Still Falling

Home In You #0.5

by Crystal Walton

She’s trying to uproot the past. He’s trying to safeguard the future. But neither’s ready for the assignment about to jeopardize both.

Landing a prominent chair in the Philharmonic Orchestra is part of Bree Ramirez’s determined plans to avoid her old life. Falling smack into her ex-fiancé’s path again? Nowhere close. But with a gang hit targeting her and her brother as loose ends, the pressure to get them out of Queens ushers her straight into the very arms she’s spent the last four years pretending aren’t still home.

On the brink of finally making detective and tackling his parents’ cold case, NYPD Officer Josh D’Angelo is prepared for just about anything. Except playing it cool with the only girl he’s ever loved. Then again, if being assigned Bree’s security detail opens the doors to winning her back, he’ll risk whatever the job requires. Including his heart.

But when Josh’s investigation brings him to a choice he promised Bree he’d never have to make, this unsolicited reunion may cost them their only shot at a second chance.

Download this prequel novella and fall in love along the East River, where a violinist and an NYPD officer grapple with childhood dreams, first love, and the hope of second chances.

Categories/Themes:
Contemporary Christian Romance
Second Chance Romance
Sweet Summer Romance
Best Friends Romance
Police Romance

Each book in the Home In You Series is a standalone and can be read separately. But I recommend reading the books in order if you want to follow the overall timeline:
Still Falling – A Novella
Write Me Home – Book One
Begin Again – Book Two

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Clean Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller

135 pages, ebook

Published May 17, 2017

About the author

Crystal writes sweet romances with humor, broken characters, and emotional plots full of grace and hope. When her hands aren’t full with her very active, little blue-eyed heroes, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes with her husband.

Join her on Facebook at facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites for fun giveaways, chats, and more.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Falling was a fine read. Nothing special to me, but it wasn't bad either. I liked how the book was written, but I will say the heroine kind of annoyed me at times (especially near the end when she got mad at the hero for a reason that I found stupid). All in all, an okay read. Don't see myself rereading it.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devastation can happen in a blink of an eye. No one knows how they will react until it happens to them. Some may stay and do everything in their power to make it better. Others may run in fear and do their best to protect themselves from being hurt again.

Bree has spent the last 4 years running away from her past. She is trying to do her best to protect herself and create a better life for her younger brother Gabe. She doesn't want him to end up in the gang that has been trying to recruit him for years. She needs to get him out of there.. the sooner, the better. But in the process, she has caused a rift between her parents and her ex-fiance, Josh. She just can't understand why they would stay where they are when all of them are in danger. Don't they want a better life? Away from the gangs and the violence?

Josh made a promise to himself years ago that he would bring the people responsible for her parents' cold case to justice. No matter what Bree thinks, he can't just walk away when he knows he can make a difference. He has spent the last few years becoming the best police officer he could and working hard to become detective. He always thought he would have Bree by his side but she made her choice and he can't fault her for that.

But when tragedy strikes, fate steps in and brings Bree and Josh together again. Josh knows he has to tread carefully when it comes to Bree but he refuses to let her go again. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and in his life. Even if it means he has to let go of everything he's been working toward. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and hope that in the end, it will all work out the way it should.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I am a sucker for lost love/second chance books! I enjoy seeing the hero and heroine, who are still in love with each other, work out their differences and get their HEA. And Still Falling did not disappoint. :)

If I had any complaints it would be that I felt a little lost in the beginning. There were things that happened in the past that were very briefly mentioned here and there but you never really got the gist of the story until the 2nd half of the book. I think a prologue would've been a good addition to the book. Also, and this is huge for me, the book just ended! I really hate it when that happens! I need closure people! Lol. For me there were a few loose ends that I would've loved to see tied up. An epilogue would've been perfect... even if it was just a month or so down the road. :)

All in all, the Home in You series is a great one! Ms. Walton is great at weaving a tale filled with suspense, mystery and, of course, romance. If you haven't read anything by her yet then I highly recommend giving her a try! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! :)

And of course I cannot forget my casting! I love these two! What do you think?!



*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I was tired when I started this book or what, but I felt a little lost at first. I felt like I should have known more about these characters and what was going on than I did, but once I got into the story, I felt better about things. This is a great story and doesn't feel like a novella at all.

Gangs terrify me and Bree and Josh are in the heart of NYC and each have a close connection with gangs. There are many intense moments and times when I had to question Bree's sanity. If a gang has a hit out for you, you follow the rules to stay safe! At least, that's what I would do because I'm kind of a chicken.

Bree is a violinist and trying her hardest to make a better life for her family. Her ex-fiance, now a cop, is her protector, which makes things a tad bit awkward at first. Isn't it interesting to realize that those old flames didn't die, but have been left smoldering over the years? Well, I found it interesting and it sure captured my heart.

These are tough characters, who endure a lot throughout the story and previously. I love the way they each gradually come to terms with their feelings and situations in this romantic suspense.

Content: mild romance (kissing, some light innuendo); mild+ violence (gangs, shootings, etc).

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things can get super messy when you run into your ex-fiance who was also your best friend. Bree and Josh have a lot of unresolved feelings and unanswered questions. Especially Josh, who was left behind without any explanation. Bree has been running for a long time and has now returned home. Her dad is in the hospital, a gang is trying to target her family, and now her ex is on her security detail. Did I mention the word messy?

I really loved Josh. I loved his sense of duty, his loyalty and his desire to help everyone. He is just a stand up, all around good guy. He's someone I would love to have as a friend. Bree is a bit more difficult to understand and love, but by the end I liked her as well.

This is a great series. I have read each book and enjoyed them all so much. Crystal Walton knows how to write great characters who come to life in her books. There is always plenty of real life difficulties interwoven with hope and love. Whenever a get to read one of Crystal's books, I just get cozy and settle in for what I know will be a fantastic story.

This is a novella in the Home in You series. Each book can stand alone but if you like a timeline flow, you should read them in order.

Still Falling – A Novella
Write Me Home – Book One
Begin Again – Book Two

Content: Some mild violence, some kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of the HOME IN YOU series by Crystal Walton is about Josh D’Angelo, a cop in New York and Bree Ramirez, a violinist who has come home to her roots after years away. Their journey to capture the love that started out in childhood is a long and difficult one. They both have much to overcome as they try to recapture what they once had. Ms. Walton pens a personal story under realistic circumstances. Josh and Bree’s families have raised them with a faith that sustains them through tough times,
This was a terrific story of overcoming and trusting. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Falling is a wonderful addition to Crystal Walton's Home In You series. From the setting in NYC to the engaging, realistic characters, the author took me on a fast-paced, emotional adventure. The main characters, Bree and Josh, were carefully crafted, and their journey toward trust, hope, and unconditional love tugged at my heartstrings. I'm looking forward to more of this author's books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Joan]

Answerless, her blurred reflection stayed trapped in an image of brokenness she couldn't hide anymore.

Anyone care to tell me what the hell that means?? This is full of woeful inexplicable sentences like that!

DNF at 39% I like a certain amount of angst, but this is just wallowing.

CBA rating right now

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Falling (Home in You 0.5) - PG
Violence: a robbery, a shooting, a drive-by
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: no sex, a couple of super romantic kisses

I don't know if I was distracted or what, but I just couldn't get into the relationship between the H and h. I was able to put this book down and not even think about it. It was fine. I'm not planning to continue the series.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, clean second-chance romance with a bit of mystery. Well-developed characters and enough romantic tension to make you root for Josh and Bree to give it a second go. Sacrificial love stories are always the best, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good clean read. But I did have a hard time getting into it. It felt like the story just took a while to develop. But once it did it was a good book!

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Walton is one of my favourite contemporary romance writers. Her writing is dynamic and her characters’ personalities ooze from the page. Add in a suspense plot and I’m all over it! While the suspense in this novella wasn’t intense, it added an extra something that was always crouching in the background waiting to spring, and led to a revelation I hadn’t anticipated; one that presented both Josh and Bree with a difficult choice.

I loved Bree’s passion, both for music and in looking out for her brother. Her uncle lost his life on the job, and she feels as though her father has always put his job before his family, so when her best friend and fiancé announced he was joining the force, it was a deal-breaker for her. She doesn't want that kind of life, always wondering whether her husband has walked out of the door for the last time. And she doesn’t want it for her brother, either.

Josh D’Angelo is Hero material with a capital H. There is something irresistible about a guy who will wait as long as it takes for his girl to come back to him—years if necessary, even after she’s broken off their engagement. He can’t apologise for being a cop, but nothing pains him like the knowledge that Bree feels as though he chose them over her. He’s loyal, protective, and so tender with Bree... *sigh*

Both of these characters needed to reassess what they really want in life, which sacrifices are worth making, and find the faith to embrace them. Another great read from Crystal Walton!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely sweet romance.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book and I wanted to like it, but I guess it was just too much 'mush' for me. Since it was a Prequel, I thought it would give me the basis for the following series, but I was at Chapter five or six and still was able to figure out exactly what was going on with Bree's family and with Josh's family. I think, if I got this right, Josh's father was killed and his mother sustained lung injuries due to a "shoot out" of some sort and Josh feels that it is his fault because he wasn't there to protect them. Bree had left Josh and gone off to University because her Uncle had been shot, and her father was a police officer, and she couldn't handle the fact that Josh was going into the police force too. On the night of Josh's father's death, he had not been with his parents because he had decided to follow Bree and enroll in an Academy near her, so now he blames himself for his father's death. A lot of tragedy going on around both these families, but ok...it was a tough area - suburb of New York City maybe. What really bored me maybe was all the different ways in which the author described Bree's and Josh's feelings for each other - incredibly romantic, romantic ambience, vulnerable, heart beating, emotions raging, heart racing moments, heart pounding in chest, fresh memories pressing in like a fist, errant memories. I kept thinking - ok, enough already. How many ways can you say that they still love each other and want to be with each other? Yes, I know that feeling - 'Still, he's Still on my Mind, I love Him Still'. Ok, rant over!
The story got a little more interesting nearer the end but I still felt like there was a lot of loose ends, with Gabe, with Bree's parents, with Josh and with people in the community. What was that visit of Cassidy at Josh's house anyway? Was the Prequel written after the series? I guess I am just overall confused by this story. Was it written for young teens maybe and the author was trying to "keep it simple". I am really not sure. I wanted to finish it and I am happy I did but this book felt more like a book for young teens, then a serious adult romance, and the author was trying to 'keep it simple and fluffy'.

[Julie Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Falling is a novella and it is Ms. Walton’s first attempt at one, and let me just say, it is incredibly well done. I enjoy reading the occasional novella, but so often it’s a struggle for authors to provide believable, realistic change in character growth as well as in the relationships being built within the length of a novella. That is not an issue with Still Falling. I was really impressed with how well done and how believable the the changes taking place in the characters were.

I loved both Josh and Bree. Bree’s attitude frustrated me a bit while at the same time being something I could relate to and understand as more is revealed throughout the novella. I know that feeling of wanting to run from things and the struggle against letting fear control my decisions and letting it keep me from living life freely and to the fullest. Josh and Bree both have some things about themselves that they need to face and some things to let go of in order to live the life they both want. You can feel their deepest emotions as they walk the journey they’re on and the agony of some of the decisions they are faced with making.

I absolutely loved the tension and chemistry between Josh and Bree and I adored Josh’s desire to see the best happen for Bree, to love her, to protect her, to make her laugh, to take care of her, to live a messy, but beautiful life with her. And I loved that he fought for it, that he didn’t give up on her. The sense of coming home is so clear in this novella as Bree faces what she’s been running from and realizes that running isn’t the answer and only prevents her from really living the life she wants.

The peeks into the neighborhood that Cassidy from Write Me Home and Ti from Begin Again live in help add even a little more insight into their characters. Still Falling makes for fantastic prequel to the Home in You series and and is a very well done novella that is worth the read!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was catapulted right into this story from the opening chapter of Still Falling. This suspenseful romance had me gnawing my knuckles in tension as gang warfare breaks out and those closest to Josh are once more under fire, including the only woman he has ever loved. Bree has tried her level best to distance herself from the suburb she grew up in and pursued her love of violin to make her dreams come true. However, when push comes to shove, Bree realises that there are some things that are more important than a career and that in fact she is being played by those she trusted. When Josh is detailed to protect Bree, the flames of love are once more ignited and as much as he wants to distance himself from the lure of Bree, he eventually has to face that truth that she is as important to him as the badge he carries. When the pieces of the puzzle come together and Josh realises that he has to make a choice between the woman he loves and his career as a detective, he is thrown into turmoil. This deeply emotive love story is full of passion without any bedroom scenes, which just goes to show that that a really good romance story can be written without the smut. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Charity Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear is a powerful thing and if we’re not careful it can hinder our lives. In this book Josh and Bree are childhood friends who fell in love. I love a romance like that! BUT Josh chose to become a police office and Bree let her fear of loosing him cause her to run, breaking his heart and their engagement. When a terrible crime causes Josh and Bree’s lives to cross paths again, will Josh be able to break through Bree’s walls? I loved how they know each other so well and even though they’ve been a part for years, their attraction is as strong as ever! I love a man who even after she breaks his heart, he still loves and longs for her. His hope is the only thing that will cause him to break through her walls. There’s a strong sense of family and community for both of them. He is fiercely protective of her and she is desperate to help her brother. We’re introduced to Cassidy and a little bit of Ti, who are the main characters in the other two Home In You series books. There’s just the right amount of suspense and tension that keeps you on your toes! I couldn’t put it down!!! If you read this book, you will NOT regret it! I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. All opinions in the review are my own.

[Donna Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve anxiously awaited the release of Still Falling to see what exciting and gorgeous characters author Crystal Walton would introduce to us. OMG! Josh D’Angelo made even this ole’ lady remember what it was like when the man of your dreams was so close you could hardly breathe. When you couldn’t stand to be away from him, not even for a few hours.

And Bree’s man was willing to take a bullet to protect the woman he longs to spend every day with for the rest of their lives. But would it be enough to convince her that she can let go of the terror of losing the man she loves to “the job”, to a promise to his father?

The New York setting and spot-on characters make the story come to life. Not to mention the suspense of not being sure who the neighborhood gang is after or when they will strike. Is it Bree, her brother, or maybe even Josh?

This was a great prequel to Crystal Walton’s Home in You series! It was definitely worth the wait.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are mine alone.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Falling, written by Crystal Walton, is book #0 in Home In You Series.

When I started reading Still Falling, I thought I had read a Walton book before, but I found I had not...and wondered WHY in the World hadn't I read one before! I loved this book!

Walton took us on a journey (even though it's a shorter read) full of excitement! I told someone that it starts with a bang...Literally! But it's not just a bang as in a gun...it's a couple who do a bang up job of pushing themselves away from the true love that they've had since they were kids. Officer Josh D'Angelo and Bree Ramirez, a violist for the Philharmonic Orchestra finally meet again after three years of running from love.

Every reader connects differently to books, this one...I felt so bad for this young couple. They needed to look past the little things. As much as I'm not an emotional reader...caught myself getting choked up a few times.

Great read! Can't wait to read another one by Walton!

[Janice Goll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh and Bree grew up together. They were best friends and where going to get married until Josh decided to become a cop. Bree went on to college then when her got brother got mixed up in a gang she decided to come home and join the ochrestra near so she can make enough money to get her brother in college and away from the gangs. When she comes back she's out with her dad who is a cop and he gets shot. The sparks fly when the cop that comes on call is her old flame and former fiancé Josh. He is assigned to be her body guard till the case is settled. It's a good clean romance that was a joy to read.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! I enjoyed the journey that Bree and Josh took in this book so much. They had been engaged once until life tore them apart. Focusing on each of their lives and families is what they did for four long years while apart. Will they be able to reconnect? Is there still love there after such a long time away from each other?
This book is a sweet romance with a little suspense woven in. I highly recommend it!
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Cassie Chidester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptionally well written. I fell into the story immediately and was pulling for Josh and Bree despite everything they had to battle. It was great to see some characters from previous stories and see just what made them tick.

This seemed liked the author had done her research well as I felt like I was in that city in the slums just trying to survive. It was a true story of second chances and I would recommend it to anyone.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love is al about Still Falling!

She's done it again! Crystal has written another book where the characters rip your heart out and then put it back together. The power of love really can conquer all...the caveat being that all parties in the relationship have to believe it and operate that way. I was so glad to see a story where unrequited loves were reunited and managed to be stronger than ever.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Falling is a short novella that is definitely long on emotion, love, sacrifice, tenderness and just plain good writing. Ms. Walton writes a beautiful story about two people who fell in love as kids and who don't give up on each other. I loved the characters and can't wait to read the next in the series! I love that the book was clean, centered on faith and family and yet still was romantic and drama filled.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Falling

This is a fast paced book that starts out with robbery where the father of Bree gets shot. He is an off duty policeman and Bree is with him. Josh and his partner is working the robbery but it just so happens that Bree is a girl from his past. He is then assign to protect her. Will they get back together, read and see. Also suspense and mystery of the person involved in the robbery. A book that will keep you involved.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this story is set in the big city, it still has that tight-knit community vibe that I love so much! Officer Josh is a patient and driven mister steady (my favorite kind of hero) and Bree is a conflicted uber-talented violinist. Great romance novella with a dash of suspense!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A subtle blend of suspense and romance, Still Falling is a great novella! Josh and Bree are well-developed characters, and I enjoyed their heartfelt story of sacrifice and second chances. Crystal Walton infuses her stories with hope and healing, and I look forward to reading more.

I received a complimentary copy of this novella. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this prequel to the "Home in You" series, musician Bree finds she can't run away from the violence from her old neighborhood as quickly as she ran away from her old block -- and her old flame, who's now a police officer hoping to make detective. Bree and Josh are thrown together again when her father comes under fire from the gang Bree hopes to help her brother escape. I enjoyed this whole series and wish I'd read the books in order!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet novels

3.5 stars

Bree and Josh were best friends who became lovers and now they’re ex lovers.

The story is set in New York City. Josh is a cop who has been assigned to protection detail of Bree and her family. Bree is a violinist whose family lives in a gang affiliated neighborhood. And, of course, the fact that these two had a past relationship did not seem to be a conflict of interest at all.

This story is a prequel in a series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Walton writes a story that joins romance and suspense in a wonderful combination. I enjoyed this novella that connects to her Home In You series. Bree and Josh were once engaged, but Bree broke it off because of obligations she felt she had to her family. This story is their second chance romance.

I was provided a copy for my honest review..