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Of Love and Madness #2
We All Fall Down
Being married to a rock star isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Kate and Billy McDonald have defied the odds. For twenty-two years they’ve loved each other fiercely, but it hasn’t always been easy. On the road most of the time and fighting for a foothold in the music industry, Billy struggles to make a name for himself. Frustrated and angry, he relies on dangerous methods of coping, until one night, after facing the guilt of his biggest regret, he makes a mistake that could bring his entire world crashing down around him.
Amazed at how far they’ve come from their rough beginnings, Kate cherishes her life. Sure, there are things she’d change, like having Billy home more and having a better relationship with her daughter. But when a startling betrayal follows on the heels of an unbearable loss, Kate’s world spirals out of control, leaving her staggering and wondering if it’s even possible to pick up the pieces.
What happens when love implodes? Can it rise from the ashes, or will we all fall down?
We All Fall Down is the second book in the Of Love and Madness Series. It is not a standalone, and to fully appreciate the characters, it is recommended that you read At This Moment first.
Kate and Billy McDonald have defied the odds. For twenty-two years they’ve loved each other fiercely, but it hasn’t always been easy. On the road most of the time and fighting for a foothold in the music industry, Billy struggles to make a name for himself. Frustrated and angry, he relies on dangerous methods of coping, until one night, after facing the guilt of his biggest regret, he makes a mistake that could bring his entire world crashing down around him.
Amazed at how far they’ve come from their rough beginnings, Kate cherishes her life. Sure, there are things she’d change, like having Billy home more and having a better relationship with her daughter. But when a startling betrayal follows on the heels of an unbearable loss, Kate’s world spirals out of control, leaving her staggering and wondering if it’s even possible to pick up the pieces.
What happens when love implodes? Can it rise from the ashes, or will we all fall down?
We All Fall Down is the second book in the Of Love and Madness Series. It is not a standalone, and to fully appreciate the characters, it is recommended that you read At This Moment first.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2016
231 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Karen Cimms
13 books439 followersKaren Cimms writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 19, 2023
This is the second book of the Of Love and Madness Series. I received the first book in a subscription box Romance Reveal Book Box. If the first book was love, this book was madness. Oh gosh, I've read some really dark and messed up things. Some things that made me sick to read and yet this was a more triggering book to get through. Honestly, this might be the most triggering book I've ever read and I'll tell you why…
I grew up in a family who suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. The things in this book were familiar. Too familiar. At certain times, I wondered if I had ever talked personally with the author. Sadly, I think it's just because so many addiction stories are similar. So reading about it was just a lot because there wasn't that barrier of "it hasn't happened to me" there to separate me from the story. If you have experiences with addiction, this book might also be triggering for you.
That said, this book was really good. While the first story was two people navigating love and life and family, this book adds darker topics such as mental health, gun violence, addiction, etc to the love, life, and family themes. I don't really know what else to say. I plan on reading the next one because at this point, I'm committed. And also, like I said, these books are really good. They're just heavy as well.
I grew up in a family who suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. The things in this book were familiar. Too familiar. At certain times, I wondered if I had ever talked personally with the author. Sadly, I think it's just because so many addiction stories are similar. So reading about it was just a lot because there wasn't that barrier of "it hasn't happened to me" there to separate me from the story. If you have experiences with addiction, this book might also be triggering for you.
That said, this book was really good. While the first story was two people navigating love and life and family, this book adds darker topics such as mental health, gun violence, addiction, etc to the love, life, and family themes. I don't really know what else to say. I plan on reading the next one because at this point, I'm committed. And also, like I said, these books are really good. They're just heavy as well.
January 14, 2018
4 ★'s
After all the drama from the last book, I was a little disappointed that we are now TWENTY years in the future! WTH?? I went through the whole first book waiting for all the yummy angst only to get denied...or did I?
Yes, I just needed a little patience because let me tell you - this book is freakin' depressing but I wouldn't miss it for the world. There's a reason the author makes us wait...and then she knocks us out with a two-by-four...seriously.
My heart broke for Katie...she's getting whammed at every corner. Her life with Billy is unsettling at best but I don't think I can ever forgive him for what he does to her. However, I was thrilled that she gave him a visual!
The worse was what happened at a town meeting. You always wonder what you would do and I think the author did an amazing job recreating all the trauma someone would go through.
And Katie's relationship with her kids was heart breaking as well. Anyone who's had kids can relate a little. Still, she tries to carry on. It's only when she finds out a secret that everything comes crumbling down.
It was hard to read...like I said, depressing but the author is so spot on with what Katie is going through. It makes you feel everything! I just can't imagine.
Luckily, the book leaves you with a little hope and again, you're going to want to have the next book ready!
After all the drama from the last book, I was a little disappointed that we are now TWENTY years in the future! WTH?? I went through the whole first book waiting for all the yummy angst only to get denied...or did I?
Yes, I just needed a little patience because let me tell you - this book is freakin' depressing but I wouldn't miss it for the world. There's a reason the author makes us wait...and then she knocks us out with a two-by-four...seriously.
My heart broke for Katie...she's getting whammed at every corner. Her life with Billy is unsettling at best but I don't think I can ever forgive him for what he does to her. However, I was thrilled that she gave him a visual!
The worse was what happened at a town meeting. You always wonder what you would do and I think the author did an amazing job recreating all the trauma someone would go through.
And Katie's relationship with her kids was heart breaking as well. Anyone who's had kids can relate a little. Still, she tries to carry on. It's only when she finds out a secret that everything comes crumbling down.
It was hard to read...like I said, depressing but the author is so spot on with what Katie is going through. It makes you feel everything! I just can't imagine.
Luckily, the book leaves you with a little hope and again, you're going to want to have the next book ready!
March 10, 2019
3.5 stars
The story of Billy and Kate continues. This one takes place about 20 years later than the first book. The couple have 2 children. In this book, past mistakes and emotional trauma from childhood come home to roost. In this book, there is no question that Billy loves Kate and she loves him. However, neither have dealt with their individual or couple issues. This is where rubber meets the road.
This book delivers a emotional punch and the cliffie made it worse, especially those who are hoping the couple and family makes it in the end. Kate and Billy both hit rock bottom personally and a couple. Even after all the emotional turmoil, I had to continue to find out if the couple makes it together.
The story of Billy and Kate continues. This one takes place about 20 years later than the first book. The couple have 2 children. In this book, past mistakes and emotional trauma from childhood come home to roost. In this book, there is no question that Billy loves Kate and she loves him. However, neither have dealt with their individual or couple issues. This is where rubber meets the road.
This book delivers a emotional punch and the cliffie made it worse, especially those who are hoping the couple and family makes it in the end. Kate and Billy both hit rock bottom personally and a couple. Even after all the emotional turmoil, I had to continue to find out if the couple makes it together.
April 6, 2020
Seriously people? The ratings are not warranted here, we have another toxic relationship romanticised with so much drama! There husband here rapes his wife when he is off his face on Crystal meth, what more do you need to know? Good bye 🤮
Also am I meant to believe that over twenty years ago while drunk and on drugs he cheated and got a blow job, and twenty years later while off his face again he raped his wife; But in all that time he apparently never cheated again, despite being an addict? Yeah not consistent or believable.
Also am I meant to believe that over twenty years ago while drunk and on drugs he cheated and got a blow job, and twenty years later while off his face again he raped his wife; But in all that time he apparently never cheated again, despite being an addict? Yeah not consistent or believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2019
Wow amazing! This one was pretty tough to get through because it was so emotional. It’s so real you feel all the pain and heartache that these characters are going through along with the enormous amount of love they have for each other. I love this series! On to the 3rd book.
May 19, 2018
Love and Madness..... the title of this series couldn't be more fitting.
Let's just say I was hesitant to continue the series with my up and down feelings for Billy, but I did. And boy am I happy I did.
I absolutely loved this book! .
What a rollercoaster ride for the two..... but I didn't want to get off this ride. I was totally invested at this point.
.
This love story, and yes I have to believe it's a love story, was tragic and hurtful and filled with so many miscommunications. My heart was shredded.
Is it possible for them to come back from all they've been though and all they've put each other through??? I don't know, but I'm about to find out by jumping into the final book of the series. *Fingers crossed*
Let's just say I was hesitant to continue the series with my up and down feelings for Billy, but I did. And boy am I happy I did.
I absolutely loved this book! .
What a rollercoaster ride for the two..... but I didn't want to get off this ride. I was totally invested at this point.
.
This love story, and yes I have to believe it's a love story, was tragic and hurtful and filled with so many miscommunications. My heart was shredded.
Is it possible for them to come back from all they've been though and all they've put each other through??? I don't know, but I'm about to find out by jumping into the final book of the series. *Fingers crossed*
May 3, 2019
Karen Cimms does not pull any punches. She is a writer who excels at making you feel all the heartache, anger, fear, and love her characters feel. She takes you on a journey where you're right there inside the world she's created. This book gave me all the feels - some that were hard to take, to be honest! But it was so authentic and compelling that I couldn't stop reading. I had to find out how Kate would handle all that had been thrown at her. Boy, she had it rough, and the author did an excellent job at capturing her struggles. I was rooting so hard for her to pick up the pieces and find some joy. By the end, we were on our way to that better path. Can't wait to see how things unfold in the next book!
May 1, 2023
Reread Aug. '20...love this series!!
****************************
Oh boy! Moving on to the finale! Wish me luck 😬
****************************
Oh boy! Moving on to the finale! Wish me luck 😬
June 29, 2020
Books 1-3 Of Love And Madness Series
For quite some time the Of Love And Madness series has been registering on my radar, but this was the first opportunity I had to sit down and read it. This went beyond a binge read and entered into meaningful and captivating territory after the first page of book one, At This Moment. In this series Ms. Cimms gives her audience an all-encompassing love story where every hug was enveloping and every kiss was soul sealing.
The leads in this work had a presence that reached far beyond the pages they occupied and the singular draw they felt toward each other easily translated to this writer's readers. Billy and Kate were full of imperfections, there were times that they both made choices that gave readers' reasons to question their appeal yet despite their lows there were just as many highs and what emerged were two incredible characters that offered so much in their frailty that it ultimately became their biggest strength. Details gave readers' a chance to form complicated opinions and showed the depth of this author's portrayals to their advantage. This couple's relationship was stripped down and the emotions were raw, real and lingering. Ms. Cimms showed Billy and Kate at their most vulnerable making no attempt to glamorize their bond and in doing so made them accessible to each other and reader's alike. The clarity this author had in expressing her characters miscommunications and misguided need to protect each other was done compassionately and expertly. A standout and memorable secondary cast not only enhanced but contributed significantly to this series.
The insight, intimacy and devotion Ms. Cimms had with her portrayals was rare and touching. She guided them through the best and worst of times and stayed true to her characters, never glossing over their flaws and never deserting them in their worst moments even as she elevated them in their best. This was an emotional read with no shortage of heartbreaking moments and full on sobs. If you are looking for a series to invest your time and heart into Karen Cimms' Of Love And Madness series is a must!
*Other than the first book in this series the works in this series are not stand alone.*
For quite some time the Of Love And Madness series has been registering on my radar, but this was the first opportunity I had to sit down and read it. This went beyond a binge read and entered into meaningful and captivating territory after the first page of book one, At This Moment. In this series Ms. Cimms gives her audience an all-encompassing love story where every hug was enveloping and every kiss was soul sealing.
The leads in this work had a presence that reached far beyond the pages they occupied and the singular draw they felt toward each other easily translated to this writer's readers. Billy and Kate were full of imperfections, there were times that they both made choices that gave readers' reasons to question their appeal yet despite their lows there were just as many highs and what emerged were two incredible characters that offered so much in their frailty that it ultimately became their biggest strength. Details gave readers' a chance to form complicated opinions and showed the depth of this author's portrayals to their advantage. This couple's relationship was stripped down and the emotions were raw, real and lingering. Ms. Cimms showed Billy and Kate at their most vulnerable making no attempt to glamorize their bond and in doing so made them accessible to each other and reader's alike. The clarity this author had in expressing her characters miscommunications and misguided need to protect each other was done compassionately and expertly. A standout and memorable secondary cast not only enhanced but contributed significantly to this series.
The insight, intimacy and devotion Ms. Cimms had with her portrayals was rare and touching. She guided them through the best and worst of times and stayed true to her characters, never glossing over their flaws and never deserting them in their worst moments even as she elevated them in their best. This was an emotional read with no shortage of heartbreaking moments and full on sobs. If you are looking for a series to invest your time and heart into Karen Cimms' Of Love And Madness series is a must!
*Other than the first book in this series the works in this series are not stand alone.*
May 22, 2017
I liked this one better than the first....will give full review when I finish the series.
November 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
Read the first book ladies, you need the deets!!
Being the middle book in trilogy, for me I knew that this was always going to be the one to deliver the lethal blow and boy did it!
Beautifully written it follows the trials and tribulations of Billy McDonald and the woman that has stood by him for over two decades, his wife Kate. Supporting Billy, as he has fought tooth and nail to reach his target, to make his mark in the music industry is what has kept Kate sane up until now, she loves her man but will his passion burn them both out?
Kate was a sterling character, a woman that was made of tough stuff, she had been with Billy through thick and thin but through it all; what they had, had always been worth fighting for…until now?
When her world turned a corner that she never saw coming I could almost feel her soul disintegrate and all I could think is that I wanted to put an arm round her shoulder and tell her to hold on.What do you do when what you have is broken, when your happiness is shattered and it is your shoulder to cry on that is tearing your heart apart?
Billy didn’t always make the right choices or even the smart ones but that didn’t mean he didn’t love Kate, he just got a little bent out of shape sometimes but unfortunately some errors don’t give you a way back, that you have to work out for yourself.
Some mistakes mark you for life and change not only what you think and feel but also that of the ones you love, equal bedfellows love and pain leave little behind when they enter the fray …emotion is a very cruel mistress in all its guises.
While I hoped that what they had was worth fighting for, I was pleased that the author didn’t give too much away too quickly, I’m not saying she laboured over their pain but she made the situation believable by making it seem as if their situation was running at pace that was honest.
One mistake, one catastrophic error of judgement and their lives were forever changed but what is done is done, it was moving forward that was important now, and I found the journey that I took with them was one that I didn’t want to stop.I wanted them to find a way to a happy place, to pick up their pieces and start to work hard at fitting what they had back together, I got the gravity of their situation but that didn’t mean that I was willing to accept that they couldn’t start again, my heart broke on almost every page for the pair of them.
The author totally brought their pain to life, she hid nothing and I think that made me feel as if I was a fly on the wall throughout the whole book, the situation was tantalisingly descriptive while at times it was also surreptitiously vague. I thought the author completely nailed their reactions, she painted the most colourful picture with her words and her emotional emphasis. The devastation was tangible.
I know you are dying to know how it works out but what kind of friend would I be if I spoiled the surprise, if my words meant that you didn’t get to actually experience this book, not just read it but become immersed in …I’d be a very bad friend indeed, so no spoilers juts a plea to read the book…PLEASE!
Read the first book ladies, you need the deets!!
Being the middle book in trilogy, for me I knew that this was always going to be the one to deliver the lethal blow and boy did it!
Beautifully written it follows the trials and tribulations of Billy McDonald and the woman that has stood by him for over two decades, his wife Kate. Supporting Billy, as he has fought tooth and nail to reach his target, to make his mark in the music industry is what has kept Kate sane up until now, she loves her man but will his passion burn them both out?
Kate was a sterling character, a woman that was made of tough stuff, she had been with Billy through thick and thin but through it all; what they had, had always been worth fighting for…until now?
When her world turned a corner that she never saw coming I could almost feel her soul disintegrate and all I could think is that I wanted to put an arm round her shoulder and tell her to hold on.What do you do when what you have is broken, when your happiness is shattered and it is your shoulder to cry on that is tearing your heart apart?
Billy didn’t always make the right choices or even the smart ones but that didn’t mean he didn’t love Kate, he just got a little bent out of shape sometimes but unfortunately some errors don’t give you a way back, that you have to work out for yourself.
Some mistakes mark you for life and change not only what you think and feel but also that of the ones you love, equal bedfellows love and pain leave little behind when they enter the fray …emotion is a very cruel mistress in all its guises.
While I hoped that what they had was worth fighting for, I was pleased that the author didn’t give too much away too quickly, I’m not saying she laboured over their pain but she made the situation believable by making it seem as if their situation was running at pace that was honest.
One mistake, one catastrophic error of judgement and their lives were forever changed but what is done is done, it was moving forward that was important now, and I found the journey that I took with them was one that I didn’t want to stop.I wanted them to find a way to a happy place, to pick up their pieces and start to work hard at fitting what they had back together, I got the gravity of their situation but that didn’t mean that I was willing to accept that they couldn’t start again, my heart broke on almost every page for the pair of them.
The author totally brought their pain to life, she hid nothing and I think that made me feel as if I was a fly on the wall throughout the whole book, the situation was tantalisingly descriptive while at times it was also surreptitiously vague. I thought the author completely nailed their reactions, she painted the most colourful picture with her words and her emotional emphasis. The devastation was tangible.
I know you are dying to know how it works out but what kind of friend would I be if I spoiled the surprise, if my words meant that you didn’t get to actually experience this book, not just read it but become immersed in …I’d be a very bad friend indeed, so no spoilers juts a plea to read the book…PLEASE!
November 28, 2016
This is the second book in the Of Love and Madness trilogy and book one, At This Moment, needs to be read first.
This book picks up 20 years after At This Moment and Billy Donaldson (aka Billy McDonald), is still performing on stage and is in the band Stonestreet until a fight leaves him fired after using drugs.
Kate Donaldson has become a journalist and has begun working on an article about Mr. Stevens, a man battling with the city and his neighbours about his property. Kate is still trying to hold her life together and finds herself constantly let down by her family in remembering simple things, like her birthday.
As secrets are formed and some are revealed, Kate's life begins to spiral out of control and when two unconnected tragic events occur will Kate finally break? Will Billy have his own life under control enough that he will be able to help Kate or will his own actions push her to the breaking point?
Wow. I thought the last book was emotional but this one just takes it to another level. As a parent I can just imagine how Kate really wanted to keep her family together yet she couldn't do it on her own.
I love Kate and this book she finally gets strength to begin to do what is right for herself yet that causes her to feel so alone and when everything happens she finally hits bottom. Yet I still see hope for her and I believe that she will eventually be ok.
I was pretty sad at the way Rhiannon. Kate's daughter, treated her and never saw any of Billy's faults. Yet Rhiannon's husband, Doug, saw everything and was so good to Kate and very supportive. I'm unsure how this relationship is going to turn out as Doug won't put up with Rhiannon's attitude for much longer.
I was so frustrated at Billy through this story until the very end where he actually understood his actions and started working at coming clean and improving himself. He definitely has an uphill battle ahead of him but if he can stay clean there is a chance for him.
Such an amazing book full of difficult situations and emotions! Can't wait for the final book!!
This book picks up 20 years after At This Moment and Billy Donaldson (aka Billy McDonald), is still performing on stage and is in the band Stonestreet until a fight leaves him fired after using drugs.
Kate Donaldson has become a journalist and has begun working on an article about Mr. Stevens, a man battling with the city and his neighbours about his property. Kate is still trying to hold her life together and finds herself constantly let down by her family in remembering simple things, like her birthday.
As secrets are formed and some are revealed, Kate's life begins to spiral out of control and when two unconnected tragic events occur will Kate finally break? Will Billy have his own life under control enough that he will be able to help Kate or will his own actions push her to the breaking point?
Wow. I thought the last book was emotional but this one just takes it to another level. As a parent I can just imagine how Kate really wanted to keep her family together yet she couldn't do it on her own.
I love Kate and this book she finally gets strength to begin to do what is right for herself yet that causes her to feel so alone and when everything happens she finally hits bottom. Yet I still see hope for her and I believe that she will eventually be ok.
I was pretty sad at the way Rhiannon. Kate's daughter, treated her and never saw any of Billy's faults. Yet Rhiannon's husband, Doug, saw everything and was so good to Kate and very supportive. I'm unsure how this relationship is going to turn out as Doug won't put up with Rhiannon's attitude for much longer.
I was so frustrated at Billy through this story until the very end where he actually understood his actions and started working at coming clean and improving himself. He definitely has an uphill battle ahead of him but if he can stay clean there is a chance for him.
Such an amazing book full of difficult situations and emotions! Can't wait for the final book!!
November 3, 2017
I'm going to copy and paste this review onto all
the books in the series, as I feel this is really just
one big book. I loved this series. I laughed, I
cried (I mean I really cried) I wanted to throw
my kindle across the room, and I wanted to
slow down, because I didn't want this to end.
Billy and his Katie. I have so many emotions,
and so many words, and I know that any
thing I write will not do this book justice.
This romance spanned about 20 years
and it had it all. Addiction, betrayal,
angst, friendship, family, death, but
most of all, and in front and center
it had love.
Rarely do I read a book about 2 very
imperfect people, that has me craving
the next word. I love how Ms. Cimms
got to the heart of rock and roll, and
not the glamours part. The dirty,
sad, gritty, lonely, heartbreaking
part. Billy was the perfect, imperfect
hero. From the start I had not one
doubt that Kate was it for him.
She filled a hole in him. He
absolutely lived for her.
We got to see Kate grow from a
very young girl to one of the most
kick ass heroines I have ever read.
She literally gave everything up
for Billy. We see her survive so
much tragedy, so much heart ache
and in the end we get to see her
rise up and fight for herself.
My favorite book would be book
3. We see 2 soulmates find out how
hard they will fight to be with each
other. We get to see the best of them.
All the secondary characters were just
amazing. They added such depth to
the story. The feeling of family was
so strong that at the end I had happy
tears rolling down my face. (and I
very RARELY cry while reading a
book). I also had the song "I'll
Be There For You" by BonJovi
playing on a reel in my head!
From now on this song will remind
of Billy, and his Katie!!
I will absolutely read more by
this author!!!
March 19, 2018
Heart crushing second book
Mild spoilers in this review.
This is not a stand alone and must be read as part of the trilogy.
It's been 20 years since the end of the first book, the kids are grown and Billy and Katie are still in love. However twenty years of life's ups and downs have started to create some rips in their relationship. Billy has never dealt with the past, he's never let any of his anger go, he's still keeping secrets, and he's still in very active addiction, and using drugs and alcohol to deal with life, and Katie is still enabling him.
Right after another mistake made by Billy, Katie suffers a terrible loss, and Billy dealing with his own addictions, and insecurities does something so horrible that their relationship may never fully recover. Katie suffers terribly, but she's still managing, and going on with her day to day life. While at a town meeting a horrific tragedy rocks the entire town and Katie unfortunately is right in the middle. Katie soon becomes a shell of her former self, standing on the edge of life's cliff.
This book wasn't easy to read at times. In fact several times I wanted to smack Billy, or to shake some sense into Katie, I wanted ask their daughter Rhiannon what she was thinking, and I really wanted to hug their son Devin. Mostly though I just wanted these people to ask for the help they so desperately needed, and I wanted them to quit assuming and COMMUNICATE with each other.
This second installment was wonderful, and gut wrenching and frankly as soon as I submit this review I'm going to 1 click book three. Read this trilogy!
Mild spoilers in this review.
This is not a stand alone and must be read as part of the trilogy.
It's been 20 years since the end of the first book, the kids are grown and Billy and Katie are still in love. However twenty years of life's ups and downs have started to create some rips in their relationship. Billy has never dealt with the past, he's never let any of his anger go, he's still keeping secrets, and he's still in very active addiction, and using drugs and alcohol to deal with life, and Katie is still enabling him.
Right after another mistake made by Billy, Katie suffers a terrible loss, and Billy dealing with his own addictions, and insecurities does something so horrible that their relationship may never fully recover. Katie suffers terribly, but she's still managing, and going on with her day to day life. While at a town meeting a horrific tragedy rocks the entire town and Katie unfortunately is right in the middle. Katie soon becomes a shell of her former self, standing on the edge of life's cliff.
This book wasn't easy to read at times. In fact several times I wanted to smack Billy, or to shake some sense into Katie, I wanted ask their daughter Rhiannon what she was thinking, and I really wanted to hug their son Devin. Mostly though I just wanted these people to ask for the help they so desperately needed, and I wanted them to quit assuming and COMMUNICATE with each other.
This second installment was wonderful, and gut wrenching and frankly as soon as I submit this review I'm going to 1 click book three. Read this trilogy!
June 15, 2017
Blown away!! I had every emotion known to man reading We All Fall Down! I knew it was going to bring me down, the title tells you that! Honestly, I finished the first book, At This Moment yesterday and immediately started the next one. I didn't even take a shower yesterday because I was so engrossed in this story. THIS book is now on my top 10 of 2017 list!!!! Why? Because it made me FEEL!!
I have been trying to spread the love on my Facebook and Instagram pages for this book! I think it's a hidden gem that needs to be found by more than just me!! I promise you'll love it! There are a few triggers some may have but it is definitely worth the read. I had so many mixed feelings/emotions that I actually messaged the author.
Billy really hurt me in this book. He has since been redeemed, sort of. I knew that something horrible was going to happen because everyone has a breaking point I just didn't see it coming to that extent. Some follow in the footsteps that they have been shown. He did and it hurt.
Kate, my Kate. She really goes through a huge emotional toll. Her heart breaks for many reasons in We All Fall Down but I cannot go into details because I refuse to give spoilers and I want you to go through her pain right along with her. Just know that help is around the corner for her.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Reviewed for KFA
I have been trying to spread the love on my Facebook and Instagram pages for this book! I think it's a hidden gem that needs to be found by more than just me!! I promise you'll love it! There are a few triggers some may have but it is definitely worth the read. I had so many mixed feelings/emotions that I actually messaged the author.
Billy really hurt me in this book. He has since been redeemed, sort of. I knew that something horrible was going to happen because everyone has a breaking point I just didn't see it coming to that extent. Some follow in the footsteps that they have been shown. He did and it hurt.
Kate, my Kate. She really goes through a huge emotional toll. Her heart breaks for many reasons in We All Fall Down but I cannot go into details because I refuse to give spoilers and I want you to go through her pain right along with her. Just know that help is around the corner for her.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Reviewed for KFA
August 12, 2022
Holy hell!! The dysfunction rolls on in book 2. Man, I really hated Billy at times in this. Still love where this story is heading. Diving into book 3 stat!
Note to self: this book takes place 20 years after book 1 AND it ends in a cliffhanger. I'm hoping my questions will be answered in book 3, because I have a few regarding the missing 20 years.
Note to self: this book takes place 20 years after book 1 AND it ends in a cliffhanger. I'm hoping my questions will be answered in book 3, because I have a few regarding the missing 20 years.
August 29, 2020
OMG, this book!! I'm not sure where to even start. I really didn't have any expectations going into this but if I did, it certainly would have shocked me the way this story plays out! And I loved that this book takes place 20 years into the future!
Billy and Katie have so many issues! There were times when I wanted to slap Katie for her behavior (like the people in line to slap that woman in Airplane who was freaking out, haha). I hated that she made so many assumptions about Billy! And Billy.....he just kept giving in to his addictions which only created further problems! And then this author, who I now love, did something that shocked me. No spoilers so I can't divulge it but it broke me.
And I love that we get to know the personalities of their grown children! This book ends with another cliffhanger and I cannot wait to get started on book 3!
My dearest Katie, I'm sorry. There are no words to explain or justify what I've done. I just need you to know that after all these years, you still own my heart. There has never been anyone else. You are still my passion and my madness, and even if I never see your beautiful face again, I'll love you long after I take my last breath and well beyond the end of time. Always and forever, Billy.
Billy and Katie have so many issues! There were times when I wanted to slap Katie for her behavior (like the people in line to slap that woman in Airplane who was freaking out, haha). I hated that she made so many assumptions about Billy! And Billy.....he just kept giving in to his addictions which only created further problems! And then this author, who I now love, did something that shocked me. No spoilers so I can't divulge it but it broke me.
And I love that we get to know the personalities of their grown children! This book ends with another cliffhanger and I cannot wait to get started on book 3!
My dearest Katie, I'm sorry. There are no words to explain or justify what I've done. I just need you to know that after all these years, you still own my heart. There has never been anyone else. You are still my passion and my madness, and even if I never see your beautiful face again, I'll love you long after I take my last breath and well beyond the end of time. Always and forever, Billy.
August 24, 2019
Breathtaking
Honestly, I held my breath a lot during this book lol. Again as usual I have too many thoughts and emotions that I don't want to give away. Honestly this series just brings you to your knees and you feel every heartache and heartbreak these characters endured. Our poor little Katie. I wanted to smack her into reality so many times and as she was getting strong in some ways, she was weak in others. Now, all of the most awful events in this poor girls life I swear would make anybody fall out of touch. My heart broke so bad with the first tragedy. I felt like I lost something too. Then the other tragedy I felt like I was there. Rhiannon needs to grow up and be a little nicer to her mother. Kate was always the rock. I better shut up before I give too much away but Billy honestly was out of control worse in this book I thought. So much angst but can't seem to put the kindle down. Lol. Great writing!!!
Honestly, I held my breath a lot during this book lol. Again as usual I have too many thoughts and emotions that I don't want to give away. Honestly this series just brings you to your knees and you feel every heartache and heartbreak these characters endured. Our poor little Katie. I wanted to smack her into reality so many times and as she was getting strong in some ways, she was weak in others. Now, all of the most awful events in this poor girls life I swear would make anybody fall out of touch. My heart broke so bad with the first tragedy. I felt like I lost something too. Then the other tragedy I felt like I was there. Rhiannon needs to grow up and be a little nicer to her mother. Kate was always the rock. I better shut up before I give too much away but Billy honestly was out of control worse in this book I thought. So much angst but can't seem to put the kindle down. Lol. Great writing!!!
April 9, 2019
Definitely Fall
Wow! Book 2 came out of the gate strong and never let up! Katie and Billy love strong, but their journey is not as simple as that. Through some serious heartache, they both struggle to come out the other side. Family, love, loss, addiction, depression are all there and flow through not only their perspective but those around them. We All Fall Down was a sensational ride!
Wow! Book 2 came out of the gate strong and never let up! Katie and Billy love strong, but their journey is not as simple as that. Through some serious heartache, they both struggle to come out the other side. Family, love, loss, addiction, depression are all there and flow through not only their perspective but those around them. We All Fall Down was a sensational ride!
August 19, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for book three.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for book three.
December 28, 2021
Bad Boy Rocker
This book 2 of the series had me crying and trying to get a grip on my own issues. The characters are so raw and real. I can't wait to read book 3. I hope my heart and emotions can get me though.
This book 2 of the series had me crying and trying to get a grip on my own issues. The characters are so raw and real. I can't wait to read book 3. I hope my heart and emotions can get me though.
June 5, 2021
This one will leave you feeling raw...
I remember how hard it was to read this book. So many hard things to go through. You’re so sucked in a want to yell at the characters to get them to do what you want for that happy ending. Thanks for another great book Karen! On to the next!
*trigger warnings: drugs abuse, sexual abuse
I remember how hard it was to read this book. So many hard things to go through. You’re so sucked in a want to yell at the characters to get them to do what you want for that happy ending. Thanks for another great book Karen! On to the next!
*trigger warnings: drugs abuse, sexual abuse
April 3, 2018
This is book 2 in the series, but you absolutely have to read book 1 first. This book jumps ahead 20 years or so from the end of book 1. Billy and Kate have 2 fully grown kids. Both are out of the house. Rhiannon the daughter is married to a lawyer with 2 kids and is a spoiled princess -spoiler-you will hate her. She is so f-ing obnoxious! Devin the son is off at school. Billy and Kate are still desperately in love with eachother even all these years later,but they have not really exercised their demons. Billy spends more time on the road and his drug and alcohol use has gotten worse. Kate has buried her feelings of inadequacy and enabled Billy by making excuses for him. She has made sure to give her kids the love and support she never felt. In this book poor Kate gets hit with a trifecta of shit, tragedy strikes someone she loves, Billy drunkenly confesses his night with Christa and Kate ends up being stalked and nearly killed. Nobody sees the signs that Kate is losing her hold on reality until finally she just cracks. This book is very emotional you will need tissues, but it's soooo good.
July 3, 2020
Reread in prep for Better Man to be released this month ... And boy do I want to hear Billy's view on what went down ... but I also smack him upside his head! My heart just broke for Katie over and over again in this book... How much can one woman take before she breaks... Well, I guess that she did. Break that is.
Their love is so true, but it was hard to find in this phase of their life. I forgot what he did to her and honestly, drugs or not, how could he? I wanted to kill him. I know he'll redeem himself, but he's got an uphill fight on this one. And he deserves to start at the bottom of that hole to scrape his way out of it. Wrapped in guilt - there is just no excuse.
Katie has quite the fight on her hands too ... Nothing is harder than fighting the demons in ones own mind and the overwhelming fear and survivors remorse are brutal. Id take off too! Thank you Joey for knowing what she would need even if he didn't know why he she would need it.
On to the next installment of more heartache, hopefully healing and redemption.
Their love is so true, but it was hard to find in this phase of their life. I forgot what he did to her and honestly, drugs or not, how could he? I wanted to kill him. I know he'll redeem himself, but he's got an uphill fight on this one. And he deserves to start at the bottom of that hole to scrape his way out of it. Wrapped in guilt - there is just no excuse.
Katie has quite the fight on her hands too ... Nothing is harder than fighting the demons in ones own mind and the overwhelming fear and survivors remorse are brutal. Id take off too! Thank you Joey for knowing what she would need even if he didn't know why he she would need it.
On to the next installment of more heartache, hopefully healing and redemption.
October 18, 2017
This is book two of the Of Love and Madness series and not a stand alone. You must read the first book in order to understand this one. It begins 22 years after book one ends. Kate is now 42, Billy 47-48, they have grown children and are now grandparents. Although everyone is grown up Billy is still living the immature rock star lifestyle and Kate has turned into a stepford wife. His drug and alcohol use is still out of control and his kids are spoiled brats. After several tragic things happen to Kate, her life spirals out of control to the point of having to seek help. In order to be there for her and be the man she deserves, Billy also seeks help and owns up to past behaviors. Looking forward to book 3. This book is available through Kindle Unlimited.
August 30, 2021
In this second part of Kate and Billy's life we see that their marriage has cracks due to secrets that are being kept. With Billy's drug and alcohol life start to spiral out of control will his fidelity to Kate also spiral? While each book seems to go back and forth with the time line of the couple it seems to without a great deal of preparedness of the reader. I seemed to bounce at times wondering when, and where and what was going on. I did get to feel the angst and desperation of both couple through out the book. And with the complete emotional melt down that Kate endured was well felt. And what happens with the OW who wants to tear the couple apart. And the drugs and alcohol who will be torn up about it all?
August 2, 2017
Keyword Communication!!!!
I am loving this series so hard, I mean seriously loving it. I am frustrated though because these two need to communicate.....I know I talk about characters as if they were real. Well in my readers mind they are for at least a short period of time while I am reading about them lol.
This is not going to be long so just know I am an avid reader and this series deserves to be read. You are going to get immensed into their story so much you talk to your book buddy as if they were real people and circumstances.... I know I have. You are going to ugly cry, I did. The circumstances and subject matter in this series I think person can relate too!! That's a brilliantly written book in my opinion. So check it out.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
I am loving this series so hard, I mean seriously loving it. I am frustrated though because these two need to communicate.....I know I talk about characters as if they were real. Well in my readers mind they are for at least a short period of time while I am reading about them lol.
This is not going to be long so just know I am an avid reader and this series deserves to be read. You are going to get immensed into their story so much you talk to your book buddy as if they were real people and circumstances.... I know I have. You are going to ugly cry, I did. The circumstances and subject matter in this series I think person can relate too!! That's a brilliantly written book in my opinion. So check it out.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
January 1, 2021
You are my madness and my love............
The beautiful words from book 1 turn into something else altogether in this heartbreaking continuation. Karen Cimms writing has to power to make you feel every emotion of the characters. The lesson is love no matter how sincere is not enough when secrets, lies and omissions are between two people. Katie & Billy are on a downward spiral that is hurting each other and their family more and more - no matter what the original intentions were. There are some moments in this story that you can feel that the love is still there and I am hoping to see that love again in book 3.
The beautiful words from book 1 turn into something else altogether in this heartbreaking continuation. Karen Cimms writing has to power to make you feel every emotion of the characters. The lesson is love no matter how sincere is not enough when secrets, lies and omissions are between two people. Katie & Billy are on a downward spiral that is hurting each other and their family more and more - no matter what the original intentions were. There are some moments in this story that you can feel that the love is still there and I am hoping to see that love again in book 3.
December 21, 2017
AMAZING EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER!
Loved it. Using real life situations to weave this story, the author takes us through a myriad of emotional rollercoasters. From murder, rape, alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness, we get hit by them all.
I bounced back and forth between love and hate with Billy but by the end of the book realized that I still loved him! Can't say the same for their daughter, Rhiannon. Too bitchy! Reminds me of me!
On to the last book (pout) so hope you give this series a read...it is totally worth it.
Loved it. Using real life situations to weave this story, the author takes us through a myriad of emotional rollercoasters. From murder, rape, alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness, we get hit by them all.
I bounced back and forth between love and hate with Billy but by the end of the book realized that I still loved him! Can't say the same for their daughter, Rhiannon. Too bitchy! Reminds me of me!
On to the last book (pout) so hope you give this series a read...it is totally worth it.
December 1, 2016
Five stars for We All Fall Down
The second book in Karen Cimms's trilogy is a much heavier and darker read than At this Moment but it is a honest representation of love at its ugliest and most destructive moments. The writing is polished and sophisticated and truly paints a picture of this difficult time in the lives of Kate and Billy. I am eagerly awaiting the final book in this series.
The second book in Karen Cimms's trilogy is a much heavier and darker read than At this Moment but it is a honest representation of love at its ugliest and most destructive moments. The writing is polished and sophisticated and truly paints a picture of this difficult time in the lives of Kate and Billy. I am eagerly awaiting the final book in this series.
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