked it it was good. I just didn't make that connection that tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes and trust me those moments were there...or at least they should have been.
So, I honestly say without a doubt it's not the story it was me. Seriously read the blurb and if this is your thing read this book because I truly think chances are you'll like it...no, you'll probably love it. Eli Easton is amazing with words and she's created a beautiful story here that most people have loved. I just fell into the minority on this one. Does it mean I won't read more books by this author...Oh hell no! One disconnect does not a bad story make.
********************
An ARC of "Falling Down" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit even I think this one's a case of it's me. I was all set to love this story. It had the makings of one that would take me apart and then put me back together again and I'm truthfully not sure why it didn't happen that way.
Josh tugged at my heartstrings and I felt for him. Losing his mom so suddenly and unexpectedly. Not really having anyone who seemed to care enough to see how much this affected him. Seriously I have to admit I was at a loss as to how the hell this would happen and sadly I know it does. People fall through the cracks in real life too and that's what happened with Josh. The only person who he felt truly understood and cared for him was ripped from his life and there was no safety net for him. I should have been in tears at this point and yet I wasn't and still I'm not sure why.
And then there's Mark. He's basically hiding from the world in a cabin in the woods. Mark's been hiding his whole life. Too afraid of losing the love of his family to share with them who he really is. Running off to join the marines rather than deal with the fallout of telling his family he's gay. Fighting off the nightmares of his time in Afghanistan on his own, not allowing anyone to see his pain.
In spite of all this Mark for me came across as a survivor. Someone who refused to give in or give up and thank heavens for this because he was just what Josh needed. Someone who would care enough for Josh to get him through a time when he wasn't caring enough for himself.
Add to all this some fabulous secondary characters Mrs. Fisher the elderly lady whose house Mark and Josh are painting, she was simply adorable and I loved how she made them lunch everyday. I've known more than a few little old ladies who she reminds me of. Mark's family, he may have been unsure of them but the fact that they were right there for him when he needed them tells me volumes about what kind of family they were. The police officer who did his job when Mark needed him to and did it without passing judgement was for me a breath of fresh air, after having read a book or two with secondary characters in it who were douchebag cops and individuals in general.
Seriously, how could this not be an absolute win for me. This is the stuff that I thrive on in a story. So the best that I can say is I got nothing? No, real idea as to why this was just good and not amazing. I got what should have been an awesome story by an author who has without fail impressed me every time I read her books. I can't even say that this one failed I liked it it was good. I just didn't make that connection that tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes and trust me those moments were there...or at least they should have been.
So, I honestly say without a doubt it's not the story it was me. Seriously read the blurb and if this is your thing read this book because I truly think chances are you'll like it...no, you'll probably love it. Eli Easton is amazing with words and she's created a beautiful story here that most people have loved. I just fell into the minority on this one. Does it mean I won't read more books by this author...Oh hell no! One disconnect does not a bad story make.
********************
An ARC of "Falling Down" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2023
A quiet and moving love story with real and relatable main characters. The story is painful, but also heartwarming. I'm so glad these two found each other. They deserve their happy end, given what they’ve been through.
January 28, 2022
Overall, I did like this but it wouldn’t be one of my favourites from this much loved author. Although there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the writing or story, I expected to be more affected emotionally (the chemistry between the MC’s was sadly lacking for me). I was also perplexed by the blurb as it stated Mark was nobody’s hero but I’m not entirely sure why. I was expecting some kind of development with a fallen comrade but may be I read it wrong 🤷🏻♀️
December 2, 2022
This book was so good. Heart wrenching and heart warming. Mark and Josh really helped each other in such meaningful ways. Loved Mrs. Fisher too.
I do wonder how all those people fit in their small cabin at the end of the book though. 🤷♀️😂
I do wonder how all those people fit in their small cabin at the end of the book though. 🤷♀️😂
Want to read
November 9, 2016Here's my desktop post for "Falling Down":
http://elieaston.com/desktop-post-fal...
I hope you enjoy the book!
Eli
http://elieaston.com/desktop-post-fal...
I hope you enjoy the book!
Eli
November 17, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
[…] being numb hurts less, not caring was a kind of mercy, and not wanting anything, not even time, was a release from pain.
This book is really special. Not particularly happy, but it has a happy ending, and there are good moments. I always have this feeling of melancholy throughout when I read or listen to it. It’s about Josh feeling so sad and lost that he thinks there’s no way through, but then (very slowly) realizing that life isn’t all cruel, and that he can still experience happiness. I think the thing I love the most is that Josh isn’t ‘healed’ by love (or a magic dick), but Mark’s friendship and offer of safety and having his basic human needs met gives him the opportunity to just… take a breath and heal in more ways than one. Of course a sweet romance starts between the two, but the author hasn’t downplayed Josh’s struggles by having him get instantly better after meeting his love interest.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
Josh is also very young. He’s only 18 (Mark is 24), but he has had to grow up fast. He’s morose, prickly and defensive, but when he lets his guard down and feels a bit better, you can see glimpses of how young he is, which I actually thought was really beautiful.
Mark is also a really well developed character. He grew up in a hyper-masculine house with a bunch of brothers and a dad who threw around homophobic remarks without care, which affected him very deeply. He went straight into the military (or navy, I can’t remember lol) and hides his sexuality. I enjoyed how he genuinly wanted to help Josh, and didn’t immediately sexualize him. He isn’t blind to Josh being attractive, but he wants to help him get better mentally and physically first and foremost.
Josh knew all about being homeless now, and he'd reached the conclusion that home was as much a human necessity as water or food. It didn't matter what it was, how small, or how humble, but it had to be yours. Because when you didn't have home, something thirsty inside you shriveled up and died a little more every day. The tether that connected you to earth wore a little more thin. Josh had only been homeless for three months this time, but he couldn't imagine how people did it for years. It was like a slow poisoning of the soul.
Like I mentioned, it’s not a very happy book and it deals with some heavy themes, but I think it was all really well done. Would definitely recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Slow burn
Mental health rep
Small town
Homeless MC
Ex military MC
Closeted MC
Therapy
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Grief
Suicidal ideation
Hospitalization
Depression
Homophobia
Homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Profound hypothermia
Accidental suicide attempt
Food insecurity
Financial problems and insecurity
MC planning to commit suicide (does not)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Death of a wild animal (on page)
Nightmares (possible PTSD symptoms)
Mentions of active combat (past, detailed)
Mentions of gun violence and death (past, off page, detailed)
Brief mentions of grooming and underage sex (past, off page)
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, detailed)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Mark had a semi-regular hookup who wants a relationship. Mark doesn’t. They kiss twice on page, but nothing more, and not after things escalate with Josh.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 24
You don't wanna be homeless in fucking Vermont in the winter, dude." The warning stirred the ideas that were gaining hold in Josh's brain. October. Fall leaves in New England. Summer's sweet good-bye. The earth going into hibernation. And then? Winter. Snow. An image of a thick blanket of snow in the woods came to him, maybe next to a lake. That would be a good place. He could curl up in a snowbank and . . . let go. It wouldn't hurt much probably. And it was a beautiful image—tragic and peaceful with the muffled fall of snow covering him like a blanket. It felt right.
[…] being numb hurts less, not caring was a kind of mercy, and not wanting anything, not even time, was a release from pain.
This book is really special. Not particularly happy, but it has a happy ending, and there are good moments. I always have this feeling of melancholy throughout when I read or listen to it. It’s about Josh feeling so sad and lost that he thinks there’s no way through, but then (very slowly) realizing that life isn’t all cruel, and that he can still experience happiness. I think the thing I love the most is that Josh isn’t ‘healed’ by love (or a magic dick), but Mark’s friendship and offer of safety and having his basic human needs met gives him the opportunity to just… take a breath and heal in more ways than one. Of course a sweet romance starts between the two, but the author hasn’t downplayed Josh’s struggles by having him get instantly better after meeting his love interest.
"That's the way I want you. Like I would crawl over hot coals to get to you. Like nothing would ever stop me from being with you—not if you wanted it too."
Josh is also very young. He’s only 18 (Mark is 24), but he has had to grow up fast. He’s morose, prickly and defensive, but when he lets his guard down and feels a bit better, you can see glimpses of how young he is, which I actually thought was really beautiful.
Mark is also a really well developed character. He grew up in a hyper-masculine house with a bunch of brothers and a dad who threw around homophobic remarks without care, which affected him very deeply. He went straight into the military (or navy, I can’t remember lol) and hides his sexuality. I enjoyed how he genuinly wanted to help Josh, and didn’t immediately sexualize him. He isn’t blind to Josh being attractive, but he wants to help him get better mentally and physically first and foremost.
Josh knew all about being homeless now, and he'd reached the conclusion that home was as much a human necessity as water or food. It didn't matter what it was, how small, or how humble, but it had to be yours. Because when you didn't have home, something thirsty inside you shriveled up and died a little more every day. The tether that connected you to earth wore a little more thin. Josh had only been homeless for three months this time, but he couldn't imagine how people did it for years. It was like a slow poisoning of the soul.
Like I mentioned, it’s not a very happy book and it deals with some heavy themes, but I think it was all really well done. Would definitely recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Slow burn
Mental health rep
Small town
Homeless MC
Ex military MC
Closeted MC
Therapy
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Grief
Suicidal ideation
Hospitalization
Depression
Homophobia
Homelessness
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Profound hypothermia
Accidental suicide attempt
Food insecurity
Financial problems and insecurity
MC planning to commit suicide (does not)
Medical emergency (stroke, side character)
Death of a wild animal (on page)
Nightmares (possible PTSD symptoms)
Mentions of active combat (past, detailed)
Mentions of gun violence and death (past, off page, detailed)
Brief mentions of grooming and underage sex (past, off page)
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, detailed)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: Mark had a semi-regular hookup who wants a relationship. Mark doesn’t. They kiss twice on page, but nothing more, and not after things escalate with Josh.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 24
You don't wanna be homeless in fucking Vermont in the winter, dude." The warning stirred the ideas that were gaining hold in Josh's brain. October. Fall leaves in New England. Summer's sweet good-bye. The earth going into hibernation. And then? Winter. Snow. An image of a thick blanket of snow in the woods came to him, maybe next to a lake. That would be a good place. He could curl up in a snowbank and . . . let go. It wouldn't hurt much probably. And it was a beautiful image—tragic and peaceful with the muffled fall of snow covering him like a blanket. It felt right.
January 16, 2023
*** Never give up. Always keep hoping. Life is worth living. Follow their journey.
* Josh, 18, and his Mom had been homeless for awhile,
and he just had his mother die. He's in a bad mental state, while he plans to go north to see the fall leaves in her honor, and then lay down when the snow starts to fall, he's had enough, and no one cares.
As luck would have it, he's broke, tired, cold, and depressed, when he finds a bridge he can use for shelter. In the morning he wakes up with a warm sleeping bag covering him, and he's cozy. How did this happen?
* Mark, 24, a Marine and handyman,
has his cabin not far from the bridge, and saw the campfire. He offers Josh a room, food, clothes, and a job. Mark needs help painting a huge house. They strike a deal. As the weeks go by Mark senses a darkness in Josh and he wants to help. Mark and Josh become friends as they work together. Mark is still in the closet, and even his family doesn't know he's gay. Of course it comes out in conversations with Josh, and they have been fighting their attraction.
Josh's art...
These characters are such good people; caring, loving, and hard working. Their mental states each need help, because Mark still relives his bad moments from war, and Josh is depressed, suicidal, and grieving for his mother.
The author gives us such a soul searching, mindful discovery of what these two are thinking. We see and feel their struggles within themselves, but together they are finding deep emotional connections, understanding, and a new "belonging" in their hearts.
We revel in their sexy times, and we hope right alongside of them for a true healing love to catch hold.
It was deeply sad at times, but we never once let go of our hopefulness. When Josh goes missing, Mark is frantic, plus there is a full search and rescue.
Amazing characters, deep thought-filled musing, and a HEA, that will warm your soul. Terrific epilogue.
Highly recommended. ENJOY.
===============
Many Thanks to Todd's review and Jenny's recommendation !
=========================
Trigger: suicidal thoughts
============
* Josh, 18, and his Mom had been homeless for awhile,
and he just had his mother die. He's in a bad mental state, while he plans to go north to see the fall leaves in her honor, and then lay down when the snow starts to fall, he's had enough, and no one cares.
As luck would have it, he's broke, tired, cold, and depressed, when he finds a bridge he can use for shelter. In the morning he wakes up with a warm sleeping bag covering him, and he's cozy. How did this happen?
* Mark, 24, a Marine and handyman,
has his cabin not far from the bridge, and saw the campfire. He offers Josh a room, food, clothes, and a job. Mark needs help painting a huge house. They strike a deal. As the weeks go by Mark senses a darkness in Josh and he wants to help. Mark and Josh become friends as they work together. Mark is still in the closet, and even his family doesn't know he's gay. Of course it comes out in conversations with Josh, and they have been fighting their attraction.
Josh's art...
These characters are such good people; caring, loving, and hard working. Their mental states each need help, because Mark still relives his bad moments from war, and Josh is depressed, suicidal, and grieving for his mother.
The author gives us such a soul searching, mindful discovery of what these two are thinking. We see and feel their struggles within themselves, but together they are finding deep emotional connections, understanding, and a new "belonging" in their hearts.
We revel in their sexy times, and we hope right alongside of them for a true healing love to catch hold.
It was deeply sad at times, but we never once let go of our hopefulness. When Josh goes missing, Mark is frantic, plus there is a full search and rescue.
Amazing characters, deep thought-filled musing, and a HEA, that will warm your soul. Terrific epilogue.
Highly recommended. ENJOY.
===============
Many Thanks to Todd's review and Jenny's recommendation !
=========================
Trigger: suicidal thoughts
============
June 23, 2019
Reading Eli Easton is a safe bet for me. I can't remember any of her books I didn't like. And with "Falling down" in my eyes, she did it again!
The story is about Josh who is homeless and heading to New England to see the leaves turning red as he always wanted to do with his mother when she was still alive. Now he only has her ashes with him and he is determined to just lie down and die, once winter has arrived.
Mark is an ex-Marine who hated his deployment in Afghanistan and is not ready to tell his family that he is gay.
When they meet, Mark offers Josh a job helping him paint an old Victorian house.
Nothing happens between them, but both can't deny their attraction towards each other to themselves.
The story is beautifully written, heartwarming and sometimes really sad.
There is very little angst and the miscommunication that takes place is believable and true to the story. There is some drama towards the end but it always felt right and good, not like you sometimes feel it's just to drag the story along a little longer or add some spice at any cost.
Everything about this book, from the writing to the storyline to the HEA was just perfect for me.
Another reminder why Mrs. Easton is one of my favorite authors.
Very solid 4.5 stars and a definite reading recommendation.
The story is about Josh who is homeless and heading to New England to see the leaves turning red as he always wanted to do with his mother when she was still alive. Now he only has her ashes with him and he is determined to just lie down and die, once winter has arrived.
Mark is an ex-Marine who hated his deployment in Afghanistan and is not ready to tell his family that he is gay.
When they meet, Mark offers Josh a job helping him paint an old Victorian house.
Nothing happens between them, but both can't deny their attraction towards each other to themselves.
The story is beautifully written, heartwarming and sometimes really sad.
There is very little angst and the miscommunication that takes place is believable and true to the story. There is some drama towards the end but it always felt right and good, not like you sometimes feel it's just to drag the story along a little longer or add some spice at any cost.
Everything about this book, from the writing to the storyline to the HEA was just perfect for me.
Another reminder why Mrs. Easton is one of my favorite authors.
Very solid 4.5 stars and a definite reading recommendation.
April 5, 2021
My mood continued and I gave this one a shot. 🥰❤
This story had a lot to like and a lot of things to discuss. At the beginning we encounter Josh, a 18 year old boy who just lost his mother the only family he's got, is homeless and in deep grief wich has caused him to want to end his life. It was hard to read him sometimes, to see how his pain was so strong that he went totally numb to survive it and thus, he just didn't want to move on. Alone in the world it was hard for him.
Then his mother guides him into a little town where he meets Mark, a guy with his own issues that recognized that Josh wasn't ok. Fate brought them together and little by little, they helped heal each others wounds. It was a slow burn with a little bit of angst. I was afraid for Josh because he went straight into falling in love and I was angry at Mark and his machismo and his: well now this attitude is annoying. SAY WHAT MACHO? SAY. WHAT? But it all solved in the end in a good note and I did understand his character, so I forgive him.
Grief is awful and those chapters where Josh was lost broke me. Thank god he found the strength he needed at the end. Lovely. 🥰❤
This story had a lot to like and a lot of things to discuss. At the beginning we encounter Josh, a 18 year old boy who just lost his mother the only family he's got, is homeless and in deep grief wich has caused him to want to end his life. It was hard to read him sometimes, to see how his pain was so strong that he went totally numb to survive it and thus, he just didn't want to move on. Alone in the world it was hard for him.
Then his mother guides him into a little town where he meets Mark, a guy with his own issues that recognized that Josh wasn't ok. Fate brought them together and little by little, they helped heal each others wounds. It was a slow burn with a little bit of angst. I was afraid for Josh because he went straight into falling in love and I was angry at Mark and his machismo and his: well now this attitude is annoying. SAY WHAT MACHO? SAY. WHAT? But it all solved in the end in a good note and I did understand his character, so I forgive him.
Grief is awful and those chapters where Josh was lost broke me. Thank god he found the strength he needed at the end. Lovely. 🥰❤
February 4, 2017
3.5 stars!
December 1, 2016
Pre-read thoughts: Holy crap, that blurb. This is gonna hurt, innit?
Review: Holy crap, that hurt. My poor heart!
Trigger warnings: PTSD, suicidal thoughts, depression
Homeless and orphaned at barely 18, Josh has only one goal - get to New England for the Fall to watch the leaves change color, in honor of his mom, whom he lost, a trip that was something he and his mother had hoped to do, and then curl up and let the harsh climate take him. He spends much of his last funds on a bus ticket to get to the small New Hampshire town. Josh has basically given up.
Mark is an ex-marine, with a gaggle of older brothers, trying all his life to live up to them. He failed miserably, and has hidden himself away in a small cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, denying himself the one thing he wants - a man to love. Coming out to his conservative family and his older brothers is not possible, so Mark has beaten that part of himself into submission and given up. He's a handyman and currently working on painting the exterior of a huge Victorian house for an older lady.
Due to some fortuitous circumstances, Josh ends up under a covered bridge near the cabin, where Mark discovers him. Mark takes one look at the emaciated young man and brings him to the cabin to help him. He offers him a job as his assistant to get the house done before winter.
The romance is subdued, and I had a difficult time believing that someone who had shut down as much as Josh had here would be able to form a romantic attachment in the short time frame of this novel, considering that he traveled to NH to basically die, but perhaps that was survival instinct, or a bit of hope.
The amount of angst in this book is massive, which I expected just from the blurb, but that expectation didn't help with the tears I cried or the heartache I had from reading this book.
I'm not going to tell you what happens, or how this ends, because I think this book should be experienced without any spoilers, but I will tell you that you should buy this as soon as you can, and read it. Have tissues ready.
Eli Easton demonstrates her writing chops here. Her characters are fully fleshed out, and they are flawed. They are real. They are complex. And they learn lessons here too. Josh is written perfectly - a teenager, barely an adult, whose grief is crushing him, but who still has the impetuousness of youth dictating some of his behavior. And Mark too is written realistically - a ex-soldier whose invisible wounds run deep, and who has little hope for happiness, just trying to get through every day as best he can, and despite being older than Josh, not being any smarter in matters of the heart.
This isn't a sweet fluffy romance, and any happiness is hard fought for. There are times of darkness not just in the shortening days but in the souls of these two men, and they have to claw their way out by the skin of their teeth.
Highly recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author for review. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Review: Holy crap, that hurt. My poor heart!
Trigger warnings: PTSD, suicidal thoughts, depression
Homeless and orphaned at barely 18, Josh has only one goal - get to New England for the Fall to watch the leaves change color, in honor of his mom, whom he lost, a trip that was something he and his mother had hoped to do, and then curl up and let the harsh climate take him. He spends much of his last funds on a bus ticket to get to the small New Hampshire town. Josh has basically given up.
Mark is an ex-marine, with a gaggle of older brothers, trying all his life to live up to them. He failed miserably, and has hidden himself away in a small cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, denying himself the one thing he wants - a man to love. Coming out to his conservative family and his older brothers is not possible, so Mark has beaten that part of himself into submission and given up. He's a handyman and currently working on painting the exterior of a huge Victorian house for an older lady.
Due to some fortuitous circumstances, Josh ends up under a covered bridge near the cabin, where Mark discovers him. Mark takes one look at the emaciated young man and brings him to the cabin to help him. He offers him a job as his assistant to get the house done before winter.
The romance is subdued, and I had a difficult time believing that someone who had shut down as much as Josh had here would be able to form a romantic attachment in the short time frame of this novel, considering that he traveled to NH to basically die, but perhaps that was survival instinct, or a bit of hope.
The amount of angst in this book is massive, which I expected just from the blurb, but that expectation didn't help with the tears I cried or the heartache I had from reading this book.
I'm not going to tell you what happens, or how this ends, because I think this book should be experienced without any spoilers, but I will tell you that you should buy this as soon as you can, and read it. Have tissues ready.
Eli Easton demonstrates her writing chops here. Her characters are fully fleshed out, and they are flawed. They are real. They are complex. And they learn lessons here too. Josh is written perfectly - a teenager, barely an adult, whose grief is crushing him, but who still has the impetuousness of youth dictating some of his behavior. And Mark too is written realistically - a ex-soldier whose invisible wounds run deep, and who has little hope for happiness, just trying to get through every day as best he can, and despite being older than Josh, not being any smarter in matters of the heart.
This isn't a sweet fluffy romance, and any happiness is hard fought for. There are times of darkness not just in the shortening days but in the souls of these two men, and they have to claw their way out by the skin of their teeth.
Highly recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author for review. A positive review was not promised in return. **
November 8, 2016
Falling Down by Eli Easton is a gorgeous melancholy story of hope and love. The story starts with 18 years old Josh who has decided to end his life. He travels toNew England where he and his mom spoke of visiting one day. He figures that letting go in the snow will be a peaceful way to go. It's by chance that he ends up at the bridge near 24 years old, Mark. Something about Josh calls to Mark, and the two begin a tenuous friendship that blossoms into more.
What I loved:
-Josh. Like, Mark, I was drawn to him. His story broke my heart, and the mother in me wanted to hug him tight and tell him to keep fighting.
-Josh. Like, Mark, I was drawn to him. His story broke my heart, and the mother in me wanted to hug him tight and urge him to keep fighting.
-Relationship development. I love a great friend to lovers story, and Eli Easton delivered. It was a slow burn, and just lovely to see their feelings for each other grow.
-The tone of the story. The best way to compare it is a slow melancholy symphony that slowly turns into a happy melody.
-The secondary characters. Mrs. Fisher, Simon, and Donny were all great. **whispers**Eli Easton, please write a book for Simon. He deserves an HEA...**
-The angst. This is not a light story- it’s actually pretty heavy- it made me ugly cry. But it’s that pain that hurts so good. Angst junkies know what I’m talking about.
And the end. In the end, we're brought full circle. This was a true hurt/comfort/healing story.
I'm going to give this beautiful, haunting story 5 Stars.
P.S. I know I mentioned a book for Simon... Can I throw Daniel's name in there, too? I keep wondering what happened to him? Please tell me they'll get their HEA.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
November 17, 2016
Eli Easton has a writing style that just fits my mood, when I want emotion without painful angst, and sweetness without cloying. This is the story of a young man who ran away at 17, after his mother's death, and now at 18 is losing hope. Josh is lost, and sinking. He heads to New England to see the fall colors his mom always wanted to see with him. Her ashes are in his backpack, and he doesn't have real plans, beyond somehow finding an end to the emptiness inside him.
Mark was in the Marine Corps, and did enough time in war zones to have left him with nightmares. He's living simply, doing a home-repair service, and at the same time hiding from the loving but boisterous family that he has not yet come out to. May never come out to. But as long as a vital part of himself has to be hidden away, he can't move forward with his life, either.
Finding Josh trying to live rough under a bridge gives Mark a focus, and someone else to care about. And as Josh slowly softens and opens up under his attention and the warmth of a safe place, Mark almost dares to dream of more. But a guy left fragile by loss and rejections, and a man who is in the closet and intends to stay there, are not a match made in heaven.
Despite the themes of loss, suicidal ideation, and PTSD, this is handled with a light touch. An ultimately warm ending makes it a story that engages the emotions, but doesn't rip the heart.
Mark was in the Marine Corps, and did enough time in war zones to have left him with nightmares. He's living simply, doing a home-repair service, and at the same time hiding from the loving but boisterous family that he has not yet come out to. May never come out to. But as long as a vital part of himself has to be hidden away, he can't move forward with his life, either.
Finding Josh trying to live rough under a bridge gives Mark a focus, and someone else to care about. And as Josh slowly softens and opens up under his attention and the warmth of a safe place, Mark almost dares to dream of more. But a guy left fragile by loss and rejections, and a man who is in the closet and intends to stay there, are not a match made in heaven.
Despite the themes of loss, suicidal ideation, and PTSD, this is handled with a light touch. An ultimately warm ending makes it a story that engages the emotions, but doesn't rip the heart.
November 12, 2016
4.5 stars for this beautiful story. It's funny how's lives intersect and the way the universe provides opportunities to change destinies. This story really was about just that. A chance bridge for Josh to sleep under, a nightmare that wakes Mark and has him wandering to a small fire only to find a sleeping beauty. Mark befriends Josh and offers him a place to stay, work and food - all the luxuries taken for granted. Josh begins to trust Mark and a beautiful friendship develops. Slowly this grows into more and it is not until a huge fork in the road appears where Josh and Mark have to face their possible futures. This was heartfelt, warm and comforting ❤️
September 30, 2023
This will forever be one of my favorite books. None tug at my heartstrings in the way Falling Down does. I think, especially, for people whose lives have been touched by suicide or suicidal ideation, this book has such an emotional impact and Josh is such a wonderful portrayal of the confusing nature of these feelings. The romance in this book is amazing as well, but Josh's emotional journey is the star of the show.
For people who prefer audiobooks, I would definitely recommend the audio version of this book. I've read it as an ebook and as audio and both are amazing.
For people who prefer audiobooks, I would definitely recommend the audio version of this book. I've read it as an ebook and as audio and both are amazing.
November 29, 2016
The cover called my attention because is the same guy from the cover of Overexposed. It seems to be the same photo session as well.
This story is a touch sad. You feel for Josh... he's just tired and still hurting so much from his mom passing away... He's giving up on a life that has been tough and sometimes cruel. Even if someone else would be jaded under the same circumstances, he is not. He is such a gentle and old soul and he finds another one in Mark.
Mark is a young vet who enlisted to prove himself to his family, a family that doesn't know he's gay. He's back in New England after two tours that marked him and left him with nightmares of loss and death. He settled down as a general contractor in a small town 2 hours away from his big family to try to gain some independence and start his life as a civilian.
Fate puts these two on the same path and Mark's kindness changes Josh's and his life forever.
There is an age gap. Josh is 18 and Mark is 24, although they both read older.
I loved this story. Medium steam and free with Kindle Unlimited.
This story is a touch sad. You feel for Josh... he's just tired and still hurting so much from his mom passing away... He's giving up on a life that has been tough and sometimes cruel. Even if someone else would be jaded under the same circumstances, he is not. He is such a gentle and old soul and he finds another one in Mark.
Mark is a young vet who enlisted to prove himself to his family, a family that doesn't know he's gay. He's back in New England after two tours that marked him and left him with nightmares of loss and death. He settled down as a general contractor in a small town 2 hours away from his big family to try to gain some independence and start his life as a civilian.
Fate puts these two on the same path and Mark's kindness changes Josh's and his life forever.
There is an age gap. Josh is 18 and Mark is 24, although they both read older.
I loved this story. Medium steam and free with Kindle Unlimited.
April 28, 2019
Well, I'm sticking with 4 stars for this one. Michael Stellman's narration was good as per usual but the production of the audio left quite a lot to be desired. Long pauses in chapters, and the sound quality was pretty meh...lots of hissing and also on my copy, some of the words repeated, as in 'heebie jeebies'...we got 'bies' repeated, as well as other stuff. All of which I think should have been taken care of in post production.
***Book Review***
4.25 stars from me. Beautifully written as per usual by Eli, and yes, there were a few sniffles, especially at a certain note left in the snow, and I can't deny being completely ticked off with Mark at one stage, but yay!! HEA....
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