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How We Fall
It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
How We Fall is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance.
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
How We Fall is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance.
Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2017
416 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,816 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
March 15, 2017
I think this story deserves way more than 5 stars. I really am not just saying that. It's a very powerful story. I still have a lump in the back if my throat from all the emotions. I felt like I was part of the story, I laughed, and cried so hard. when reading I just felt the love and felt like I loved right a long with Cole and Mel. I have never felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster before. I believe Melissa really put her whole heart and sole into this book. she makes you feel like your a part of the story. I never new what true love felt like until I read this story. U truly believe that this is what true love feels like. My heart is now whole ❤❤ She also sends you a powerful message to live everyday to the fullest and never take life for granted. Love like you have never loved before.
April 16, 2017
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
After reading her Stupid Love series and knowing what a great writer Melissa Toppen is, I was over the moon about reading How We Fall, especially after finding out it was a friends to lovers romance. I couldn't wait to step into Cole and Melanie's fictional world and learn all about their life growing up in the little town of Irving. Soon, my emotions were twisting in the wind and flying here and there with their childhood memories riddled with feelings of budding love, newly awakened desires, and unrequited feelings.
Melanie Anderson has had the foundation of her whole world rocked more times than she can count with losing her mother, her best friend and first crush leaving years ago, and now she has lost one of her dear childhood friends. The last thing she needs is for Cole to come strolling back into Irving and send her world spiraling out of control. Now on top of the grief that she feels, she must muddle through her emotions toward the older and changed version of Cole that stands before her today with glimpses of the boy that she loves peeking from underneath. I bonded with Melanie from the moment I entered her world and felt the depths of her feelings towards Cole. I admired the strong, caring woman that she has become in Cole's absence and rooted for her to not settle for comfortable but to grab a hold of what had always been hers whether she realized it or not.
Cole Lincoln grabbed my heart and kept me engrossed in learning how this roughened looking man with the gorgeous beard, long hair, and hardened eyes came from a rail thin, skinned kneed boy who was inseparable from Melanie. I enjoyed every eye opening moment of Cole's journey of rough and tumble little boy, to ambivalent randy teenager, to sexy mysterious man.
Melissa Toppen delivers a soul scorching read about love that grows and could never be squelched no matter how many years or miles of separation. I highly recommend How We Fall for an emotional romance that is sure to melt your heart and sear your soul. There is nothing like a childhood, young love to make me all ooey gooey inside. Melissa knew exactly how to play my heart like a violin and have me fall madly and hopelessly in love with both Melanie and Cole and their story.
After reading her Stupid Love series and knowing what a great writer Melissa Toppen is, I was over the moon about reading How We Fall, especially after finding out it was a friends to lovers romance. I couldn't wait to step into Cole and Melanie's fictional world and learn all about their life growing up in the little town of Irving. Soon, my emotions were twisting in the wind and flying here and there with their childhood memories riddled with feelings of budding love, newly awakened desires, and unrequited feelings.
Melanie Anderson has had the foundation of her whole world rocked more times than she can count with losing her mother, her best friend and first crush leaving years ago, and now she has lost one of her dear childhood friends. The last thing she needs is for Cole to come strolling back into Irving and send her world spiraling out of control. Now on top of the grief that she feels, she must muddle through her emotions toward the older and changed version of Cole that stands before her today with glimpses of the boy that she loves peeking from underneath. I bonded with Melanie from the moment I entered her world and felt the depths of her feelings towards Cole. I admired the strong, caring woman that she has become in Cole's absence and rooted for her to not settle for comfortable but to grab a hold of what had always been hers whether she realized it or not.
Cole Lincoln grabbed my heart and kept me engrossed in learning how this roughened looking man with the gorgeous beard, long hair, and hardened eyes came from a rail thin, skinned kneed boy who was inseparable from Melanie. I enjoyed every eye opening moment of Cole's journey of rough and tumble little boy, to ambivalent randy teenager, to sexy mysterious man.
Melissa Toppen delivers a soul scorching read about love that grows and could never be squelched no matter how many years or miles of separation. I highly recommend How We Fall for an emotional romance that is sure to melt your heart and sear your soul. There is nothing like a childhood, young love to make me all ooey gooey inside. Melissa knew exactly how to play my heart like a violin and have me fall madly and hopelessly in love with both Melanie and Cole and their story.
December 27, 2020
DNF 58%
Well, I don't really remember why I stopped reading... On the other hand, I don't even remember what the book was about - and I stopped reading it less than a day ago, so that says it all, right?
April 24, 2017
I loved how it turned out but why didn't he say how he felt and continue to hurt her. He KNEW it hurt her when he dated Dawn but still did it, even after it caused all the problems and gave Dawn his virginity. And what the heck kind of friend was she??? She knew Mel liked Cole but still did it and told her every detail. What is wrong with him. He loved her so much he did that with their mutual friend and continued it for so long? Then all the other girls, but he was so in love with her,... I just didn't get it. Why didn't he know when she basically cut off their tight friendship from 10 years old when she found out he was with Dawn? Wth? He should have ended it right their. But nope. That just stayed with me the whole book. She was heartbroken. It is a HEA but I couldn't get past his behavior. There are no detailed OW scenes in here. That's good. I had to take 2 stars off because of Cole's younger behavior.
September 13, 2017
4 ★'s
Melanie and Cole met when he moved into the neighbor when they were ten...and they quickly become inseparable. Fast forward a few years and a big wedge gets thrown into things in the form of jealousy and they're not as close as they once were. Then Cole goes off to college and only returns when one of their friends passes away.
I liked that Cole was determined to fix things in their relationship...it showed quite the maturity but I hated going through them having other partners.
I enjoyed getting the back stories on their adventures...some were really sweet and some were really funny.
The big drama at the end was crazy but I was happy about Snowball! And I especially loved how everything wrapped up.
Melanie and Cole met when he moved into the neighbor when they were ten...and they quickly become inseparable. Fast forward a few years and a big wedge gets thrown into things in the form of jealousy and they're not as close as they once were. Then Cole goes off to college and only returns when one of their friends passes away.
I liked that Cole was determined to fix things in their relationship...it showed quite the maturity but I hated going through them having other partners.
I enjoyed getting the back stories on their adventures...some were really sweet and some were really funny.
The big drama at the end was crazy but I was happy about Snowball! And I especially loved how everything wrapped up.
not-interested
May 12, 2017https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Same old same old... it will never end.
Same old same old... it will never end.
April 21, 2017
Like many of you, I’m a voracious reader and I only read romance, that being said I am totally baffled by the fact I have never read anything by Melissa Toppen before! When I read the blurb for How We Fall it captivated me so I instantly signed up for the Review Tour. When I received the ARC I read the first paragraph, stopped and went to refresh my tea and grab a snack because I knew I would not want to put the book down until I read the very last word. Ms. Toppen did not disappoint! How We Fall has it all - readers will laugh, cry, gasp, be shocked and need a bottle of water to cool off!
This is second chance romance-ish, I say it like that because it's not a typical second chance romance one where the hero and heroine see each other again and start right back up. It’s an emotional story of two childhood best friends that never crossed the line to boyfriend/girlfriend, who grow apart for various reasons and misunderstandings then are reunited due to a tragedy. After a six year absence Cole’s returned to town for a funeral. Melanie never left town, she thought she was prepared to see Cole when he returned…she wasn’t. Upon seeing each other for the first time all their old feelings and emotions came rushing back - the good, the bad and the ugly.
I don’t want to give too much on the story because I feel this is a story that needs to be read without knowing much about it when you begin, allowing the reader to feel all of the emotions that Cole and Melanie do. What I will tell you is that Ms. Toppen has created a story that will have you totally immersed in a beautiful, at times sad, tale about true love, soul mates and destiny. Her writing makes you feel every emotion Cole and Melanie feel, every single one. Cole and Melanie’s story is one that proves sometimes you meet your soul mate but it’s not the right time, that we have to grow and learn, but eventually you find each other again and get your happily ever after! How We Fall took over the #1 spot of my favorite reads of 2017.
Review copy provided by the author for a voluntary review.
January 11, 2018
Friends to lovers book are hit or miss for me - I hate when one character has been in love with the other for years and had to watch them be with others, to be in with love someone and see them date other people all while secretly hoping to be loved in return. I almost avoided this book for that very reason but something about this one made me want to read it. I'm so glad I took a chance on this story. Mel has been in love with Cole since they met but never had him as more than a friend. When he started dating another friend in their group, it ruined their friendship and things were never the same between them. They both moved on in their time apart, Melanie even had a serious 2 year relationship, but when something happens that brings everyone back to their small town, the chemistry between Cole and Mel is still there after all that time. Mel has a boyfriend and even though Cole shows up with a woman on his arm, he can't take his eyes off her and knows this time, he won't leave without getting his girl. Nobody has ever been able to live up to the girl he loves, he's compared every woman to her and they've all come up short. I think what made this story work for me was that the past was mentioned and there were a few flashback scenes but it was mostly told in the present from the reunion of these characters. I liked both Melanie and Cole and honestly, I even understood some of the decisions Cole made when he was a teenager and why he never made his move on Mel. This book was emotional but also very sweet. I would say it's lower on the steam end, more like mentions of what they did or were going to do but not super detailed scenes. Perfect epilogue for these characters. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to checking out more by this author!
March 23, 2022
h was capable of asking him how many women he slept with before her (32 if you’re curious) but not capable of confronting him on whether or not H fooled around with her OWBFF in their childhood fort. She had questions about the OWBFF she never had the balls to ask and he wasn’t forthcoming enough for me,
This was insta love deluxe and, while I totally realize teens do dumb shit and don’t have mature coping skills, he was a total dumbass for not realizing she liked him. Their friendship was already fucked, I don’t know why he didn’t attempt to let her know how he felt during HS.
This was boring AF and fade to black reminiscent of the sexual euphemisms of 80s bodice rippers. I had to read it twice to make sure that they’d really had sex.
Meh…2.5 stars
This was insta love deluxe and, while I totally realize teens do dumb shit and don’t have mature coping skills, he was a total dumbass for not realizing she liked him. Their friendship was already fucked, I don’t know why he didn’t attempt to let her know how he felt during HS.
This was boring AF and fade to black reminiscent of the sexual euphemisms of 80s bodice rippers. I had to read it twice to make sure that they’d really had sex.
Meh…2.5 stars
April 18, 2017
How We Fall is a story of 2 young kids who grow up together, love each other yet the other doesn't know how they feel. They go through their teenage years dating other people and Cole goes off to college leaving Melanie behind to care for her sick mother. 6 years later, one of their closest friends dies and friends come back to mourn the loss of their childhood friend. Melanie never expects Cole to show up, let alone with a woman on his arm. Melanie is in a relationship and doesn't have time to go back to the past and try to rationalize what went wrong but when the connection feels all to real with him, she has no choice but to see what it means.
"I think I fell in love with him that moment, his dark eyes, deep dimples, and messy brown hair had won me over in the matter of seconds. Of course, it would be years later before I realized just how much that moment weighed on my heart."
This is one of those stories that sucks you in and doesn't let you out until the very last page. Just when you think you know how things will go, everything gets flipped upside down and you will be left a blubbering mess! Ms. Toppen knows how to evoke the emotions within the reader and plays on the heartstrings with How We Fall. This isn't just a story of friendship and childhood, it's a story of how two characters grow up, change for the better and hopefully find each other again and can admit to their feelings. Yes, I said HOPEFULLY! Cole might look like a jerk and act like one as well, but the man has a huge heart and he just needs to let Melanie know how he feels once and for all. I freaking loved that man but I did want to spank his sexy ass a few times... especially in those early years! 4.5 emotionally charged stars for this sweet yet sad tale.
"I think I fell in love with him that moment, his dark eyes, deep dimples, and messy brown hair had won me over in the matter of seconds. Of course, it would be years later before I realized just how much that moment weighed on my heart."
This is one of those stories that sucks you in and doesn't let you out until the very last page. Just when you think you know how things will go, everything gets flipped upside down and you will be left a blubbering mess! Ms. Toppen knows how to evoke the emotions within the reader and plays on the heartstrings with How We Fall. This isn't just a story of friendship and childhood, it's a story of how two characters grow up, change for the better and hopefully find each other again and can admit to their feelings. Yes, I said HOPEFULLY! Cole might look like a jerk and act like one as well, but the man has a huge heart and he just needs to let Melanie know how he feels once and for all. I freaking loved that man but I did want to spank his sexy ass a few times... especially in those early years! 4.5 emotionally charged stars for this sweet yet sad tale.
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Blurb:
It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
How We Fall is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance.
Blurb:
It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
How We Fall is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance.
June 6, 2017
3.5 Cocktails
This was a quick friends to lovers romance. Overall I enjoyed the story, but there were times when I had to wonder why the romance had to jump immediately into insta-love. This couple had so much to weed through, as far as feelings and things never said, that I can't imagine those things go away in a hot minute.
This was a quick friends to lovers romance. Overall I enjoyed the story, but there were times when I had to wonder why the romance had to jump immediately into insta-love. This couple had so much to weed through, as far as feelings and things never said, that I can't imagine those things go away in a hot minute.
April 14, 2017
A tragic death brings the friends who left home, back to their small town to say goodbye. Melanie never left though. She had responsibilities that forced her to stay. She watched all her friends pack up and leave 6 years ago, and now Cole, the boy she loved before she knew what love was, is back.
Melanie is a relatable, sweet girl. She wants to help everyone, and be happy. When Cole, her sexy crush from childhood comes back, things are explained, secrets are revealed and when Cole and Melanie meet again- Sparks fly. Cole escaped to NYC for school. He's a hard working, successful man.
The anticipation in this book is astounding. The build up between the characters, the flashbacks, their story, is fun, engaging, and you don't want to put it down until you read all of Cole and Melanie's story. I would recommend to someone looking for a refreshing, second-first chance romance.
*4.5 star review.*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
Melanie is a relatable, sweet girl. She wants to help everyone, and be happy. When Cole, her sexy crush from childhood comes back, things are explained, secrets are revealed and when Cole and Melanie meet again- Sparks fly. Cole escaped to NYC for school. He's a hard working, successful man.
The anticipation in this book is astounding. The build up between the characters, the flashbacks, their story, is fun, engaging, and you don't want to put it down until you read all of Cole and Melanie's story. I would recommend to someone looking for a refreshing, second-first chance romance.
*4.5 star review.*
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
July 16, 2017
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
Cole and Melanie met when they were 10 years old and were best friends - this is the story of this friendship over the years and how it evolved when they reconnect after 6 years. The characters were true to themselves - not too much back and forth which was refreshing. Everything was going great 60% in so I was worried that an angst factor was going to be thrown in, they would separate etc etc - you know the usual thing that happens in some romance books. This was not the case, not to say it was all plain sailing but no OW or OM drama - refreshing!
Cole and Melanie met when they were 10 years old and were best friends - this is the story of this friendship over the years and how it evolved when they reconnect after 6 years. The characters were true to themselves - not too much back and forth which was refreshing. Everything was going great 60% in so I was worried that an angst factor was going to be thrown in, they would separate etc etc - you know the usual thing that happens in some romance books. This was not the case, not to say it was all plain sailing but no OW or OM drama - refreshing!
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May 8, 2017
May 2017 -- 2 Stars
Disappointing. I thought I'd found a new author, but the book lacked any unique qualities. I didn't much care for the characters and at 40%, decided to put it down. It just wasn't remotely interesting.
Very mediocre.
Happy Reading.
Disappointing. I thought I'd found a new author, but the book lacked any unique qualities. I didn't much care for the characters and at 40%, decided to put it down. It just wasn't remotely interesting.
Very mediocre.
Happy Reading.
November 27, 2018
love childhood love, best friends to lovers trope except when idiot H sleeps around on his best friend whom he loves but doesn't say anything! Also, dates h's bff, sleeps with her, goes away for yrs and doesn't pursue h, shows up only because he had no choice so didn't really fight for the h!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2017
I love a small American town story, add in a group of friends that know each other well and a second chance love for 2 of the friends and I'm a happy girl.
This book has a really warm feel to it, the characthers were developed well and I felt Melanie's dilemma when Cole reappeared after 6 years of no communication.
Cole and Melanie had such a chemistry between them it was a joy to see them rekindling their friendship and later (not that much later) being honest and admitting they've always loved one another.
Cole is very hot, he has a beard and has grown into being a man well according to Melanie - he says some wonderful swoon-worthy things, yes I'm a Cole fan.
A thoroughly enjoyable romance.
4.5 stars
This book has a really warm feel to it, the characthers were developed well and I felt Melanie's dilemma when Cole reappeared after 6 years of no communication.
Cole and Melanie had such a chemistry between them it was a joy to see them rekindling their friendship and later (not that much later) being honest and admitting they've always loved one another.
Cole is very hot, he has a beard and has grown into being a man well according to Melanie - he says some wonderful swoon-worthy things, yes I'm a Cole fan.
A thoroughly enjoyable romance.
4.5 stars
April 17, 2017
This book had all my favourite tropes rolled into one big emotional read – best friends to lovers, second chance and small town romance. Sweet.
Melanie and Cole had been best friends since they were ten years old. Forming a close friendship they are blissful in their childhood until they reach their mid-teens when things start to change and feeling get mixed up and hurt. The pair gradually drift apart and finally Cole leaves town for NYU.
Fast forward six years and Cole is back in town for a sad and devastating reason. Mel knew he would be returning but she is still shocked to the core when she comes face to face again with the boy who stole her heart all those years ago. One look and she knows he still has it. Also still there is that invisible connection between them that has survived the distance and time. Will there be a chance for them to put the hurts of the past behind them? Is there more to them than best friends?
This was a highly emotive read that flicked back to the past and the present which slowly unravelled the story bit by bit so the reader was brought in on what had gone wrong for the two best friends. In the past they had always held back on that one secret part of themselves that they did not have the courage to reveal until it was too late. But now with time and growing up into the adults they are now, they spend some time together, reliving their happy childhood pastimes and places which in the end forces them to finally face up to and reveal their inner yearning for each other.
It wasn’t a simple story of friends becoming lovers as there were lots of past misunderstandings to work though and significant (and not so significant) others in the way. I was worried at one part that there would be cheating but this was smoothly resolved.
Overall a wonderful telling of the past and how a couple who were meant to be can finally free themselves to be who they need for each other. A definite case of soul mates in every sense of the meaning and one not to be missed. The connection and chemistry between Melanie and Cole was undeniable and easy to feel through the wonderful words spanning across the kindle pages. Four stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author to Foxylutely Books in exchange for an honest review
Melanie and Cole had been best friends since they were ten years old. Forming a close friendship they are blissful in their childhood until they reach their mid-teens when things start to change and feeling get mixed up and hurt. The pair gradually drift apart and finally Cole leaves town for NYU.
Fast forward six years and Cole is back in town for a sad and devastating reason. Mel knew he would be returning but she is still shocked to the core when she comes face to face again with the boy who stole her heart all those years ago. One look and she knows he still has it. Also still there is that invisible connection between them that has survived the distance and time. Will there be a chance for them to put the hurts of the past behind them? Is there more to them than best friends?
This was a highly emotive read that flicked back to the past and the present which slowly unravelled the story bit by bit so the reader was brought in on what had gone wrong for the two best friends. In the past they had always held back on that one secret part of themselves that they did not have the courage to reveal until it was too late. But now with time and growing up into the adults they are now, they spend some time together, reliving their happy childhood pastimes and places which in the end forces them to finally face up to and reveal their inner yearning for each other.
It wasn’t a simple story of friends becoming lovers as there were lots of past misunderstandings to work though and significant (and not so significant) others in the way. I was worried at one part that there would be cheating but this was smoothly resolved.
Overall a wonderful telling of the past and how a couple who were meant to be can finally free themselves to be who they need for each other. A definite case of soul mates in every sense of the meaning and one not to be missed. The connection and chemistry between Melanie and Cole was undeniable and easy to feel through the wonderful words spanning across the kindle pages. Four stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author to Foxylutely Books in exchange for an honest review
March 20, 2017
Let me start this review with some quotes.
"The stars and the moon. The sun and the sky. The very air I breathe. Don't ever believe you're anything less." -Cole
"He consumes me, marks me, claims me as his. In doing so, he completes me. Body, mind, soul and heart. He is part of me, he is everything." -Melanie
Melissa Toppen has outdone herself once again on a well rounded, all the feels, relatable characterd and just an amazing story told in the most fabulous way.
Melanie and Cole are long lost friends that reunite in a very sad sad way. They both are taken but they can't keep there minds and hearts from wandering what it could be.
I seriously cried and said aww so many times while reading this book. I seriously can only describe this book as all the feels.
Thanks for making me cry MT!
VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR MY HONEST OPINION.
"The stars and the moon. The sun and the sky. The very air I breathe. Don't ever believe you're anything less." -Cole
"He consumes me, marks me, claims me as his. In doing so, he completes me. Body, mind, soul and heart. He is part of me, he is everything." -Melanie
Melissa Toppen has outdone herself once again on a well rounded, all the feels, relatable characterd and just an amazing story told in the most fabulous way.
Melanie and Cole are long lost friends that reunite in a very sad sad way. They both are taken but they can't keep there minds and hearts from wandering what it could be.
I seriously cried and said aww so many times while reading this book. I seriously can only describe this book as all the feels.
Thanks for making me cry MT!
VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED THIS BOOK FOR MY HONEST OPINION.
April 27, 2017
I thought this book was average. I wished this more of a development between the characters of either Mel and her brother, Mel and her friend Michael. I felt as though the book was about Cole this, Cole that, and Cole. I was tired about hearing about him and it was annoying after awhile.
April 8, 2017
♡♡I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book♡♡
Hero, Cole = 5/5
Heroine, Melanie = 5/5
Secondary characters = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 2/5 (more storyline than anything)
Enjoyment = 5/5
Romance = 5/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Dual
Ending = No cliffhanger
Stars = 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
Author = Melissa Toppen
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I re read this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Blurb: Cole & Melanie have been best friends since they were 10 years old. They grew apart in high school and went separate ways after theyou graduated. Six years later a tragic death brings them back to the small town of Irving. Cole & Melanie share stories of growing up with friends and reminisce of the good times everyone had. Will a second chance at love survive?
What an amazing and emotional book of what true love is and can be. A small town, second chance, friends to lovers romance and all the swoon worthy moments. It was such a sweet and sad book that had me in awe and tears too. If you want a very sweet book that is emotional I absoutely recommend this book!
Also, I absoutely loved how the book flowed with going from the present to the past. Usually when a book flip flops like that it annoys me but this one was done so well that there was no confusion or aggravation.
Hero, Cole = 5/5
Heroine, Melanie = 5/5
Secondary characters = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 2/5 (more storyline than anything)
Enjoyment = 5/5
Romance = 5/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Dual
Ending = No cliffhanger
Stars = 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
Author = Melissa Toppen
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I re read this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes
Blurb: Cole & Melanie have been best friends since they were 10 years old. They grew apart in high school and went separate ways after theyou graduated. Six years later a tragic death brings them back to the small town of Irving. Cole & Melanie share stories of growing up with friends and reminisce of the good times everyone had. Will a second chance at love survive?
What an amazing and emotional book of what true love is and can be. A small town, second chance, friends to lovers romance and all the swoon worthy moments. It was such a sweet and sad book that had me in awe and tears too. If you want a very sweet book that is emotional I absoutely recommend this book!
Also, I absoutely loved how the book flowed with going from the present to the past. Usually when a book flip flops like that it annoys me but this one was done so well that there was no confusion or aggravation.
Read
April 13, 2017Something just told me to sign up my blog to review this particular book so I did & was fortunate enough to be chosen to receive an arc in return for an honest review. I loved this book so much! Melissas words just kept drawing me into this story deeper & deeper as each page passed & progressed. This is definitely a "friends to lovers" type novel with fabulous characters. The 2 main characters are Cole & Melanie. I do not want to give anything away even though I'm actually tempted to but I can't & I won't because I refuse to spoil 1 of the best love stories of 2017 You truly do not want to miss out on this beautiful tale of 2 childhood best friends that lose touch for many years & are too stubborn to ever admit how they truly feel about 1 another for a very long time. Of course, after so many years apart they have to start off fresh which proves to be very challenging due to their hidden love for 1 another. That's the most detail I will give about "How We Fall". You NEED to preorder this baby now & start reading the second it becomes available to you because I can guarantee you that this review is not even close to doing this book justice!!! And Cole is simply so hot; definitely book boyfriend worthy!!!
May 1, 2017
How We Fall
Melissa Toppen
5 Stars
WOW!!! Opened this book and could not put it down! What a great second chance story.
Melanie fell in love at 10 years old with the ‘new kid’ who moved in down the street. The friendship that was made that day was a friendship that would last forever. The best times of her life happened when she was with him. Till the day he leaves…
Cole has known from the minute he saw that girl riding her bike, he was in love. Now back in town for a best friend’s funeral, will the six years that he’s been away change her feelings?
The rollercoaster ride of emotions in this book is plentiful. Told in his and her stories with going back and forth from past to present. Well written story with great attention to every detail.
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Melissa Toppen
5 Stars
WOW!!! Opened this book and could not put it down! What a great second chance story.
Melanie fell in love at 10 years old with the ‘new kid’ who moved in down the street. The friendship that was made that day was a friendship that would last forever. The best times of her life happened when she was with him. Till the day he leaves…
Cole has known from the minute he saw that girl riding her bike, he was in love. Now back in town for a best friend’s funeral, will the six years that he’s been away change her feelings?
The rollercoaster ride of emotions in this book is plentiful. Told in his and her stories with going back and forth from past to present. Well written story with great attention to every detail.
Follow us on---
FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
April 11, 2017
5+ stars.
After reading just the blurb to this book I was hooked. I just love when a story starts from a young age and works it's way up. I was not disappointed in any way! I have fallen for these characters. Both Cole and Melanie are oblivious to the way the other feels for them. Too sweet. I have lived with them for a few hours now and I love it. I have a feel for their town and their friends too. Very emotional, as you can imagine when you are dealing with characters from the age of ten, going through to teens and then reconnecting as adults. Lots of delicious, angsty, feelings.
From the minute Cole's family move in to the neighbouring house, Melanie is in love. She doesn't recognise these feelings at this age, but it's a fact. I felt this fact. These two become best friends and do everything together. As teens their feelings explode in their faces and still neither is brave enough to admit how they feel. They drift apart as events unfold and college beckons.
Having to attend the funeral of one of their childhood friends means that these two finally have to face each other. What happens next is .... I'm not telling! You have to read it to find out.
This is my first book by Melissa Toppen, it is so well written and beautifully heart rending that I think you'd best get reading.
By the way... have tissues handy! Cole is soppy and makes you cry with his words.
After reading just the blurb to this book I was hooked. I just love when a story starts from a young age and works it's way up. I was not disappointed in any way! I have fallen for these characters. Both Cole and Melanie are oblivious to the way the other feels for them. Too sweet. I have lived with them for a few hours now and I love it. I have a feel for their town and their friends too. Very emotional, as you can imagine when you are dealing with characters from the age of ten, going through to teens and then reconnecting as adults. Lots of delicious, angsty, feelings.
From the minute Cole's family move in to the neighbouring house, Melanie is in love. She doesn't recognise these feelings at this age, but it's a fact. I felt this fact. These two become best friends and do everything together. As teens their feelings explode in their faces and still neither is brave enough to admit how they feel. They drift apart as events unfold and college beckons.
Having to attend the funeral of one of their childhood friends means that these two finally have to face each other. What happens next is .... I'm not telling! You have to read it to find out.
This is my first book by Melissa Toppen, it is so well written and beautifully heart rending that I think you'd best get reading.
By the way... have tissues handy! Cole is soppy and makes you cry with his words.
March 20, 2018
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this one. A childhood friends to lovers/second chances.
March 31, 2017
A love worth fighting for.....
A stunning beautiful story. A Journey you won't soon forget...
It was addictive and breathtaking. It's the ultimate love story. Emotionally INTENSE.
Cole and Melanie will steal your heart.
This book was EVERYTHING. Melissa wrote such a beautiful story. I can't say enough
About it. There's hope and sacrifice, love and loss, friendships that get tested. and all those unresolved feelings.
Her best work to date. Completely different from anything I've read from her. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! I COULDN'T LOOK AWAY!!!
"She's my heart, I can't live without my heart"
An unforgettable fight for their chance at happiness. A slow burn of emotions.
I had knots in my stomach throughout this book. I had all these different
Feelings rushing through me. Goosebumps all over. I was happy and sad. My heart ached. I felt the loss and the love. I FELT EVERYTHING!
And those sweet childhood memories and moments had me gushing,
so ridiculously Adorable. everything about these too were perfect. I loved their love story. I'm sad that it's ending, I could read about these characters all day.
It was a beautiful unexpected surprise.
A stunning beautiful story. A Journey you won't soon forget...
It was addictive and breathtaking. It's the ultimate love story. Emotionally INTENSE.
Cole and Melanie will steal your heart.
This book was EVERYTHING. Melissa wrote such a beautiful story. I can't say enough
About it. There's hope and sacrifice, love and loss, friendships that get tested. and all those unresolved feelings.
Her best work to date. Completely different from anything I've read from her. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! I COULDN'T LOOK AWAY!!!
"She's my heart, I can't live without my heart"
An unforgettable fight for their chance at happiness. A slow burn of emotions.
I had knots in my stomach throughout this book. I had all these different
Feelings rushing through me. Goosebumps all over. I was happy and sad. My heart ached. I felt the loss and the love. I FELT EVERYTHING!
And those sweet childhood memories and moments had me gushing,
so ridiculously Adorable. everything about these too were perfect. I loved their love story. I'm sad that it's ending, I could read about these characters all day.
It was a beautiful unexpected surprise.
April 6, 2017
♡♡Reviewed for CherryOBlossoms Promotions ♡ ♡
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
I love second chance stories and even what makes them better is best friend turn to lovers. If your looking for either of those then this is your book. I absolute love Cole and Melanie their chemistry was off the charts. I knew from the start that this book was going to be a emotional one but also one that I could devour. This book goes from past to present and it flows flawlessly. You had to understand their past to see their future, even at the expense of someone life being taken away.
Cole and Melanie met at 10 years old and became best friends. As they started growing up, both started to drift apart. Partly was Melanie fault because she was in love with him and He was in love with her but was afraid of what would happen to their friendship. After 6 years of not seeing each other, they come together when their other best friend pass away. Has either one of them moved on or is their heart still with the other one?
I have read several of Melissa books, but I think this one is my favorite.
I gave this book 4.5 stars!
I love second chance stories and even what makes them better is best friend turn to lovers. If your looking for either of those then this is your book. I absolute love Cole and Melanie their chemistry was off the charts. I knew from the start that this book was going to be a emotional one but also one that I could devour. This book goes from past to present and it flows flawlessly. You had to understand their past to see their future, even at the expense of someone life being taken away.
Cole and Melanie met at 10 years old and became best friends. As they started growing up, both started to drift apart. Partly was Melanie fault because she was in love with him and He was in love with her but was afraid of what would happen to their friendship. After 6 years of not seeing each other, they come together when their other best friend pass away. Has either one of them moved on or is their heart still with the other one?
I have read several of Melissa books, but I think this one is my favorite.
April 28, 2017
☆☆☆☆☆
~Lynzi
Falling in love with your best friend, can either be the best thing or the worst thing. Not knowing if they feel the same way is crippling.
Growing up with your best friend, and being in love with them since you are ten years old, means you have a lot of years to fall even more in love with them. But it's not always easy, and definitely becomes challenging at times. Especially when you can never find the courage to tell them.
When the one person who is always supposed to catch you,
leaves you to free fall into darkness during one of the hardest times of your life, you are left shattered. Completely broken.
But true love, intense, all consuming love, will always find its way. It will always be there. Never leaving. Never wavering.
Melanie and Cole's story is one of the best, best friend to lover's books, I have read in a while. Their connection was instant. Their love strong. Them finding their way back to one another was inevitable. I couldn't get enough of them. I didn't want the book to end, because I was so wrapped up in it and loved it so much.
Love love love. From the very first paged all the way to the last. ♡♡♡
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Cassie
Wow.....just wow! If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I was blown away by How We Fall! This is my first book by Melissa Toppen and it will not be my last! I cannot wait to read all of her books.
How We Fall is a best friends to lovers and so much more book. So if that's the kind of book you are looking for then look no further because this is the book for you. Melanie and Cole have been best friends since they were ten year olds, and as they got older their feelings changed into more. But neither of them were brave enough to act on them afraid to ruin their friendship, but by not acting on those feelings caused a rift in their relationship and a six year separation. They are reunited by a tragedy and have to decide if they are brave enough to give into their feelings for each other. Feelings that are so obvious that every one around them knows they are meant to be together, but they are they willing to take a chance?
I loved the fact that Melanie and Cole were friends before anything else because it just added layers to their story. You could feel their love and friendship for each other. They knew what the other was thinking and feeling without having to say a word. I cannot say enough about the feels this book gave me. I don't want to say too much because you need to read this book and experience it for yourself.
Melissa Toppen blew me away with this book. I was sucked in on page one and could not put this book down. I had to see what happened with Cole and Melanie. This book is going on my top reads of 2017 list and highly recommend you add it to yours!
~Lynzi
Falling in love with your best friend, can either be the best thing or the worst thing. Not knowing if they feel the same way is crippling.
Growing up with your best friend, and being in love with them since you are ten years old, means you have a lot of years to fall even more in love with them. But it's not always easy, and definitely becomes challenging at times. Especially when you can never find the courage to tell them.
When the one person who is always supposed to catch you,
leaves you to free fall into darkness during one of the hardest times of your life, you are left shattered. Completely broken.
But true love, intense, all consuming love, will always find its way. It will always be there. Never leaving. Never wavering.
Melanie and Cole's story is one of the best, best friend to lover's books, I have read in a while. Their connection was instant. Their love strong. Them finding their way back to one another was inevitable. I couldn't get enough of them. I didn't want the book to end, because I was so wrapped up in it and loved it so much.
Love love love. From the very first paged all the way to the last. ♡♡♡
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Cassie
Wow.....just wow! If I could give this book more than five stars I would. I was blown away by How We Fall! This is my first book by Melissa Toppen and it will not be my last! I cannot wait to read all of her books.
How We Fall is a best friends to lovers and so much more book. So if that's the kind of book you are looking for then look no further because this is the book for you. Melanie and Cole have been best friends since they were ten year olds, and as they got older their feelings changed into more. But neither of them were brave enough to act on them afraid to ruin their friendship, but by not acting on those feelings caused a rift in their relationship and a six year separation. They are reunited by a tragedy and have to decide if they are brave enough to give into their feelings for each other. Feelings that are so obvious that every one around them knows they are meant to be together, but they are they willing to take a chance?
I loved the fact that Melanie and Cole were friends before anything else because it just added layers to their story. You could feel their love and friendship for each other. They knew what the other was thinking and feeling without having to say a word. I cannot say enough about the feels this book gave me. I don't want to say too much because you need to read this book and experience it for yourself.
Melissa Toppen blew me away with this book. I was sucked in on page one and could not put this book down. I had to see what happened with Cole and Melanie. This book is going on my top reads of 2017 list and highly recommend you add it to yours!
March 17, 2019
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If you love a second chance romance, then you will definitely enjoy this book. Cole and Melanie’s story is a perfect telling of second chance love, so I bet you’re asking, why the three star rating? Well.. let me tell you.
There were parts of this book that were absolutely amazing, I couldn’t put it down, and then there were other parts of this book that had me going what? scratching my head, or just waiting for the chapter to end. If all of this book could have captured me as much as about 3/4 of this book did then this would have no doubt been a 5 star book for me.
Cole and Melanie were best friends from the age of ten, they were inseparable, problem was Melanie was always in love with him, and Cole left to go chase his dreams in college while Melanie stayed home to take care of her brothers and her dying mom. When tragedy strikes and they’re thrown into each others lives again, the spark is still there for Melanie, but things stand in their way.
I won’t deny the chemistry between Cole and Melanie is undeniable, it’s strong and it’s hot, but how both of them went about their feelings for one another now that they are back in each other’s lives I was not a fan of, especially Melanie. It seemed that once they found each other again, no one else mattered except them, and I get that, new love and all that jazz, but it just seemed to annoy me a bit, granted I did love their story, but not that they seemed to forget their friends and how everything seemed to only revolve around each other from that day forward.
Take away their what I call selfishness, these two are absolutely perfect for one another, and their love story is beautiful. I had a hard time coming to a decision on how to write this review, since I was conflicted with how I felt about this story. I say if you’re a lover of friends to lovers or second chance romances, then give it a shot. I see a lot of other reviewers who absolutely adored this book, but to me, I just had a hard time with some of the parts in this book, but then adored and loved other parts of it. How We Fall just wasn’t 100% my cup of tea but I don’t regret reading it!
If you love a second chance romance, then you will definitely enjoy this book. Cole and Melanie’s story is a perfect telling of second chance love, so I bet you’re asking, why the three star rating? Well.. let me tell you.
There were parts of this book that were absolutely amazing, I couldn’t put it down, and then there were other parts of this book that had me going what? scratching my head, or just waiting for the chapter to end. If all of this book could have captured me as much as about 3/4 of this book did then this would have no doubt been a 5 star book for me.
Cole and Melanie were best friends from the age of ten, they were inseparable, problem was Melanie was always in love with him, and Cole left to go chase his dreams in college while Melanie stayed home to take care of her brothers and her dying mom. When tragedy strikes and they’re thrown into each others lives again, the spark is still there for Melanie, but things stand in their way.
I won’t deny the chemistry between Cole and Melanie is undeniable, it’s strong and it’s hot, but how both of them went about their feelings for one another now that they are back in each other’s lives I was not a fan of, especially Melanie. It seemed that once they found each other again, no one else mattered except them, and I get that, new love and all that jazz, but it just seemed to annoy me a bit, granted I did love their story, but not that they seemed to forget their friends and how everything seemed to only revolve around each other from that day forward.
Take away their what I call selfishness, these two are absolutely perfect for one another, and their love story is beautiful. I had a hard time coming to a decision on how to write this review, since I was conflicted with how I felt about this story. I say if you’re a lover of friends to lovers or second chance romances, then give it a shot. I see a lot of other reviewers who absolutely adored this book, but to me, I just had a hard time with some of the parts in this book, but then adored and loved other parts of it. How We Fall just wasn’t 100% my cup of tea but I don’t regret reading it!
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