What If I Fall

by Cheri Marie, L.B. Russell

Jameson Bradley is a sweet, sexy, cocky, alpha of a man - and everything I’ve been trying to avoid. Since the death of my husband Brady, less than a year ago, a relationship is the last thing I’m looking for. But apparently the universe doesn’t care what I want…

Aurora Broderick is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. She’s smart, beautiful, strong… complicated. I had every intention of telling her I was a cop… Until she told me about Brady. Knowing how she feels about dating another law enforcement officer, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her. Losing her before she is actually mine - it isn’t an option.

Secrets. Lies. The ultimate betrayal.

Jameson isn’t the only one with secrets. When everything’s out in the open, what path will Aurora choose?


** Trigger warning: 18+ For mature audiences only. Some events in the book may be disturbing to some people. Reader discretion is advised.**

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2017

About the author

Cheri Marie is an author, reader, event organizer and most importantly a fur-mama. She is a Florida girl, currently residing in beautiful North Carolina. A lover of animals, it’s no surprise that Cheri has what some would call, a zoo of animals. When she isn't writing stories that transport you to another world, or wearing one of her many hats, she enjoys photography and music. Also on her down time, she enjoys spending a day on the water, fishing with her brothers.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I wasn't expecting such an emotional story with surprise twists! I loved Jameson and how much he was willing to fight for Rory. He was the perfect book boyfriend. The steamy scenes were really hot and the romance in this was super sweet. This is the first book I've read by these authors and I can't wait to read more.

[Coco.V]

💝 Book 1 is FREE on iBooks today (11/14/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Jameson Bradley is a sweet, sexy, cocky, alpha of a man - and everything I’ve been trying to avoid. Since the death of my husband Brady, less than a year ago, a relationship is the last thing I’m looking for. But apparently the universe doesn’t care what I want…

Aurora Broderick is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. She’s smart, beautiful, strong… complicated. I had every intention of telling her I was a cop… Until she told me about Brady. Knowing how she feels about dating another law enforcement officer, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her. Losing her before she is actually mine - it isn’t an option.

Secrets. Lies. The ultimate betrayal.

Jameson isn’t the only one with secrets. When everything’s out in the open, what path will Aurora choose?

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have very conflicted feelings for What if I fall some things I really loved others just made me a little irritated . Just know you will be going through a lot of emotions while reading felt so bad for the characters with the pain they had to go through . Things I absolutely loved was the hero who is swoon worthy , the friendship between the heroine and her best friend , the sex scenes , story line made me feel a lot of emotions and sometimes the heroine . Things that irritated me the heroine when she would run , it seemed a bit fast foreword when it came to the growing relationship with the hero and heroine , the shocking moment wasn't a big fan of , and that really is all that turned me off this read other then that it was quite enjoyable . I felt the pain for Aurora it's one of the worst feelings and it was understanding why she ran but it did frustrate me at times . Jameson just wow very swoon worthy adored everything about him he's sweet , funny, alpha protective , and very very very patient . They fit well together once they got past the struggles they are faced with .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero = 10 heroine = 7 secondary characters = 9
Chemistry = 10 steam = 8 romance = 8 humor = 4
darkness level = 6 enjoyment = 8 angst = 6
action = 3 story line = 8 mystery = 3
character development = 9 pacing = 8 Plot = 8
cover = 10 stars = 4 author = 7
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book =
would I read future books by this author = yes

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a ghost be part of a threesome?

From the opening pages, I knew this story was going to tap all the feels as Aurora (Rory) and Jameson struggled to find their way. There were life-altering moments galore as decisions were made by the head and not always the heart…

There are curveballs and more curveballs as these seemingly unlikely lovers tried to find a place where they could be in love and happy. Those two things don’t necessarily automatically come together, case in point right here. Grief, anxiety, fear – they all played a part in Rory’s honest responses to opening herself up again to love and hope. Jameson’s patience and understanding, even as he was hurting himself, kept me hopeful that not all would be lost…

Be prepared for emotional pitfalls galore and gut-wrenching choices which had me invested in each stomach-clenching moment…

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW!!! This author duo has certainly got a magic touch when it comes to the written word. “What If I Fall” is not only an amazingly heartfelt story about love, loss and 2nd chances, it’s a story about learning to let oneself learn to accept the unacceptable and dream the impossible.

Rory is devastated when her husband is killed in the line of duty (he was a police officer). She hits rock bottom and eventually is able to pull herself up in an attempt to move forward. In the process she meets a wonderful man who completes her. Yet when she finds out he’s a cop, like her first husband was, she becomes fearful and when Jameson get’s shot she knows she can’t go through losing him and runs before she “falls again”, devastating Jameson and and her own heart in the process.

Does Jameson go after her? If he finds her can he convince her they are worth fighting for; that he’s worth fighting for? And when life starts throwing lemon after lemon her way, can Rory find a way to pull it all back together again or will her attempts be too late?

This is a phenomenal story that will tug at your heartstrings and having you wishing for any kind of happy ending. I can’t recommend this book enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I would without hesitation. 2 Thumbs Up for a great read that absolutely should be on everyone's TBR list.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jameson and Aurora’s story, and what a heartbreaking and emotional story it is! This story has betrayal, secrets, lies, fear, humour, and most of all love. This is a beautifully written story by this talented and dynamic duo of authors. I was hooked and intrigued from the very beginning, and I look forward to reading more from these two authors’.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

[Theresa Alberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

What If I Fall is a story about love, loss, and finding yourself despite the tragedies that weigh on your heart. Aurora faces the unthinkable when her husband is killed in the line of duty. Not knowing how to move on or even wanting to move on, Rory decides to move away from her home to start over with her best friend Ally. Rory will never get involved with a cop again because the risk is too high and she won't survive losing someone she loves again. When Jameson walks into her life, she doesn't know what his career is all she knows is that the pull they have toward each other is stronger than anything she has ever felt. But when she finds out what he does for a living...all bets seem to be off. But just as they may find their way back to each other, another bomb is dropped in Rory's lap that she may not recover from. This story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.

3.5 stars

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)

Aurora lost her husband in the line of duty, and after her loss she turned her world upside down. She moved to a different state, leaving everything behind but her best friend. Now, she is slowly but surely getting her life back, and trying not to feel guilty for having a life when her husband doesn't. When she is asked out by Jameson, her best friend pushes her into going out with him, little does Rory know this is just the beginning of a beautiful thing. The only issue is that Jameson is a police officer and he hasn't figured out how to tell Rory. When Jameson ends up getting hurt, can Rory handle this, or will it push her further away? Will she give this relationship a chance or let her fears control her?

Ok, so for the first 70% (I think) I really liked this story. The gut wrenching loss that Rory felt, and the guilt for moving forward, all completely natural and I loved the progression of their relationship. Jameson needs an award for being so patient and understanding! What this story didn't need is the twist that the authors decided to add, in fact this was pretty close to a 5 star read before that. After the twist I was just left feeling very disappointed, that was a whole new bag of drama that just wasn't needed, and TBH I was just ready for the book to be over at that point. I give this 3.5 stars.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora Broderick has finally started to move on from the death of her husband a year ago, when she meets Jameson Bradley. He's super hot, sweet, and wants to date her, but she feels she isn't ready. However, Jameson isn't going to give up, and finally wears her down. But what she doesn't know is that he is a cop like her dead husband, and he's having a hard time trying to tell her. That's all I'm giving up, so you will just have to read this heart wrenching, emotional read by an uber talented duo. Jameson is so hot, that sparks came out of my kindle, while Aurora hasn't had the easiest time in life, which makes her a flight risk, but still had me ready to shake her a time or two. Cheri Marie & L.B. Russell pulled out my emotions, and I found myself with some eye leakage a time or two. I never noticed any kind of difference in the writing, as they flowed well together. And that big twist near the end? WOW! Threw me for a loop which led to some serious loud f-bomb dropping in my house! Anyway, I LOVED this story, and hope to read more by these two talents very soon! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Michaela Zankl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Rory's story is heartbreaking at first but takes a turn for the better. She is heartbroken over her husbands death in the line of duty and can't move on. With the help if her best friend Ally she decides to give Jameson a chance. Unaware of that he is also a police officer she runs, scared to lose him just like she lost her husband. Not giving up in Rory Jameson is out to find her. His persistence finally pays off but just as they are building a strong relationship an unexpected turn of events breaks open old wounds. Can their relationship survive or is it over before it began?
I love the way the story flows and you can easily vision this story because it is not far fetched. Grab a Kleenex in the beginning because you will need it. Love does conquer no matter how hopeless it may seem.

[Jennifer Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story destroyed me from page one. it's an emotional rollercoaster you don't want to get off and hope that each character get their happily ever after *hint, hint Cheri and Lb* I need more. This books is about heartache, loss, love, the journey we call life. Jameson is probably one of my favorite characters, he is swoon worthy, so sweet, thoughtful, caring, and understanding. he makes every girl wish she has a Jameson! Ally I wish she was my best friend. Rory is a strong though she doesn't know it or believe it girl. she. loses her husband to find her soulmate. Their journey isn't an easy one but it's definitely one you'll want to read. At times the story seemed rushed but it's amazing. grab a box of tissues and read, read, read!!!!!!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I would give this 4.25 stars. I liked Jamison, he was a very dedicated man who knew what he wanted. He wanted Rory. Rory is not sure if she can give her heart to another police officer. Her first love/husband died on the job, and she is unsure if she can date another cop...of course she doesn't find out that he is a cop until it is too late. There are a lot of plot lines going here, and some of them seemed hurried, but the characters had good chemistry. I did want to shake Rory several times ...but that feeling goes away. All in all a good effort by this author.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me say this is the first time i read this writing duo. A well written book with interesting characters -living real lives. This book Aurora (Rory) and Jameson. At the start of the book Rory loses her husband a cop in a shooting accident. She works her way back and mores to a new town. There she takes a chance on a customer and later finds out hes a cop. Can she go through that again. The worry and the waiting for something that almost destroyed her. I want give away anything but its a beautifal story of love, acceptance and working things out when you are in love. I defiantly would recommend reading this book and enjoy a very good read. Lisa

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, start to finish. I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review. It does get very emotional at certain points. I did have to put it down and walk away at one point, but I'm glad I picked it back up. You'll be rooting for Aurora and Jameson. A love story that should be read over and over.

[Jane Zav · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did manage to finish this but I did skim read it. A lot happens, things don’t get fleshed out or explained very well and the whole thing just didn’t work for me. This had all the depth of a puddle, 2 stars.

[Kristin Grella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Wow! This book had my emotions all over the place. A must read! I loved Jameson and his amazing understanding heart!

[Kearstyn Kutik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much!