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Compass Girls #4

Falling Softly

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Darkness has crept into Sterling Compton’s charmed life, relentlessly stealing what’s left of her grandmother’s memories. When she happens upon a compelling stranger leaning against a broken-down pickup in the middle of nowhere, grief and a gut-deep attraction spur her to take that too-safe life by the horns. From the instant Sterling emerges from her Jeep, Viho is drawn to her carefree spirit. Her innocent offer of a ride turns into the ride of his life in his truck bed—and he forgets why he meant to avoid Compton Pass at all costs. He should have known that karma was waiting to laugh in his face. Especially when Viho figures out Sterling’s father is the one who stood between him and the man he should have called “father.” Yet it’s tough to hate someone who offers him a job. Especially when he and Sterling realize there’s a living tie on the way that will bind Viho to her family forever—if he can convince her she’s much more to him than an obligation.

196 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2014

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About the author

Jayne Rylon

288 books1,553 followers
Jayne Rylon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the 2011 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. Her stories used to begin as daydreams in seemingly endless business meetings, but now she is a full time author, who employs the skills she learned from her straight-laced corporate existence in the business of writing. She lives in Ohio with two cats and her husband, the infamous Mr. Rylon. When she can escape her purple office, she loves to travel the world, avoid speeding tickets in her beloved Sky, and–of course–read.

Jayne is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) and Passionate Ink.

You can keep up with what's new in Jayne's world by subscribing to the Naughty News. 25 subscribers win prizes in each edition www.jaynerylon.com/newsletter

Chat with her on Facebook (facebook.com/jaynerylon) or Twitter (@jaynerylon)

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5 stars
346 (53%)
4 stars
194 (29%)
3 stars
87 (13%)
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16 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Christine Morgan.
732 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2017
This is the story of the final Compass girl Sterling. She's the daughter of Sam and Cindi. She doesn't know where her life is going but a chance encounter with a hottie on the side of the road will change her life and his forever. We find out things about Jake a longtime ranch hand and the best friend of Sam and Cindi, Sterling's parents. Vivi continues to deteriorate and a new life will join the Compton family. In this final book we get to see what it means to be family and to love.

This book was a tearjerker! I felt so sad about Vivi and then happy in the end when she gets to be rid of all her pain and sadness. I loved Sterling and Viho and it was quite a shock to find out that Jake was his father but this also explained a lot about the way Jake has acted. I loved that all the Comptons are open and accepting and willing to add him to their family. Sterling finding out she's pregnant was awesome as was the matching tattoos the girls go like their fathers' tattoos. I loved the epilogue and can't wait to read more about this big happy family.
32 reviews
January 25, 2019
5 stars to every book in the series!!

This series and the Compass Boys series are two that I never want to end. There's so much heartache and love in these books that you never want it to end.
Every single book has made me laugh and cry, and even hot and bothered. The emotion that Rylon is able to embed in her words is amazing and off the charts.
Aside from some earlier series' of hers that I've read this is one if the best and my favorite. Cannot wait for what's next for the Compass series.
Profile Image for E Reader.
1,016 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2017
What a great family

I love the Compton family series!!! I really loved Viho and Sterling's love story!! How the connections were made and discovered. It was such a sweet love story, with a bit of heartbreak as Grandma Vivi declined. This series is great, the compass girls are always up to something and having a family that is so supportive is awesome. A really great read.
Profile Image for Katherine.
527 reviews
December 5, 2017
We should never allow our past to rule our future, and this book reminds us that the way we view the past isn't always the way it was. I beautiful story that leaves you in tears and with all the feels. Bring tissues
Profile Image for Sara.
2,373 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2021
Each book in the Compton series is like visiting longtime friends. The emotions jump off the page and warm your heart to see the Compass Boys and now their daughters, the Compass Girls, living their lives and loving each other.

Profile Image for Lucy.
204 reviews
October 28, 2014
Falling Softly can be read as a stand-alone book, but if you do that, you have missed out on a beautiful interwoven story of four feisty cousins, the Compass Girls.
If you haven't read any of the other Compass Girls books, I would suggest you do so prior to reading this one. Not because it is vital to understand the story but because it will help you to understand the dynamic of the Compton family and besides, each of them is an excellent book well worth reading.

This fourth and final installment in the Compass Girls series is a wonderful conclusion in such an enthralling succession of stories. It will make you cry, as Vivi’s journey with the soul-destroying progression of Alzheimer’s is brutal and raw.

As the leaves begin to softly fall, Vivi’s Alzheimer’s progresses rapidly. Sterling has watched her three cousins find their soul mates through the seasons and whilst darkness is creeping into the Crompton’s lives, a chance meeting on the side of the road may be the silver lining Sterling has been waiting for.

There is an instant connection between Sterling and Viho and this does lead to some very steamy car sex. Sterling’s dad, Sam, comes out to collect them with long time foreman, Jake, and Viho finally meets the man who unknowingly fathered him.

Sterling and Viho soon discover that their lives will be entwined together and in true Compton style, the family comes together in support. Despite a rocky start whilst Sterling and Viho are coming to terms with the realisation that they are going to be parents and a scare with the pregnancy, peace and happiness does come back into their lives.

Even though this is story about Sterling and Viho, Vivi’s deterioration seems to dominate throughout and makes it impossible to stop reading throughout the tears.
The research and accuracy of Alzheimer’s disease, and the effect on the person and their family was amazing and this is why it resonates so much with the reader. The highs, the lows, the lucidity and the brutal anger were depicted authentically and emotionally, drawing us into a roller coaster ride.

The absolute heartbreaking moment in Falling Softly is Vivi sitting with Jake and telling him that she can no longer try to stay in the present but needs to spend time with her dead husband, JD.

I have read individual books by each of these two wonderful authors and I find this series to be a hugely successful collaboration. Co-authoring involves a lot of skill and an ability to think as the other author does but still maintain your individuality. This is necessary in order to maintain a fluid story line and Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon have abundantly demonstrated that they are a team to be reckoned with!

I hope they will collaborate again for the Compass Boys as the mention in the epilogue of Bryant and his boyfriend was a tantalizing glimpse of more Compton’s to come?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,849 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2016
Synopsis: "Darkness has crept into Sterling Compton’s charmed life, relentlessly stealing what’s left of her grandmother’s memories. When she happens upon a compelling stranger leaning against a broken-down pickup in the middle of nowhere, grief and a gut-deep attraction spur her to take that too-safe life by the horns.

From the instant Sterling emerges from her Jeep, Viho is drawn to her carefree spirit. Her innocent offer of a ride turns into the ride of his life in his truck bed—and he forgets why he meant to avoid Compton Pass at all costs.

He should have known that karma was waiting to laugh in his face. Especially when Viho figures out Sterling’s father is the one who stood between him and the man he should have called “father”.

Yet it’s tough to hate someone who offers him a job. Especially when he and Sterling realize there’s a living tie on the way that will bind Viho to her family forever—if he can convince her she’s much more to him than an obligation.

Warning: Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but every story has an ending. This one has a Native American hero with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wyoming and a vulnerable heroine who has a gift for polishing up diamonds in the rough. Some scenes may tug heartstrings so hard it’ll hurt, but the oh-my-god orgasms make up for it."


My Review: This was a good conclusion to this series even though I did not want it to end. I have really enjoyed all the books so far and the characters were all unique and well developed but I felt I knew Sterling the least, I still feel like I don't know her as well as I should for having read a book with her as the MC. I enjoyed Viho but I did find him to be a little immature at times for what his age is supposed to be. The ongoing storyline with Vivi seems to take over the storyline a little, which I actually almost preferred, the family dynamics were great to read and feel. I am so sad to see this series ending, but I can go back and read the series of books featuring the fathers at least!
Profile Image for Dar.
4,546 reviews94 followers
November 2, 2014
Viho and Sterling are perfect together and, being the final story, we get to check in with everyone else as well. Overall, if we see the purpose of the book as only the story between Viho and Sterling, theirs was a beautiful coming together of two very calming souls. Yes, they have their moments, but while they may get upset, they quickly calm themselves. It made for a very strong web that supported through the rest of the happenings. The insight into the soul of artists is always, almost., ethereal

Two problems, and they weren't related to their love story, but apparently everyone developed hair-trigger tempers as there was a lot of yelling and grabbing and pushing. It was kind of surprising to see this over-emphasis of out of control behaviour, as it isn't the norm for these characters or this authour. They are over quickly, but there are more than a few that seem out of place

The second was the inevitable farewell to Vivi. It was handled beautifully, and I have no problem with anything from her, but rather that her last confessor was Jake, who, honestly, while around a number of years, was rather sleazy in the Compass books. How and what Vivi decided, along with her final appearance, was exactly perfect, that she shared it with Jake and not a Compton, that was the problem

I actually loved the epilogue, though I wasn't sure at first, but having the situation from a child's POV added the longevity of JD and Vivi's legacy, and that, afterall, is what finding the right one and falling in love is all about!
Profile Image for Shaly.
1,198 reviews
October 22, 2014
3 stars because really who doesn't enjoy reading about a scorching hot, sexy Native American with long hair and an amazing body that is super great in bed? I know I do! The sex between Viho and Sterling is amazing but that's all that pulls one in for this book!

Once again this series was just such a huge disappointment for me. In this book everything was just too damn perfect, literally everything fell into place. What bugged me about the whole thing was, Sterling screwed Viho like minutes after meeting him, on the side of the road, constantly flirted with him, constantly threw herself at him until he gave in and screwed her again, impregnates her, the family is just peachy over this, they declare themselves over the moon for each other but then she gets all high and mighty when he wants to marry her? Talking about they rarely know each other! OMFG! Are effing kidding me right now! You fucked him on the side of the road, without protection! He is trying to do right by you and you sprout some bullshit like that!

Also I felt that Viho was kind of old to still be having 'daddy issues'. Dude was like 38, but I guess you're never too old to get over the lack of a not having a parental figure, hell I don't know, I just felt that he was too old to hold grudges like that.

This time around Vicky's illness was tackled more directly, it was sad to see her wither so, but nice to see her in a happy place towards the end f her days. I'm just glad this series is over because these girls were a sore disappointment, unlike their daddies...
1,366 reviews
October 23, 2014
I have loved both the Compass Brothers and Compass Girls series by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon and so sad that we have to say good-bye to the series and all the characters who have become like family. Falling Softly was written beautifully, so powerful and full of emotions and heart that it had me crying my eyes out. Sterling and ViHo had an immediate connection when they first met and the sex between them was hot, hot, hot right from the beginning. I liked that Sterling and ViHo didn't instantly say they loved each other and actually discussed their feelings of where they saw their relationship heading now and in the future. I loved how all the Comptons played a part in this final story and quite fitting as the series come to an end. I've enjoyed watching the strong bond and love the Compass Girls have had with their Vivi and her battle with Alzheimer's which touched my heart deeply. I also liked how ViHo was linked to this family and seeing him come to terms with his own past and his future with Sterling. Thank you Jayne and Mari for bringing us so much joy with this series and your brilliant storytelling.
Profile Image for Amelyn Randall.
274 reviews39 followers
March 30, 2016
This was the icing on the chocolate Compass Ranch cake!

I've read all of the Compass Brothers and Compass Girls books, and this was a beautiful ending to the story, though I'm so sad to see it end. This book could easily stand alone, but was so much richer having known the history of this strong, loving family.

The story of Sterling and Viho, and the family surrounding them, brought about giggles, tears, and many pages turned as fast as possible. I waited a long time to hear this part of the story and couldn't soak it in fast enough.

The epilogue was so sweet and a fitting end, yet a beginning, too, all at once. Here's to many generations of Comptons to come in our own imaginations.

In the meantime, I'm sure both Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr will keep filling our libraries with books that make us feel happy, sad, sexy, smart and sassy. I hope in the future we'll see another collaboration between these two amazing authors. Thanks for sharing the Compton family with all of us, ladies!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kandice.
892 reviews
May 18, 2016
I have not read any of the previous books in this series. I decided to try this one b/c it was not a menage, so I was hopeful I would like it. It had some moments, but overall I didn't care for it. They're having intentionally unprotected sex moments after meeting on the side of the road. After this we're told how their friendship progresses (or not) over the following weeks. It would have been much better to see and not be told. As it is, all we see of their relationship is the first sex scene and the aftermath that's very quickly resolved - complete with loads of family drama.

Being a Jayne Rylon book, I expected something in the way of kink. However, the insert of "your submissive side" and tying her up felt gratuitous and forced. It just didn't make sense here. What really didn't make sense of this particular scene is that it's hours after leaving the hospital from a pregnancy hemorrhage. WHAT?!?! I realize the h said Doc said easy sex was OK - but seriously - HOURS/Minutes later??

Since most of Ms Rylon's book involve menage (just not my cuppa) I don't anticipate reading more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anna Kay.
1,458 reviews161 followers
dnf
November 12, 2014
DNF'ed

I started reading this one and was excited to do so. I liked the intial family stuff between Sterling and her cousins. The interactions with her Grandma were heartbreaking and real to me, as I had ten years of time with a grandparent going down the slow incline of dementia. But when I actually said, "Really??!!!" out loud and quit reading! A shame too, as I had liked where this one was going when it first began.

VERDICT: DNF (Did Not Finish)

*I received this book from Samhain Publishing, on NetGalley. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. This book was published on October 21st, 2014.*
Profile Image for Rachael.
267 reviews
October 22, 2014
Beautiful

I only have one complaint.....the series is ending. I think by far this is my favorite of all the Compass Girls. Sterling and Viho are the completion of the four girls matches and start the next generation off right.

Sterling as the last Compass Girl without a mate has been taking care of Vivi (her grandmother). When bad news comes she takes off on a drive to calm herself and runs into Viho on the side of the road. Their two souls connect from there.

All of the Compass clan takes part as well in the final book. Many different people who have come and gone are mentioned as well towards the end. It bring closure to the Compass series. Even though there is still the four Compass boy cousins!!! They need their own series to show how the family more essential forward without Vivi.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 22, 2014
This series, along with the Compass boys, is all about family and this book is no different. There is the whole Compass clan butting in their heads, but we have an additional link that seems to rock things at one point.

I loved the instant attraction between Sterling and Viho, loved it even more that Sterling was the aggressor, Viho didn't know what hit him. I did hated how Viho's issues kept throwing things off, but understood why and was glad that things got cleared up very fast.

I found myself in tears towards the end when Vivi had a conversation with Jake. I hate that Vivi was loosing herself, so her words were very touching and would help the others cope.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
978 reviews
October 25, 2014
Three years ago I got totally sucked into the Compton family with Silas' story, "Northern Exposure." I have loved each and every book, and it is with sadness that I have finished the final story of the Compton family. I got so wrapped up in the love JD and Vicky had for each other, that just mentioning them brings tears to my eyes. I had a hard time getting through the last few chapters because my eyes kept getting blurry and I had to stop to blow my nose. :) I thought the authors did an outstanding job of bringing everything to a close with the series, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
52 reviews
October 21, 2014
I am almost at a loss for words. I have been reading about the compass brothers and their daughters from the beginning. let me just say that Falling Softly surpassed my expectations, that were very high for this series. I was heartbroken and overjoyed at the same time. I can not believe the journey has to come to an end but if it has to end I'm glad it was this way. I won't spoil it for anyone who has not yet read the book, but be prepared to laugh and cry and enjoy!
Profile Image for Sasha.
92 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2014
A beautiful end to a wonderful series

Now that I'm a blubbering mess! I have loved this series from the beginning and was so thankful these two amazing authors decided to continue with the Compass Girls, the thought of leaving Compass Pass so soon was heartbreaking! If you haven't read the rest in this series you are truly missing out on a wonderful family you'll fall in love with and not want to say goodbye to!
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,400 reviews42 followers
May 9, 2015
Sweet and hot. Also had me sniffling along, teary. So many feels. Based on my experience, the grandmother's bouts of conveniently timed lucidity were unrealistic and used for plot convenience. And yeah, I know this is fiction, but the heartbreak of the grandmother's deterioration was hard to read - wouldn't it be nice if there were resolutions like this in real life...

Bought from All Romance Ebooks.
Profile Image for Schellie.
877 reviews
September 21, 2019
Soul Mates

Dammit, I did not want to love this book as much as I did! This story was filled with many many emotions. Love, fear, anger, heartbreak, loss, worry, triple heartbeat swoon worthy soulmates. Even though there was ugly crying involved, I absolutely loved Sterling and Viho’s story! Don’t just read Falling Softly, go back and read ever damn book in this world, I promise you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Rara Loves to Read.
547 reviews26 followers
October 28, 2014
I have read the entire series, so reading this one was bittersweet. I loved reading about how all the men and girls had found love but it was so difficult to read about Vivi's battle with Alzheimer's. There was so much emotion packed into every page. I cried copious tears. If you haven't read this series, you are missing out.
Profile Image for Gina.
278 reviews22 followers
October 22, 2014
So many emotions with this one. I'm happy happy for another Compass book and the hotness was off the hook but I'm sad that it's the end in more ways than one. Not many authors can make me cry and I may have to beat them for it LOL. I think this was an amazing soft crescendo to a series I have enjoyed very very much. Thank you ladies!
36 reviews
October 24, 2014
Sad the series is over but this was as good as the rest

The Compass brothers then The Compass girls sucked me in and had memorable characters even when 25-30 books in between each one I remembered the story and what was going on. The explosive chemistry between Sterling and Vigo is sweet and HOT at the same time. Great read!
17 reviews
October 23, 2014
Beautiful

This is such a lovely end to a wonderful series! I laughed, cried, and rejoiced the love of family and new lovers. I couldn't be more satisfied with the conclusion to the Compton family saga.
Profile Image for Shelly Cain.
60 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Jayne and needless to say it wont be the last. I laughed, I cried and I could not get enough. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a good and entertaining read....Jayne Rylon you now have another fan. Way to go
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