Falling Free

The Southerlands #9

by Evelyn Adams

Amanda Southerland has a job she loves and a solid relationship with a man who looks great on paper. If it all feels a little hollow, so what? She’s got nothing to complain about. Her life is running like clockwork. That is until she slides down the side of a mountain and crashes into the cocky gym rat who's exactly the kind of guy she avoids. He’s all muscle, no finesse, and if she can’t stop thinking about him, it’s just because he irritates her. Nothing more.

Michael Dean’s finally opened the gym of his dreams. He doesn’t have time for a relationship and he’s absolutely not looking for love - not until the beautiful rock climber practically falls into his lap. Meeting Amanda has reordered his priorities, even if she’s stubbornly racing toward a future with the wrong guy. She may not know that he’s her happily ever after, but he’s determined to make her fall again – right into his arms.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, M F Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2016

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Evelyn Adams loves coffee, her kids, Netflix, and books. Not necessarily in that order. If she's not writing steamy romances, she's chasing kids, reading, or binging Mrs Maisel

Reviews

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon today (9/19/2017)!

[Brandan WH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting

Amanda is a true natural girl. She love the outdoors, works for an outdoor retailer and knows how to climb. It's in the climbing capacity that she meets Michael.
Michael is amazed watching Amanda climb and also intimated because she's really good. When the climb has to be rescheduled he insists its with her. In the time until the climb is rescheduled, he can't get her out of his mind. He's just opened a new gym and doesn't have time for relationships. That's until he sees Amanda in his gym....with her boyfriend and their team he's been hired to get ready for an outdoor competition!
Amanda is at a crossroads. Continue with her boyfriend even though things aren't quite right or see if there is any potential with Michael.
I agree with some of the other criticisms about this book in that we invest so much time in learning about their training we dint get the benefit of hearing much about the challenges or their progress. That criticism is tempered by some crazy sex scenes between Amanda and Michael, so there's that! ;/

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in the new Southerland Security Series. Amanda is a total outdoor girl. Her particular specialty is rock climbing. Amanda is involved with Ethan, who is clearly wrong for her (and most other women IMHO). She meets Michael, a gym owner in her capacity as a rock climbing instructor. The story is told from both Amanda’s and Michael’s point of view. Normally I am not a big fan of this style of writing, but in this case I totally enjoyed it. Won’t give any spoilers, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found it very difficult to visualise a lot of the descriptions and the whole 'contest' idea didn't really make much sense to me. There was little, if any, conflict or tension, and I kept waiting for something to happen. Nothing did, so I Dnf'd at 30%

[Carole Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

What do I do to myself? I am one for torture…I swear. I got to about 50% and I thought I was going to throw in the towel, but I kept on trudging away. I got to about 15 mins left in the book and decided to just go all the way. Sighs. Why do I do this to myself?

I should’ve listened to my gut and stopped at 50%. The first 50% was meh and the rest even more meh. YAWN. I did so much skimming, but I was never lost. That has to mean something, eh?
Michael was decent. A gym-rat though. He is opening his own gym and thinks Amanda is hot. Not a lot of character development in this one.

Amanda is a hot girl who likes to climb rocks. She is kind of a gym-rat, but more realistic. She is dating a gym-rat who is also addicted to his work. She moans and groans that he never has time for her, but has time for the gym. Mhmmm what did you think was going to happen? Things happen and she leaves the guy for Michael. LADY. He is a gym-rat to the extreme. HECK he is opening his own gym…..soooooo…..the gym will be his business. Not much different there sweetie. Good luck.

I didn’t care what happened to our characters so that was the first hint. Michael’s sisters seemed okay. He talked about them a lot though….they were all cut-out 2D shapes. Boring. More depth pleeeeeeeeeassssssssseeee.

Gah. I was on a good run with Amazon Freebies. D:

In the end, this should’ve been a DNF, but I kept on going. Nothing got better. Just more boring. Not for me sadly. I’ll give this 1 star.

[Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda and Michael are stuck together as a team after her boyfriend injures himself. The relationship wasn’t really working for her anyway and she is able to see the issues clearly after being around Michael.

I did not realize that I was reading BOOK TEN in a series. This is the first book in the Southerlands series that I have read. Not sure how I missed that. It was clear in some parts of the story that I was missing something, and I assumed that this was a spinoff, but not book 10. So, that frustration is on me.

This was a cute story. It’s obvious the previous books had more OTT Alphas, and Michael was softer. When Michael and Amanda finally decided to give their relationship a go, it felt clunky, but they were still cute.

The story itself needed more depth. The only real detailed description was the rock climbing, the other supposed challenges, yeah…not sure what those were.

[Vivi Chatzikiriakou · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Inspiring and motivating, Falling Free is a book that can induce you to take the chance and take the risk for whatever makes you happy."

Relationships, either are coming from the close family environment or from work or even the friend zone are a very sensitive subject to handle for any of us. The fine line between keeping everyone close to you or losing them one by one slowly, needs a delicate approach for not to be crossed. Knowing how hard is to keep relationships tight and strong, it is much more harder when you see yourself losing its self because you are starting to change on what others wants you to be. The best way to keep yourself real is to move away from those who don't appreciate you; However, to do that, you have to understand first the reasons you first started to change your character for the benefit of the others; secondly, to clearly see if these changes made you a happy person or not and, third, to make the decision to stay on or take off from this relationship.

It's one of the most important and difficult subjects in life and Falling Free unfolds the world of co-called relationships in a very beautiful, interesting way. While, it's a romantic story, Falling Free expound the connections people have with their families and friends as well with their personal companions. It feels like an inside look of how each people think about themselves and about the others; how their own actions provoke the future they might have with others. I found the story very enlightening on that subject and compined with the intriguing plot, it was really an enjoyable reading.

Amanda Southerland isn't the kind of woman to lock her in a gold-cage. She is a free-happy-spirit woman, just like the person her family wanted her to be. Having three caring-overprotective siblings and two parents who still love each other and much more their kids, Amanda couldn't be unlike them at all. Except that lately she indeed started to change a little. The reason was her new boyfriend, Ethan. A man who is more into his work and his own career than anything else, much for the likes of Amanda. However, she gives time and energy to make it work for them. So much, actually, that she agreed to participate in a competition, Ethan and his boss wanted so badly to win as a team. Amanda is a professional climber and a keen runner; very well trained indeed which she could easily be one of the top members of the team, yet Ethan's attitude isn't encouraged for her likes on that part. This reason alone and the fact that a hot-gorgeous-man, who is openly courting her, giving her the attention she has been craving to have for so long, were the tinders to make her reconsider what she really needed more for her future life to have. The obstacles Amanda has to pass and make a decision are many, but when the right time comes every piece of her body and soul have been clearly certain about who they wanted for her as her soulmate. Being an easy-going, carefree woman was her second nature so why to stop it now after all!

Michael Dean, is a man with principles. Growing with three sisters might be the reason for that but life taught him the same as well. Michael owns a recently opened gym and the need of a positive publicity is his first priority. When Ethan's boss came as a client asking Michael to be the personal trainer for his team, Michael was more than keen to help them out. However, from day one Michael have been standing in the middle of his own principles; Should he try and stay out of the problems which will cause a bad name to his gym or to give in to the primal need to protect the only woman he can't touch. Smart and patient, Michael waits for the time that Amanda could finally understand what she's missing off. Of course he doesn't have to wait long and he doesn't have to drag even more the inevitable to happen. Sometimes relationships need to be shield with the most primal way to unlock true love.

Sweet and romantic, Falling Free is an enjoyable book to read. The story develops beautifully. The author's fluent writing style and the intelligent way she illustrates the plot, having all these twists and turns and special moments between the main heroes, are what first captured my interest. I was intrigued by Amanda's character, especially when she started to compare the two men in her life. It was helpful to read both Amanda's and Michael's point of view because that way I could easily relate to and understand both of them more. I liked when Amanda overcome the person she started to be and I loved Michael's exposure too. His delicate approach, his willingness to make Amanda open her eyes and see, even his stubbornness, were admirable and warm-hearted my deep core. Not any man is capable, or strong enough to accept that kind of challenge and accomplished his mission. Why of course there would be a HEA in the story! Evelyn Adams loves romance and happy ever afters and, Falling Free definitely proves it. It's the second book I read by her and honestly I love it much more that the first. I guarantee you about it!

Well, I hope I intrigued your imagination and made you grab the book yourselves and find out what's really happening with Amanda and Michael because I won't tell you myself.

Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.

Vivi

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling Free : Southerland Security Book 1 is by Evelyn Adams. This is a cute romance that is easy to read and enjoy. It is realistic in both plot and characters.
Michael Dean owned a gym and he was hoping it would get some good publicity by coaching a team in the Extreme Beast Eco Challenge. However, he did need to brush up on his climbing techniques so he hired a guide to takt him up the mountain. His guide was Amanda Southerland who was a highly ranked climber and a great guide. On their climb, however, she was distracted and sprained her ankle. She told Michael he had a free climb at another time.
When Michael came to the first meeting of his group for the Challenge, he was surprised to see Amanda among the participants. She was there with her boyfriend Ethan who thought he was running the show. He doesn’t want to listen to anyone. A team member can’t do that. Can Michael get this group of diverse people to work as a team and win the challenge? Can he do this in spite of his feelings towards Amanda?

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 3 out of 5]

First line: “MICHAEL DEAN GAZED UP AT the woman moving like a ballet dancer across the gentle curve of Stone Mountain and tried to puzzle out how he was supposed to climb the smooth rock face.”

Lust at first sight, it would appear.

I thought the story would develop more...as in the romance would progress, but also that there would be an actual plot to go with...but it was really a novel that started out with the boy finding the girl he can’t have and wanting to be with/have sex with her. Then all of sudden there’s sex, sex, and more sex....and then we are back to wanting sex, but not getting.

All in all, I would have enjoyed more character and plot development, rather than a multitude of sex scenes. Maybe that’s just me.

[Jan Beaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

A really enjoyable read. I liked that the heroine was smart and strong. Although she should have kicked Ethan to the curb long before she did. Michael was a great guy. With all these so called Alpha Males who think ordering women around, acting like a caveman and some of them not taking no for an answer, Michael was a breath of fresh air. He was strong and confident in his masculinity. This was my first time reading this author but I'm going to buy the next in the series because I'm curious about the other characters.

[My2Cents]

I have never read this authors work before, the plot summary isn't something that would normally grab my attention, but the book was free so I figure I had nothing to lose. I'm not generally interested in muscled up gym junkies (you know the kind where the muscles are so huge it looks like their skin is stretched so thin over them it hurts?). Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn, the push and pull between Michael and Amanda and her sisters "assistance" to get-the-job-done. Ethan was extremely annoying and realistically I would hope no woman ever put up with a man like that but his character played his part in being the barrier that made the story play out the way it did. Both characters were relatable and very likeable. I wasn't expecting to find Michael so sweet, I enjoyed his "understanding" of women and his ever-ready apology (a lesson taught to him by his sisters). When these two finally came together I thought it was tastefully done, with enough steam to ignite my imagination but not too much that it became trashy. There was also minimal course language, another plus for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a relatively clean romance that's an easy read with humour and steam.

[Myndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by giving a slight trigger warning. The female MC is in a relationship at the start of the book. I really don't like reading about cheating, so I want to make it clear that no one cheats in this book.

I loved the way the relationship between the two main characters blossomed and how supportive Amanda's family was throughout the whole book. It really made it clear who she should be with when the family instantly likes him. And Michael seems to be a really great guy. He's interested in learning more about Amanda, he enjoys doing things she enjoys with her and isn't upset when she's better at things than he is. A case of insta-lust turns into a real connection between the two.

I became aware a little ways into the book that this is a spin off series to a series that I haven't read. That didn't distract from the story, but I do want to go read the original series now before I continue with this one.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this novel and the authors writing style, I wanted to keep reading to find out what would unfurl, and was rooting for Michael and Amanda. My gripe is the way Ms Adam’s ended the book. To all buyers out there - it's a good standalone read but don't bother with the epilogue unless you want to read more of this author and follow on with her next novel. The epilogue had nothing at all to do with Michael and Amanda, not one mention of them! It should have been listed as a sneak peak for Gabe and Berlin’s book.

It really annoys me when authors write like this. I wish they would treat the reader with more respect and tell it how it is and not try to get us invested in their next book. I would happily pay for the next in the series of standalone novels but am skeptical when authors write like this, what else will they try to get away with?

[Ann Pratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you prefer slow burn romances, this story definitely fits that description. The main characters are all likeable, and the writer has delicately handled issues around the story's heroine being in an unhappy relationship with one man, when she meets our hero - a man far more suited to her in so many ways.

All in all, this is a good old-fashioned romance. Eventually, there are sexual scenes toward the end. While these do have some adult language and explicitness, it is in good taste.

Overall, it definitely is a story that leaves one feeling good, with a very happily ever after ending, and an introduction to other members of the heroine's family, who I expect will appear in future books of the series.

[Roslynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHH...Michael.... Every girl's dream guy! Pure gentleman who knows not to "STEAL" and knows how to handle independent, stubborn, irritated woman. Makes Ethan's character almost tolerable just to compare the two.... :-)
Totally hooked on the Southerland series. I really enjoyed the out door feel and storyline. Brings an escape to the rich, billionaire or everyday hero cop. Strong characters who are not necessarily making millions and need to still work to earn a living. I enjoyed the comparison of the ring worth more than Michael's annual salary. Felt real. Evelyn Adams really is able to bring out the emotions of the characters, especially the men.

[Caryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was your basic boy meets girl and girl leaves boyfriend and falls in love. Though a simple read found parts of the plot frustrating. The characters were preparing a completing a rock climbing contest that left very little description between training and actual event. The event appeared to only be a 50 mile hike in the woods and then abruptly ended. The author then switched to the main characters brother and last pages included a call from cousin. Appeared she wanted to draw in the readers for the next book of the series; however, I found it to be poorly excuted. The positive statement I can give this book is that it was a free download from Amazon kindle.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another book on my study distraction list. This one was also meh.
I liked Michael he was nice. The main female protagonist annoyed me though - to the point where I don't remember her name.
My dislike for Elliot is really what fuelled this book because I was always excited to how he could make himself look like more of a dick.
The family element was another thing that had me loving this book - I really liked that dynamic and I partly want to continue the series just for that.
But something about this book just left me wanting more - you know? I didn't have high expectations and this book wasn't a failure but I am still unsatisfied for some reason.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acceptance or Settling...

I have read 3 of the Southerland books. 2 from the original series, this was a Spin-off. I enjoyed this book, was falling for the hero from the beginning. I was frustrated with the heroine at the beginning staying with Ethan. I found him extremely annoying. When she finally came to her senses, & she told Ethan it was over, she was too polite. Michael was awesome, sexy & smart. Knowing he needed to treat her with respect & recognizing her for the beautiful, strong, independent woman he needed.
I liked Becca & Gabe, siblings of the heroine & know their stories will be worth the wait.

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚💚💚💚💚

Wow just wow
This was my first Evelyn Adams book ever and I got to say I am totally hooked I look forward to getting to know the rest of the Southerlands.
Rock Climbing guide Amanda meets gym rat and owner Michael and sparks fly. One problem she is currently dating finance guy Ethan. Oh yeah and they are training and competing in a huge physical competion. Intrigued yet you should read to see what happens. You won't be disappointed

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting: West VA
Loved this story as so much of it took place in the outdoors. This new-to-me author writes well and held my attention throughout the story.
Steamy- a bit much for me so skipped a bit on those parts.
Amanda is a rock climbing guide- loved that. Her strong family was a draw too.
Michael is quite the hero.
I would like to read more in this series.
PS May not read other two as they don’t appeal plot-wise.

[Soli Nichiyo Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with the characters!

I loved the complexity and depth of the characters! The laugh out loud dialogue had everyone in the room asking what I was reading and the development and support that Amanda’s character showed both within the growth of her self awareness was both touching and inspirational ! Just not long enough and it was annoying that her link to her mailing list didn’t work :(

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good strong romance with just enough spice to keep it interesting. The editing is clean, the characters well developed, and enough sexual suspense to give any guy blue... Anyway, it's a very well written story that is almost believable. I especially liked the family interaction; so real. And I totally related to the good guy hero. Very enjoyable read.

[Mary Stockwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great romance

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to read about a strong female character and an equally strong male who is secure enough to recognize and admit when a woman is stronger and more knowledgeable about something than he is. Then there's the jerk boyfriend that we all hate.

[Judy Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is the first in this series and it is about Michael and Amanda. She has a boyfriend who is a corporate ladder climber but not much of a mountain climber. She and Michael are thrown together when the boyfriend breaks his leg and can't compete in the company's competition. Then the romance picks up between she and Michael.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice steady, drama free pace

I didn't realize this was a spin-off from another series but found it can be read alone without prior knowledge of the characters. It had a steady pace without the "seat of your pants" drama/suspense which is just the type of book I was looking for.
I adored the characters, well, except for Ethan, and am hoping to read more about them.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful beginning

To this side of the Southerland family saga. Amanda was doing the eco challenge with her boyfriend Ethan. But their relationship wasn't great. Michael is going to be the team trainer, they had met when he did a climb with. But they get thrown together when Ethan thinks he smarter than her and broke his leg.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great story Evelyn. Michael and Amanda's took a bit too come together first having get Ethan out of the picture then Amanda to move forward. All of this revolves being outdoors and rock climbing, not my cup of tea but still loved the story. Can't wait for the next one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

😊

She's a bit head strong and nobody gets to tell her what to do. Much less her boyfriend but when things start to go bad she might just fall in love with a better guy who her sister has been pushing her towards.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute read

Cute story, interesting believable characters. And a writer that actually doesn't abuse the English language, and properly uses grammar and punctuation! That's very much appreciated by us old farts. 😄

[Leigh Sonnekus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance with a touch of heat

I enjoyed Michael and Amanda’s story. Loved that Michael was patient yet persistent with Amanda and that they had so much chemistry. Not overly graphic but enough heat to enrich the story. Look forward to the Gabe’s story next