Falling Hard

by C.M. Lally

I have it all. I’m everything a man dreams of being; a first round NBA draft pick, an alpha beast in the bedroom, and I’ve got swagger for days. People either hate me or love me. Sometimes both. I’m the best at what I do in the arena AND in the bedroom. And sure, I have a past. And that’s where it stays. I’m building a new life now and even though I can’t change what I’ve been through, I sure as hell can change where I’m heading. At least, that’s what I thought until I met HER. All I need is a camera and a sport. I can take care of the rest. I was happy before I met him. I had my career and I answered to no one. My passion was through my lens, where it was safer to be. But then HE comes along. He’s everything I usually despise in a man; he’s arrogant, cocky, and way too sure of himself. Yet, I know he has reason to be. I also know it’s all covering up a deep pain. Which is something I can relate to. But he can never know that. I won’t be a woman who gives up everything for a man. Especially if it’s my heart.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2017

About the author

Tidbits (I'm not that interesting!):
Born: "We are Marshall", West Virginia
Hometown: "Censor"nati, Ohio; home of the Bungles football team
What I wanted to be when I grew up: Anything, but poor; or bored; or lazy.
Longest-standing hobby: Reading books and giving solo car concerts
Astrology: Sagittarius
Personality typing: Myers-Briggs ISFJ (“The Defender”)
Favorite Book: Gone With the Wind
Favorite Color: Red
If I could have a superpower: It would be the ability to teleport
Most annoying habit: Singing every song that I know on the radio
Life's philosophy: Do me wrong and I'll do you even worse; do me right and I'll do you even better.
Biggest fear: Heights and never being truly loved

Reviews

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is CM Lally's second work of fiction and she scored multiple three point shots with it. The entire story from the first page to the last had me locked in. I was sorry to see it end. I would give this book more than 5 stars. Kyle and Aran are people who live for their goals, whether that be playing in the NBA or working for SI. It is not until a freak accident on the court makes them both realize that love is the most important goal to achieve. Through twists and turns they fall apart only to find themselves in the end. I highly recommend this book. Cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Lyssa Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

FALLING HARD is C.M. LALLY's follow up novel to her debut book ALL MEN FALL. This story drew me in right away. I adored this read from the first paragraph to the last.

What starts out as an attraction-based relationship of convenience grows into a solid and serious, devoted love. Of course there are several hurdles for them to overcome along the way to happily ever after. This story is so believable and intriguing because Aran and Kyle are so relatable.

I quickly fell in love with Kyle, who is incredibly talented, goal-oriented, caring, and all around drool-worthy. And with Aran, a smart, confident, sassy young woman who knows what she wants and goes after it.

LALLY's characters are so well developed I feel like I really got to know them and connected with them on a personal level. I actually missed them when the story was finished.

As a bonus we got to revisit Nick and Jenna and see how their lives have progressed since the end of ALL MEN FALL. A total win-win situation!

Beautifully crafted and fabulously written, this book gets a total five-star rave from me. This author is going places and I can not wait to see what C.M LALLY has in store for us next.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again CM Lally has crafted a wonderfully emotional journey that takes the reader along for the ride from page one. The way Ms. Lally writes allows the reader to engage with the story and the characters from the first page. She creates real, dimensional characters with flaws and vulnerabilities. I think each reader will find something in the characters that they like or can relate to. Aran is the sister to Nick Bailey, from All Men Fall. She is now a college graduate out to make a name for herself. She is confident in who she is which I like in a female lead. Kyle is still trying to make his dream a reality when he is thrown a curve ball - Aran. The story will take the reader through the highs and lows of their relationship as they find out who they are apart as well as together and whether they will last. The romance is both sweet and steamy. As an added bonus, we get to catch up with Nick and Jenna.

This author is a great new voice in romance. I am looking forward to where she takes us as her own journey as an author unfolds.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and enchanting story. In this fantastic book Cyndy has described the perfect couple. Aran, a fiery red head unaware of her beauty and charm; Kyle an adorable and loving man who tries to resist and exclude love from his life because there is too much at stake to be involved in a serious relationship. But fate has other plans for him because his encounter with Aran will leave him without words and his heart will finally make a decision on his behalf. In her second book Cyndy has outdone herself. The characters are real, an everyday couple created with no sort of presumption. I highly recommend this book, it will warm every reader’s heart.

[Yeluz Selarom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyle Daniels star basketball star meets his match in Aren Bailey she's the new photographer for his college team the Bears. Then an unexpected injury occurs and she needs surgery for her ankle but him feeling guilty as he feels that he caused it volunteers to help her in her time of need but his attraction to her is so strong that he asks her to be fuck buddies. Little did he know that her sweetness and sassy ness will make his feelings get involved. He has so many things going on that they are forced to part ways. I love Aren she is strong has the right amount of sass that just sucks u in the book. Awesome job Cyndy am proud of you..

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Hit!

I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved C.M. Lally ' s sophomore book! It's full of the feels you want and the sexy stuff is pretty amazing too! Aran and Kyle's love story is an emotional journey full of ups and downs that keep you interested through the entire book. It doesn't follow the normal girl meets boy, girls and boy fall in love, girl and boy break up, and girl and boy find each other again. I found it so refreshing to read something different. I know you'll love it too. I can't praise C.M. Lally highly enough and I can't wait to read what she has in store for us next! Amazing!

[Lofty · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
Aran is a sports photographer she's stayed close to home after her brother was injured & is unable to continue his sports career he's married to Jenna now with his first baby on the way. There story is in all men fall.
She's just landed a job taking photos of Kyle for team promotional purposes. He's instantly attracted to her, his blaze but can't get involved a fiery red head is not in his plans!
I Loved the banter between them plenty of lol moments & funny looks of hubby.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Definitely recommend this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to review an ARC in order to provide an honest review. I love this continuation focusing on Aran's story. Just goes to show you that you can't fight those feelings for a person, no matter how hard you try.

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness. Holy freaking moly y'all. C.M. Lally has done it again. She has written another 5-star read that will have you up way past your bedtime. Kyle and Aran's story is intense, sizzling, and panty-melting.  Aran's sass had me laughing while Kyle's sexiness had me falling for my a new book boyfriend. I have a feeling Falling Hard is going to leave me with a massive book hangover.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling Hard is the second book I have read by C.M. Lally and I have no complaints on what this author has provided. A solid story to follow up the previous story with fabulous characters and a great story line. This author has impressed me with their stories and I definitely don't anticipate missing any future books noting I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!

I have read both of this author's books and have loved both equally! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

[Maija Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bouncing all over like a basketball

This book has it all, drama, accidents, but above all LOVE. the characters are so real, the plot easy to follow and get lost in. So good, don't skip over this book.

[Deann Polzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love the story of Aran and Kyle! There were times I was frustrated with Kyle and his indecisions but he finally came around and earned his hero status. Their story was hot, funny and even made my heart hurt a little. It's hard to believe this is only the 2nd book from this author! Even though Falling Hard is a stand alone, I definitely recommend reading All Men Fall, since Jenna and Nick appear throughout the story.

[Hazel Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW Cyndy you have another hit on your hands. Girl you are on fire!

Falling Hard is a most appropriate title to this book since that's exactly what Kyle and Aran did.

I was captivated by this book from page one and found myself tearing up at times and actually crying rivers of tears as I finished the epilogue. This book is fantastic and brings to my mind that what is meant to be will be.

It also brings to my mind the kind of person this author is.
Follow your dreams and when you reach your goals go for the GOLD. Never try to hold anyone back from their goals but push them to go after and reach those goals even if it breaks your heart.

This book has lots of relationship ups and downs and some mystery which only serve to make the book as captivating as it is. You will feel like you are actually going through the good, bad and heartbreak in this book.

If you like a sweet, smoking hot romance and a great story about going after what you had laid out for yourself then this is one awesome must read! You will get all the feels as you read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.

I have given this book 5 ***** big gold stars because 10 is not an option.

I can't wait to read CM Lally's next creation.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. The characters are fun and real.
I didn't care for the comment from Aran that she isn't a feminist. I think that the majority of everyone is a feminist, there are just different degrees and beliefs. Asides from that paragraph, the book is great.
Aran is a strong, independent woman that happens to fall for her photo assignment. Nick has struggled his whole life and works hard for everything that he has. He doesn't like to be used and he feels that the pictures that will be taken will fall into that category.
During the first game where Aran is taking pictures, Nick and an opposing player land on Aran and she is taken to the hospital. Nick feels bad about his part in her injury that he wants to help her while she is incapacitated. You can guess what happens from here.
This it's a great book about two people that know what they want, work hard for it and have to learn to handle the appearance on unplanned love in their lives.
I honestly would recommend this book to anyone asking.

[Kathleen A Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Aran and Kyle's story has ups and downs as they go from lust to love. This was a quick, fun, and sexy read. Also loved that the author gave us the chance to revisit with characters from her first book. Will definitely be looking for future books by Lally.

[kookyquinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading ALL Men Fall I was really anxious to see where Aran's story brought her. If you haven't read CML's All Men Fall, pick it, up.

Quick thoughts on the characters:

Aran - My first impression of Aran wasn't very good. She was just to cocky. I love a good heroine but she just rubbed me the wrong way. She eventually evens out which helped me get into the story a little more but at first I was rolling my eyes.
Kyle - Again, Kyle started off pretty much securing himself a top slot on my most un-liked list. He comes around so stick with him.

So here's the basics because if you're reading this, you're trying to decide if it's worth buying or taking up space in your KU library.

1.) Cheating? Sort of. I'd say yes but it depends what your definition of cheating is.
2.) Cliffhanger? Nope, CM wouldn't do that to us :)
3.) HEA? Yep! Very satisfying ending.
4.) Graphic violence or anything that might make you cringe? Nah, this is a contemporary "sports" romance. No whips, rape, beatings etc. You're good to go.
5.) Well written? I have pretty high standards and this one fell short. There were several instances where the wording was a little confusing or just didn't flow. Some of the dialogue felt awkward and sort of childish compared to the characters ages and places in life.
6.) Sexual content? How hot was it? Too much? Not enough? I'd say it was just right. Not too much, just enough. Pretty steamy and enough to keep things interesting.
7.) Would I recommend this book to my friends? If you've read All Men Fall and want to see where Aran ends up then yes, pick this one up.