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When He Falls
From USA Today Bestselling Author...
WHEN HE FALLS
~Maggie~
I thought I had found the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with – until he ran off with my best friend on our wedding day. I had to get away from it all - my meddling mother, the cheating couple of the year, and the embarrassment of being stood up at the altar.
My sister’s house in San Francisco is the perfect escape. I can get lost in a big city where nobody knows who I am, where I can mend my broken heart in silence.
But someone crashes my pity party.
Zach Faustino was the quiet boy who lived next door ten years ago. He was my first kiss and - if a young heart can be trusted - my first love. That was before he and his mother left without saying goodbye.
Ten years have shaped him into an irresistible, charming young man. But the same ten years have also sharpened his edges, his dark past paving the way to a career that could end in a heartbeat. And despite it all, Zach hopes to change my mind about giving love another chance.
But is a broken heart a willing heart?
And if we’re both broken, is a second chance at love enough to fix us?
WHEN HE FALLS
~Maggie~
I thought I had found the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with – until he ran off with my best friend on our wedding day. I had to get away from it all - my meddling mother, the cheating couple of the year, and the embarrassment of being stood up at the altar.
My sister’s house in San Francisco is the perfect escape. I can get lost in a big city where nobody knows who I am, where I can mend my broken heart in silence.
But someone crashes my pity party.
Zach Faustino was the quiet boy who lived next door ten years ago. He was my first kiss and - if a young heart can be trusted - my first love. That was before he and his mother left without saying goodbye.
Ten years have shaped him into an irresistible, charming young man. But the same ten years have also sharpened his edges, his dark past paving the way to a career that could end in a heartbeat. And despite it all, Zach hopes to change my mind about giving love another chance.
But is a broken heart a willing heart?
And if we’re both broken, is a second chance at love enough to fix us?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2017
47 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Jo Quinn
15 books210 followersMichelle is addicted to romance. She believes in happily ever afters and loves writing about couples who get there.
When not writing, she props her feet up on her favorite lounger and binges on Netflix shows, or reads one or two books at the same time. She enjoys red wine, dark chocolate, cake, and can talk your ears off about delicious food. Travelling is high on her list, whether alone, with friends or family.
Michelle lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two amazing children and a cuddly maltese-yorkie dog named Scarlet.
Join Michelle's Monthly Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MJQUINNNEWSLETTER
When not writing, she props her feet up on her favorite lounger and binges on Netflix shows, or reads one or two books at the same time. She enjoys red wine, dark chocolate, cake, and can talk your ears off about delicious food. Travelling is high on her list, whether alone, with friends or family.
Michelle lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two amazing children and a cuddly maltese-yorkie dog named Scarlet.
Join Michelle's Monthly Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MJQUINNNEWSLETTER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 2, 2019
3.5 stars
July 30, 2017
When He Falls is a well written dramatic romance with many life examples, leaving the reader with something to think about. Maggie has lived her life according to the rules set down by her mother, sister and later her boyfriend and then ex-fiance. When crunch day came and she found herself standing at the altar without a groom, Maggie takes the first step towards her own destiny. At first it seems as if she is trying to escape the town where everyone knows what happened as well as her gloating ex-best friend who is pregnant with her ex-fiance's baby. However, by taking that one definitive step, Maggie crosses paths with her childhood friend and neighbour, Zach. Zach has his own demons to deal with, but the best thing to ever happen to him is Maggie stumbling back into his life. Maggie has an over-protective sister and family who care for her and while they aren't sure whether they can trust Zach, his integrity shines through and Maggie knows that she is safe with him. The romance between Zach and Maggie is tender and healing for both of them and the issues that they are both dealing with bubble to the top and lose their power to hurt them. The effects of dysfunctional families and domestic abuse are well documented and give insight into a sickness in our society that needs to be addressed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters and the depth of feelings portrayed. The story left me feeling a little pensive, but in a positive way.
July 31, 2017
When He Falls by Michelle Jo Quinn a falling five-star read. This is the first book by this author I have read, and I can’t remember who recommended her too me but when I find out they will be getting a big thank you and possibly wine, I loved it. I plan on going back to read Nica and Chase’s story, they both sound like they are going to be fun journeys.
Margaret Stewart has always been the girl with a plan, her life has been planned and everything has its place. Her life is made up with her boyfriend June and his twin sister may who is also Maggie’s best friend and some other friends like Delany they hang out with between work and school, with Maggie and June’s wedding fast approaching life seems to be perfect. Until the morning of the wedding, May gets a text from her brother, he didn’t even have the guts to tell Maggie he wasn’t coming. Maggie starts a pity party of one in the small town they live in where everyone knows she was jilted. Felling no other option she runs to her sister in Napa and cries on her shoulder, then her sister offers her a chance to go with them to San Francisco and it seems like a dream, a change of scene and something to do will keep her mind occupied. Until she goes for a walk.
Zachary ‘Reverend’ Faustino is an MMA fighter with a dark and dismal past, the only light in his past was as an eleven year old boy a little called Maggie who once saved him from bullies and fast became his best friend, she has always kept a special part of his heart even after they haven’t seen each other for all these years, until one day when she is doing some training and Promo away from his Las Vegas home in San Francisco fate plays the best trick on him and shows him an angel from his past as she is walking by.
Will secrets from the past be too much for them, will the years they have been apart and the lives they lead make too many differences for them? Or will a childhood dream and love be enough to last the years? You need this book in your life to find out if childish love can win over everything else.
Margaret Stewart has always been the girl with a plan, her life has been planned and everything has its place. Her life is made up with her boyfriend June and his twin sister may who is also Maggie’s best friend and some other friends like Delany they hang out with between work and school, with Maggie and June’s wedding fast approaching life seems to be perfect. Until the morning of the wedding, May gets a text from her brother, he didn’t even have the guts to tell Maggie he wasn’t coming. Maggie starts a pity party of one in the small town they live in where everyone knows she was jilted. Felling no other option she runs to her sister in Napa and cries on her shoulder, then her sister offers her a chance to go with them to San Francisco and it seems like a dream, a change of scene and something to do will keep her mind occupied. Until she goes for a walk.
Zachary ‘Reverend’ Faustino is an MMA fighter with a dark and dismal past, the only light in his past was as an eleven year old boy a little called Maggie who once saved him from bullies and fast became his best friend, she has always kept a special part of his heart even after they haven’t seen each other for all these years, until one day when she is doing some training and Promo away from his Las Vegas home in San Francisco fate plays the best trick on him and shows him an angel from his past as she is walking by.
Will secrets from the past be too much for them, will the years they have been apart and the lives they lead make too many differences for them? Or will a childhood dream and love be enough to last the years? You need this book in your life to find out if childish love can win over everything else.
July 29, 2017
I have to say that this book surprised me. It was a love story about 2 very broken people. Zack who had suffered thru a lot of trauma at the hand of his father. Who was on the run with this mother at a very young age. Then you have Maggie who grew up in a loving home but who had never really stood on her on two feet. She let people lead her and never really stood up to anyone. Maggie gets left at the altar and her whole world as she knows it blows up. She has no idea what to do so she runs. She runs into Zack and old childhood friend. Without even knowing what is happening both begin to heal. It is a sweet romantic love story with a lot of hard stuff thrown in. The only thing I did not like about this book was the ending. I really would love to see where Zack and Maggie's story goes. I think the rest of their story would be amazing. Definitely a 5 star book.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.
July 29, 2017
I really enjoyed "When He Falls" by Michelle Jo Quinn. I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romance genre especially those who like the sports theme (MMA) blended in as well. I've read several books by this author and I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book and discovered that it was connected into her Bliss series.
This book deals with some heavy story lines, but does it an way that the tough parts don't interfere with being able to enjoy the story line along the way. It was a roller coaster of emotions throughout, but I'm looking forward to see this story continue on into future books.
Put this book, this series and this author on your to read list.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
This book deals with some heavy story lines, but does it an way that the tough parts don't interfere with being able to enjoy the story line along the way. It was a roller coaster of emotions throughout, but I'm looking forward to see this story continue on into future books.
Put this book, this series and this author on your to read list.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
July 28, 2017
WOW! Michelle does it again!
This book was a heartwenching journey for two people in who have been hurt and are in deep pain. I loved reading Maggie’s story and being jilted at the alter was bad enough but having your fiancé run off and marry your best friend is unforgivable. Zach’s story is filled with pain and a little bit of hope that he will meet Maggie again after all these years and his hopes are answered after a chance meeting one night.
I loved this story. It had me turning the pages so fast that I could not put it down. Great book and well worth a read especially if you are a fan of the Bliss series as the characters have cameos in this story.
I read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book was a heartwenching journey for two people in who have been hurt and are in deep pain. I loved reading Maggie’s story and being jilted at the alter was bad enough but having your fiancé run off and marry your best friend is unforgivable. Zach’s story is filled with pain and a little bit of hope that he will meet Maggie again after all these years and his hopes are answered after a chance meeting one night.
I loved this story. It had me turning the pages so fast that I could not put it down. Great book and well worth a read especially if you are a fan of the Bliss series as the characters have cameos in this story.
I read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
July 27, 2017
Jilted bride Maggie Stewart runs away from home to stay with her sister Nica and brother-in-law Levi and while out for a walk bumps into the boy who gave Maggie her first kiss. MMA fighter Zach Faustino fights so that he can afford medical treatments for his mother. Zach is out with friends when he bumps into the girl he's pined after for 10 years. Zach and Maggie start dating and falling for each other but can two broken people find happiness together when they're still haunted by their past?
Michelle Jo Quinn delivers a heartwarming, emotional and steamy story that will suck you in and tug at your heartstrings.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Michelle Jo Quinn delivers a heartwarming, emotional and steamy story that will suck you in and tug at your heartstrings.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
July 26, 2017
Wow! What an emotional ride! Zach and Maggie were such great characters. The story is engaging and a real page turner! A story full of passion, heart ache, personal growth, family, and love! I can't wait for more from this world!
August 7, 2017
his is my first book by this author. I liked her writing style and felt that she gave good descriptions so that you understood each aspect of the story.
Maggie has suffered a humiliation that no one every should. her fiance left her at the altar for her best friend, who is pregnant. How did she not see that coming? Now she needs to get away from her home and all the pity. She needs to regroup and just find herself again.
Zach is a blast from Maggie's past. he is now and upcoming MMA fighter who has always had a soft spot for Maggie.
When he sees her one night he immediately goes to her and they begin to rekindle their friendship. While Zach wants it to go further Maggie is still getting over what June did to her.
As Zach learns about what happened to Maggie and Maggie learn about Zach's life after he left their town they both realize they are kindred souls. As their relationships heats up Maggie must decide if she is ready to "jump" into another relationship. And can Zach let Maggie go if she wants to return home? With a few twist and turns these two find each other and their HEA.
While reading this you'll feel Maggie and Zach's pain but you will also smile. I also loved Bri and Travis.
I was given this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review
Maggie has suffered a humiliation that no one every should. her fiance left her at the altar for her best friend, who is pregnant. How did she not see that coming? Now she needs to get away from her home and all the pity. She needs to regroup and just find herself again.
Zach is a blast from Maggie's past. he is now and upcoming MMA fighter who has always had a soft spot for Maggie.
When he sees her one night he immediately goes to her and they begin to rekindle their friendship. While Zach wants it to go further Maggie is still getting over what June did to her.
As Zach learns about what happened to Maggie and Maggie learn about Zach's life after he left their town they both realize they are kindred souls. As their relationships heats up Maggie must decide if she is ready to "jump" into another relationship. And can Zach let Maggie go if she wants to return home? With a few twist and turns these two find each other and their HEA.
While reading this you'll feel Maggie and Zach's pain but you will also smile. I also loved Bri and Travis.
I was given this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review
September 12, 2017
The story began with Maggie’s conflict, putting me already on the edge of my seat. I experienced cringing as if I was in the protagonist’s shoes—the author did well in showing us her emotions, making me empathize with her. Even with a broken heart, she managed to make sound decisions and to be independent from her mother and sister. Though at first it wasn’t clear to me what her goal was, as the story progressed, I witnessed how her character evolved.
The story was written in alternate POV’s and the distinction between Zach and Maggie’s voice was clear. While Maggie has the tendency to doubt her decisions, Zach faced a situation head on. I admired him for his determination to reach for his dreams and the way he pursued Maggie; he wore his heart on his sleeve as far as she was concerned.
**Read the rest of the review: https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/1350...
The story was written in alternate POV’s and the distinction between Zach and Maggie’s voice was clear. While Maggie has the tendency to doubt her decisions, Zach faced a situation head on. I admired him for his determination to reach for his dreams and the way he pursued Maggie; he wore his heart on his sleeve as far as she was concerned.
**Read the rest of the review: https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/1350...
July 28, 2017
Maggie was left at the alter and was completely devastated. She couldn't stay in town and hear all the talk about what happened so she decides to visit her sister Nica. Being in San Fran she never thought she see Zach, her next door neighbor from her childhood. Zach & Maggie were close but Zach had to move and never said goodbye. Zach seeing Maggie gives him light when all his life was darkness. Zach will not let Maggie go but will his past hurt them from having a future? Good story and really enjoyed reading Maggie & Zach's story.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
September 24, 2017
This is the first book I read by Michelle Jo Quinn and I simply loved the story.
Maggie faces the disappointment of being left at the altar and decides to escape from her life and from everyone who influences her. She ends up going to her sister's house in San Francisco.
There she rediscovers her first love, Zach, who simply "disappeared" from her life ten years ago.
When the two meet again and begin to understand all the problems of Zach's past, will they be able to give a second chance to love?
This is a very well written story, with very interesting characters.
I highly recommend the reading.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Maggie faces the disappointment of being left at the altar and decides to escape from her life and from everyone who influences her. She ends up going to her sister's house in San Francisco.
There she rediscovers her first love, Zach, who simply "disappeared" from her life ten years ago.
When the two meet again and begin to understand all the problems of Zach's past, will they be able to give a second chance to love?
This is a very well written story, with very interesting characters.
I highly recommend the reading.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 30, 2017
4*
Maggie is a jilted bride her fiancé not only left her at the aisle but got her ex best friend pregnant & married her!
Zach is trying to get his break in the boxing world whilst helping & protecting his mum. He can't believe his luck when he bumps into Maggie/ beanie his best friend secret love who he hasn't seen for 10yrs.
The chemistry is there but can she trust again?
A lovely story with a true ending just wished there was a longer ending about the future.
I really hope the other fighters travis & rick get a story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Lovely story
Maggie is a jilted bride her fiancé not only left her at the aisle but got her ex best friend pregnant & married her!
Zach is trying to get his break in the boxing world whilst helping & protecting his mum. He can't believe his luck when he bumps into Maggie/ beanie his best friend secret love who he hasn't seen for 10yrs.
The chemistry is there but can she trust again?
A lovely story with a true ending just wished there was a longer ending about the future.
I really hope the other fighters travis & rick get a story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Lovely story
August 7, 2017
When Maggie's fiancé runs away with a "friend", Maggie leaves her mom's house and shows up on her sister's doorstep. When she isn't babysitting her niece, she tries to clear her mind. One night she's walking and runs into an old friend, Zach. Zach can't believe how beautiful his elementary school crush has become but he wants to spend more time with her. This was a sweet, sexy romance story. Michelle Quinn never fails to provide a great read!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
August 10, 2017
Another fabulous book from Michelle! This author and her books never disappoint and this one was no different.
This is the story of Zach and Maggie.
Maggie is left at the alter by her finance as he has been cheating on her with her best friend and she is pregnant. Crushes Maggie goes to stay with her sister and meets Zach who she hasn't seen in many years. They both have their issues to overcome to finally to happy together.....
Really great read and highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
This is the story of Zach and Maggie.
Maggie is left at the alter by her finance as he has been cheating on her with her best friend and she is pregnant. Crushes Maggie goes to stay with her sister and meets Zach who she hasn't seen in many years. They both have their issues to overcome to finally to happy together.....
Really great read and highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
August 11, 2017
A tender love story about two wounded souls from dysfunctional families. Maggie and Zach help each other heal after heartbreaks. Maggie's fiance ran off with her pregnant best friend on the day of her wedding. Zack was fighting demons from his childhood with his father and taking care of his sick mother. An emotional roller coaster as they deal with the past and work toward the future. Maggie tries to break from her over protective mother and sister and Zack tries to deal with his demons. I voluntarily chose to review this book
July 28, 2018
A story that brings out emotions. What happens when life hits you hard. Maggie gets left at the alter by June. She is lost and runs to her sisters house, where she runs into her old grade school friend Zack. Zack has many issues from his life of abuse and seeing his mom in a nursing home from the abuse. When they meet, what will happen? Can they get their friendship back? Will she accept him being a fighter? Can anyone help his mother? Can she get over her hurt from June? Can they see each other past all the emotions they are carrying? I received a free copy for my honest review.
August 1, 2017
This was a fantastic book by Michelle. I wish I could give more than 5 stars, because this book is so worth it. I started reading this and couldn't stop it pulled me in and didn't let go till the end. This was an emotional story and sometimes good can overcome the bad. I highly recommend this book I normally don't, but this book...is so worth the read. I can't wait to read what she writes next.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 4, 2017
*** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book***
This book starts out slowly and is pretty predictable..jilted bride, betrayed by best friend, off to make a new life, yada yada. But, give it a few chapters and this book by Michelle Jo Quinn becomes a quite the emotional roller coaster. Zach and Maggie are well written, compelling characters, both damaged but resilient. This book is fast paced and definitely an enjoyable read.
This book starts out slowly and is pretty predictable..jilted bride, betrayed by best friend, off to make a new life, yada yada. But, give it a few chapters and this book by Michelle Jo Quinn becomes a quite the emotional roller coaster. Zach and Maggie are well written, compelling characters, both damaged but resilient. This book is fast paced and definitely an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2018
Maggie has already been through enough betrayal. Could her old friend Zach be the one for her? The ups and downs they faced was multi-layered, and I really enjoyed their story. Getting past each of their personal histories was a tough challenge, but I couldn't understand how a person could stick by friends who were such awful people. June wasn't someone I could respect, not even later in the story. But I love a good bad boy romance, and this one had some good emotional rifts.
September 10, 2019
I think this is one of those “it’s not you, it’s me” books. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t particularly memorable. The characters were one-dimensional and the drama came across as juvenile. The storyline seemed to be all over the place as well and unfortunately this isn’t one of those books that will stick with me for any length of time. This is the first I’ve read by this author however I would till check out her other titles.
July 29, 2017
When He Falls by Michelle Jo Quinn is great book. This is a very emotional book. Featuring two people that have been badly hurt and are trying to deal with that pain. A second chance romance but also a great story about healing, dealing with your past and becoming who you are meant to be. This is my honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
August 1, 2017
This story was okay. It wasn't the writing itself, that was good. It flowed okay, it was just a little too YA for me. I like my romances with a more grown up feel to them. I felt like the h was pretty immature (I know she was only 19), but it kept me from connecting to her. The story itself had a good premise, and I would definitely give this author another try!
August 4, 2017
When He Falls (ARC) by Michelle Jo Quinn: ***** Very good
I enjoyed this story tremendously. The story line was good and kept my interest throughout. Maggie and Zach were perfect for each other, and the slow build of their relationship (and sizzle!) was good. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.
I enjoyed this story tremendously. The story line was good and kept my interest throughout. Maggie and Zach were perfect for each other, and the slow build of their relationship (and sizzle!) was good. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.
August 11, 2017
This book touches your heart and makes you think. Maggie has a hard time with what Zach does for a living, due to her past. They are great together can they over come her past and have a HEA. This was well written and keeps you interested through out the book. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all. I received this as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 3, 2017
I enjoyed Zach and Maggie’s story. It was well written and told from a dual POV. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming. An excellent read. The characters were well written and developed. Overall a great story of two broken and lost people who find their way back together. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 12, 2018
Cute but I wanted more of the rest of their story
Cute but I wanted more of the rest of their story. This was my first in the series so maybe the abrupt ending with no epilogue may be to encourage to read the other stories. I did like the book and characters enough to keep reading and to go back and read the bliss series
Cute but I wanted more of the rest of their story. This was my first in the series so maybe the abrupt ending with no epilogue may be to encourage to read the other stories. I did like the book and characters enough to keep reading and to go back and read the bliss series
April 20, 2019
I loved everything about this book. I was disappointed in the lack of epilogue as it would have been easier for me to wrap myself around some of the outstanding questions that the ending brought. I am anxious to read the next book and hope it will bring closure as it transitions on to another one of these amazing characters.
July 29, 2017
This was a really great story about Zach and Maggie, The story had me griped till the end. it was a very emotional story. Can 2 broken people final heal each other. grab a copy to read there full story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy
August 5, 2017
Great book and I really enjoyed the story line and characters of the story. It is an attention grabber and a must read. I love when you can learn life lessons from books. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for honest review and these are my thoughts about this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews