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Falling Small Duet #1
False Start
Sometimes bad decisions... are made for the right reasons.
I lost everything with the death of my bandmate—my privacy, my reputation, my career, and the love of my life.
I’m nothing but the living ghost of Madelaine Dobransky. Still, I’ve managed to make a new life for myself and build a successful business from the ashes. And even though my world is filled with guilt, secrets, and suspicion... it lies buried beneath the surface.
All I wanted was a tattoo. I didn't know that it would bring him—the one who watches—back into my life. Nor did I expect the tempting tattoo artist, Dexter McClellan, to lay claim on a place in my world. Dex wants to know me, to know the truth.
But I can’t let that happen. Because the truth is buried for a reason.
The truth will destroy me.
I lost everything with the death of my bandmate—my privacy, my reputation, my career, and the love of my life.
I’m nothing but the living ghost of Madelaine Dobransky. Still, I’ve managed to make a new life for myself and build a successful business from the ashes. And even though my world is filled with guilt, secrets, and suspicion... it lies buried beneath the surface.
All I wanted was a tattoo. I didn't know that it would bring him—the one who watches—back into my life. Nor did I expect the tempting tattoo artist, Dexter McClellan, to lay claim on a place in my world. Dex wants to know me, to know the truth.
But I can’t let that happen. Because the truth is buried for a reason.
The truth will destroy me.
374 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2018
142 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Farris
11 books532 followersRebel Farris started life as a small-town girl with a massive imagination, practically living in the local library. Along the way, she got a degree in Finance and grew accustomed to city life, but couldn't stop telling her stories.
When she's not busy being a workaholic, writing the next complex story that fills her twisted mind, she can be found hanging with her three minions and two pups, Thugg Dog and King Pin.
Connect With Me ➔ https://links.rebelfarris.com
When she's not busy being a workaholic, writing the next complex story that fills her twisted mind, she can be found hanging with her three minions and two pups, Thugg Dog and King Pin.
Connect With Me ➔ https://links.rebelfarris.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 9, 2018
man!! I knew this was going to end with a Damm cliffhanger! good thing I waited to start till book 2 came out, I loved it couldn't put it down on too book 2!
December 30, 2025
False Start is now live! ➾ http://books2read.com/falsestart
**Sneak Peek**
“You keep interesting company.”
I turn back to face him as my protective instincts surge. “Who the fuck are you to judge?”
His hands go up in surrender. “No judgment, just making an observation.”
“I’ve known Lucky—Nic—since the day I was born. And despite his professional choices, he’s a stand-up guy. He’s family. So, watch your words, Dex. I protect the ones I love.”
“Hey.” He stops me with a hand on my shoulder. “I’m not saying anything here. I’m just trying to understand. You’re never what I expect. You throw me at every turn.”
I shrug my shoulders to dislodge his hand.
“Welcome to the island of misfit toys, Dex.” I expand my hands in front of me, gesturing to the room as I walk backward. “The only thing I expect from my friends is loyalty and honesty. What they choose to do apart from that is up to them. I’ve no room to judge anyone. But here’s a tip. You might want to stop tryin’ to understand me because you’re not going to like what you find. Okay?”
“That right there only makes me want to know more,” he says with a smirk, exposing one dimple.
“Whatever.” I throw up my hands. “I have to finish getting dinner on the table.”
**Cover Reveal**
**Links**
☛View the trailer: https://youtu.be/mZJyFhUZ-68
☛Listen to the #Playlist: http://spoti.fi/2lC5fre
☛Sneak Peek: https://my.w.tt/UiNb/Rc1OJDZtgK
---
* This book is a romantic suspense with a good dose of mystery. It has adult language use and graphic sex scenes. This story's about a former viral-hit rock star and the events of her past that affect her present struggles. This book is part one of a duet.
* The novel is now available, on all retailers. Book two, Pivot Line, will be releasing on March 7th.
**Sneak Peek**
“You keep interesting company.”
I turn back to face him as my protective instincts surge. “Who the fuck are you to judge?”
His hands go up in surrender. “No judgment, just making an observation.”
“I’ve known Lucky—Nic—since the day I was born. And despite his professional choices, he’s a stand-up guy. He’s family. So, watch your words, Dex. I protect the ones I love.”
“Hey.” He stops me with a hand on my shoulder. “I’m not saying anything here. I’m just trying to understand. You’re never what I expect. You throw me at every turn.”
I shrug my shoulders to dislodge his hand.
“Welcome to the island of misfit toys, Dex.” I expand my hands in front of me, gesturing to the room as I walk backward. “The only thing I expect from my friends is loyalty and honesty. What they choose to do apart from that is up to them. I’ve no room to judge anyone. But here’s a tip. You might want to stop tryin’ to understand me because you’re not going to like what you find. Okay?”
“That right there only makes me want to know more,” he says with a smirk, exposing one dimple.
“Whatever.” I throw up my hands. “I have to finish getting dinner on the table.”
**Cover Reveal**
**Links**
☛View the trailer: https://youtu.be/mZJyFhUZ-68
☛Listen to the #Playlist: http://spoti.fi/2lC5fre
☛Sneak Peek: https://my.w.tt/UiNb/Rc1OJDZtgK
---
* This book is a romantic suspense with a good dose of mystery. It has adult language use and graphic sex scenes. This story's about a former viral-hit rock star and the events of her past that affect her present struggles. This book is part one of a duet.
* The novel is now available, on all retailers. Book two, Pivot Line, will be releasing on March 7th.
April 22, 2018
I don’t usually write reviews so bare with me on this one. I really felt compelled to say WTActualF. Did you guys read the same book I did? I was given this book by a book blogger friend who I'm highly disappointed in. grrr I don’t want to waist my money or time if a book isn’t worth it so I rely on you bloggers. Thank god I got this one free, but theres still a chunk of my life I can't get back. Reading the other reviews here makes me feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone...and I hated Twilight!! I thought I was going to be in for a rare treat with this story, but damn was I sorely let down.
I’ll start off by saying this author seems to have a lot of potential. For a debut novel it was well written but it was a well written unrealistic mess of a story. Actually no, there was NO story! Nothing! Aren’t characters supposed to grow and change and the story progress as you read? Did you other reviewers see that happening and somehow after 7 hours of reading I missed it all? Did anyone else not feel like hardly anything in this book was even remotely believable? What about all the perfect beautiful boring characters or how the whole fucking male population had fucking dimples?
This book should never ever fall into the hands of a teen. Good god why wasn’t this categorized under errotica?
***SPOILERS WILL FOLLOW THIS***
I don’t even know where to start with all the things about this book that made me roll my eyes so many times I gave myself a migraine. And whiplash. I got a lot of whiplast from this. The author chose to rotate chapters between Then and Now which is a risky move and sadly she failed miserably. I kept having to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see if it was young or older Maddie I was reading because they were both the exact same female making the same dumb decisions.
SO many characters were introduced that by the end of the book I still didn’t know who was who. We begin with main character Maddie who is of course drop dead gorgeous as well as a world famous rock star. She gets a tattoo from a tattoo artist who ends up being an undercover cop, then flash back to Maddie in high school who’s boyfriend cheats on her, she calls her mom to pick her up, mom gets killed in car crash, new boy takes her home and knocks her up with twins because having sex with someone you just met can help the fresh raw wound of losing your mother only hours earlier. *deep breath* It all just goes down hill from there.
Thrown in the mix is some stalker who keeps leaving flowers and stupid notes for Maddie but we never know why. None of the notes are threatening and yet she has everyone tripping over themselves to keep her safe from...what? a florist?
We find out later that Maddie is not only a rock star, but also a photographer, an MMA fighter, a roller derby player, orphanage owner, and into some really kinky scary sex at the most random times. Totally believable right? And as some famous rock star who graced the cover of rolling stone magazine, it's strange how she lives her life in public and almost never gets notices. It's like she's Hannah Montana or something. But wait, there's more!
Dex (tattoo artist aka undercover cop) is assigned Maddie’s case to find this scary flower leaving stalker. His daughter becomes friends with Maddie’s twin girls so because of that he is forced to pretend to be Maddie's boyfriend in order to maintain his cover and keep his daughter safe. Huh? Seriously are you shitting me? WTF??? Of course Maddie falls for him (by the way she's had two other forgetful loves that I won't even attempt to go into) and has to keep reminding herself this isn’t real. Sigh. So dumb.
One night Dex takes Maddie to a new restaurant that ends up being a drop-location where everyone except the cook is also undercover. While there he tosses his file at her and invites her to read about his criminal history. He was apparently such a bad kid growing up that the cops said he could either become an undercover cop (bypassing all the training and the fact that cops can’t have a record) or go to prison. Maddie reads all this, then when they get in the car she turns into a sex-crazed idiot and grabs his cock because that’s everyone’s reaction to finding out the person you’re having dinner with is a criminal. Then they start getting into it in the car when a cop taps on the window. Dex can’t reveal his undercover status….TO A COP...so they play it off and leave. They get interrupted about 5 more times before they finally have sex. Ugh. It was hard you guys, and I'm not talking about Dex's cock. I'm talking about getting through these sex scenes.
I’ve finished the second book and if I can work through my anger I’ll review that book too, but suffice it to say that by the end of the first book, we still know jack squat. Zippo! No idea who the stalker is at all. And ok I’ll save you the trouble of reading the next book because you won’t find out by the end of that book either. These two books are just a ploy to get you to buy her spin off series of SEVEN more books and probably none of them will have answers either or god forbid a fucking plot.
Some of you guys have said this book has twists and turns. It doesn’t. It has hurricanes that make a bigger mess of this plotless go nowhere completely unbelievable story. Maddie and all the other characters are just as dumb at the end of the book as they are at the beginning and I’ve learned nothing. I read the second book just to put my mind at ease that there was a point to all of this, but there wasn’t. It gets worse in the second book. Much worse. So much worse that it’s concerning to me. Like do I need to call someone to make sure this author isn’t actually chained up in someone’s closet somewhere and this was her cry for help?
Horrible book. Seriously the worst I think I've ever read. I’m still in such shock over the positive reviews here and thats the only reason I bothered to leave a review at all. People deserve to know what their spending their hard earned money on.
I’ll start off by saying this author seems to have a lot of potential. For a debut novel it was well written but it was a well written unrealistic mess of a story. Actually no, there was NO story! Nothing! Aren’t characters supposed to grow and change and the story progress as you read? Did you other reviewers see that happening and somehow after 7 hours of reading I missed it all? Did anyone else not feel like hardly anything in this book was even remotely believable? What about all the perfect beautiful boring characters or how the whole fucking male population had fucking dimples?
This book should never ever fall into the hands of a teen. Good god why wasn’t this categorized under errotica?
***SPOILERS WILL FOLLOW THIS***
I don’t even know where to start with all the things about this book that made me roll my eyes so many times I gave myself a migraine. And whiplash. I got a lot of whiplast from this. The author chose to rotate chapters between Then and Now which is a risky move and sadly she failed miserably. I kept having to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see if it was young or older Maddie I was reading because they were both the exact same female making the same dumb decisions.
SO many characters were introduced that by the end of the book I still didn’t know who was who. We begin with main character Maddie who is of course drop dead gorgeous as well as a world famous rock star. She gets a tattoo from a tattoo artist who ends up being an undercover cop, then flash back to Maddie in high school who’s boyfriend cheats on her, she calls her mom to pick her up, mom gets killed in car crash, new boy takes her home and knocks her up with twins because having sex with someone you just met can help the fresh raw wound of losing your mother only hours earlier. *deep breath* It all just goes down hill from there.
Thrown in the mix is some stalker who keeps leaving flowers and stupid notes for Maddie but we never know why. None of the notes are threatening and yet she has everyone tripping over themselves to keep her safe from...what? a florist?
We find out later that Maddie is not only a rock star, but also a photographer, an MMA fighter, a roller derby player, orphanage owner, and into some really kinky scary sex at the most random times. Totally believable right? And as some famous rock star who graced the cover of rolling stone magazine, it's strange how she lives her life in public and almost never gets notices. It's like she's Hannah Montana or something. But wait, there's more!
Dex (tattoo artist aka undercover cop) is assigned Maddie’s case to find this scary flower leaving stalker. His daughter becomes friends with Maddie’s twin girls so because of that he is forced to pretend to be Maddie's boyfriend in order to maintain his cover and keep his daughter safe. Huh? Seriously are you shitting me? WTF??? Of course Maddie falls for him (by the way she's had two other forgetful loves that I won't even attempt to go into) and has to keep reminding herself this isn’t real. Sigh. So dumb.
One night Dex takes Maddie to a new restaurant that ends up being a drop-location where everyone except the cook is also undercover. While there he tosses his file at her and invites her to read about his criminal history. He was apparently such a bad kid growing up that the cops said he could either become an undercover cop (bypassing all the training and the fact that cops can’t have a record) or go to prison. Maddie reads all this, then when they get in the car she turns into a sex-crazed idiot and grabs his cock because that’s everyone’s reaction to finding out the person you’re having dinner with is a criminal. Then they start getting into it in the car when a cop taps on the window. Dex can’t reveal his undercover status….TO A COP...so they play it off and leave. They get interrupted about 5 more times before they finally have sex. Ugh. It was hard you guys, and I'm not talking about Dex's cock. I'm talking about getting through these sex scenes.
I’ve finished the second book and if I can work through my anger I’ll review that book too, but suffice it to say that by the end of the first book, we still know jack squat. Zippo! No idea who the stalker is at all. And ok I’ll save you the trouble of reading the next book because you won’t find out by the end of that book either. These two books are just a ploy to get you to buy her spin off series of SEVEN more books and probably none of them will have answers either or god forbid a fucking plot.
Some of you guys have said this book has twists and turns. It doesn’t. It has hurricanes that make a bigger mess of this plotless go nowhere completely unbelievable story. Maddie and all the other characters are just as dumb at the end of the book as they are at the beginning and I’ve learned nothing. I read the second book just to put my mind at ease that there was a point to all of this, but there wasn’t. It gets worse in the second book. Much worse. So much worse that it’s concerning to me. Like do I need to call someone to make sure this author isn’t actually chained up in someone’s closet somewhere and this was her cry for help?
Horrible book. Seriously the worst I think I've ever read. I’m still in such shock over the positive reviews here and thats the only reason I bothered to leave a review at all. People deserve to know what their spending their hard earned money on.
February 20, 2018
My review is 4.45 stars.
What was that! First of all, I haven't read that kind of something in a while. I had not rated a book more than 4.3 stars for quite a while now, but this one deserved better than that. According to the status of my reading, the amount of reading done by me on daily basis, I really haven't read this kind of book and especially when it's the debut book. I haven't counted the words of the book but over 350 pages made me consider this is a novel. This is a beautiful, an incredible and an awesome book. I want this book to be a person & I want to marry her.
First thing first, where do you get this beautiful covers? If you did this, I want to kiss your hands for this awesome and incredible book & cover both, if somebody else designed the cover, I want to talk to that person.
Everything is good about the book, means everything. Either you say the character, story, plot, flow, pace, words, scenes, whatever to be considered in the context of the book, is good & beautiful. The characters are so good, awesome and amazing that I made a special bond with them and I was so connected to the story that I can't explain in the words. If you'll ask me to explain, I may need to write a short story kind of thing.
This is Author's debut book, and she already made the list of my favourite authors. If you would ask me if I like this book, I would say no, in fact, I loved this book. I loved this book so much. The story was so well knit, like the Edwin Lutyens designed something. The plot of the story was so beautiful and the top of that, the pace of the story. I never felt that I'm getting bored of the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, forget about the genre, just read it.
What was that! First of all, I haven't read that kind of something in a while. I had not rated a book more than 4.3 stars for quite a while now, but this one deserved better than that. According to the status of my reading, the amount of reading done by me on daily basis, I really haven't read this kind of book and especially when it's the debut book. I haven't counted the words of the book but over 350 pages made me consider this is a novel. This is a beautiful, an incredible and an awesome book. I want this book to be a person & I want to marry her.
First thing first, where do you get this beautiful covers? If you did this, I want to kiss your hands for this awesome and incredible book & cover both, if somebody else designed the cover, I want to talk to that person.
Everything is good about the book, means everything. Either you say the character, story, plot, flow, pace, words, scenes, whatever to be considered in the context of the book, is good & beautiful. The characters are so good, awesome and amazing that I made a special bond with them and I was so connected to the story that I can't explain in the words. If you'll ask me to explain, I may need to write a short story kind of thing.
This is Author's debut book, and she already made the list of my favourite authors. If you would ask me if I like this book, I would say no, in fact, I loved this book. I loved this book so much. The story was so well knit, like the Edwin Lutyens designed something. The plot of the story was so beautiful and the top of that, the pace of the story. I never felt that I'm getting bored of the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, forget about the genre, just read it.
January 26, 2019
I devoured every page like it was my last meal and it was absolutely fantastic and freakin' delicious!!!
Times like these when I wish I was a blogger or a writer or sorts so I could give justice to the absolute complexity and magnificence of this debut novel.
The entire thing is brilliantly crafted. So much, and I mean SO MUCH happened in less than 400 pages of a book and I was immensely satisfied. Suspenseful from start to finish, I was sure to have felt all the possible emotions while reading it. And that mind blowing cliffhanger left me 100% shook.
I love love the diversity of the characters - I just could not express it enough, the back and forth of the events because they were flawlessly told, the unexpected twists and turns, the chaos of it all, everything, just everything. I'm sure to be counting the days for Pivot Line. So glad it's coming soon!!!
Times like these when I wish I was a blogger or a writer or sorts so I could give justice to the absolute complexity and magnificence of this debut novel.
The entire thing is brilliantly crafted. So much, and I mean SO MUCH happened in less than 400 pages of a book and I was immensely satisfied. Suspenseful from start to finish, I was sure to have felt all the possible emotions while reading it. And that mind blowing cliffhanger left me 100% shook.
I love love the diversity of the characters - I just could not express it enough, the back and forth of the events because they were flawlessly told, the unexpected twists and turns, the chaos of it all, everything, just everything. I'm sure to be counting the days for Pivot Line. So glad it's coming soon!!!
June 4, 2018
5+ STARS!
The first thing that comes to my mind right after finishing this book is WOW!!!
What an emotional journey! And the fact that this is Rebel Farris debut novel makes it even more astonishing! This story is so well written and so captivating that will keep you enthralled and glued to it from the first page till the last. And as soon as you’re done you’ll just want more of it!
It’s dark and sensual and funny and heartbreaking.
False Start tells the story of Maddie/Laine Dobransky from when she’s 15 to when she’s 27, alternating between past and present.
Sometimes, when the narration of a story has this back and forth it can be confusing, but it’s not the case of False Start. The chapters that focuses on the past make you understand step by step what happened in Maddie’s life that led to the tragic events that keeps hunting her even after years.
I usually figure out pretty quickly where a story will go, but with this one I kept buildind theories in my mind only to be surprised and proved wrong after a while.
I don’t wanna give out spoilers because this is one of those stories that needs to be read without knowing too much about them, otherwise it could ruin the suspence.
I’m just gonna say that I felt very connected with Maddie, and I admired her strenght and her personality. I also adored the disfunctional and loving family she’s managed to build over the years and every one of the secondary characters is amazing.
I cannot wait to read the second chapter of the series, Pivot Line, that comes out on March 7th.
I highly reccommend this debut novel to everyone who is looking for a great suspence romance and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed at all because this book is SOOOO GOOD!
Rebel Farris will take you on a rollercoaster of events and emotions and you’d better hold on tight while you enjoy the ride!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The first thing that comes to my mind right after finishing this book is WOW!!!
What an emotional journey! And the fact that this is Rebel Farris debut novel makes it even more astonishing! This story is so well written and so captivating that will keep you enthralled and glued to it from the first page till the last. And as soon as you’re done you’ll just want more of it!
It’s dark and sensual and funny and heartbreaking.
False Start tells the story of Maddie/Laine Dobransky from when she’s 15 to when she’s 27, alternating between past and present.
Sometimes, when the narration of a story has this back and forth it can be confusing, but it’s not the case of False Start. The chapters that focuses on the past make you understand step by step what happened in Maddie’s life that led to the tragic events that keeps hunting her even after years.
I usually figure out pretty quickly where a story will go, but with this one I kept buildind theories in my mind only to be surprised and proved wrong after a while.
I don’t wanna give out spoilers because this is one of those stories that needs to be read without knowing too much about them, otherwise it could ruin the suspence.
I’m just gonna say that I felt very connected with Maddie, and I admired her strenght and her personality. I also adored the disfunctional and loving family she’s managed to build over the years and every one of the secondary characters is amazing.
I cannot wait to read the second chapter of the series, Pivot Line, that comes out on March 7th.
I highly reccommend this debut novel to everyone who is looking for a great suspence romance and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed at all because this book is SOOOO GOOD!
Rebel Farris will take you on a rollercoaster of events and emotions and you’d better hold on tight while you enjoy the ride!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 3, 2018
I was intrigued from the beginning with Maddie and her story then we’re introduced to Dex and I couldn’t get enough. Throughout the story we transition between the past and present so I had to make sure I was completely focused on the events taking place but this is a story that will have you on the edge more often then not and turning those pages. The mysteriousness held strong and had me second guessing everyone and that cliffhanger has me still so curious and ready to jump into book two. This is a first I’m reading from this author but definitely won’t be my last. Grab your copy now. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
December 3, 2018
Books like this are why I am so happy to have the coolest friends in this community.
I never would’ve known about this author if it weren’t for the amazing recommendation of my amazing friend, S.
Wow, Rebel Farris. My first book from you and I have been completely blown away.
So much mystery, so many secrets, WHAT AN ENDING!
I loved that the entire story left us guessing.
I wanted to know who the killer was so badly, I needed to know who died!
The back and forth in timelines worked so well, and so infuriating in the best way possible.
The second we got to the past, I was dying to get back to the present, but the moment we travelled back to the present, I was begging for the author to finish the thoughts on the past.
To say I was hooked on this mystery is an understatement.
I can’t wait to start the second installment from this Falling Small duet.
Definitely worth the five stars!
I never would’ve known about this author if it weren’t for the amazing recommendation of my amazing friend, S.
Wow, Rebel Farris. My first book from you and I have been completely blown away.
So much mystery, so many secrets, WHAT AN ENDING!
I loved that the entire story left us guessing.
I wanted to know who the killer was so badly, I needed to know who died!
The back and forth in timelines worked so well, and so infuriating in the best way possible.
The second we got to the past, I was dying to get back to the present, but the moment we travelled back to the present, I was begging for the author to finish the thoughts on the past.
To say I was hooked on this mystery is an understatement.
I can’t wait to start the second installment from this Falling Small duet.
Definitely worth the five stars!
December 9, 2018
Rebel was recommended to me by a friend and I am absolutely hooked. This book is an action packed, emotional ride that will leave you wanting more. I lost sleep with this one because I could not put. It. Down!
It's an amazing story with a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Rebel is brilliant in her character development. So much so, that I am in love with maddie/laine. She is beautifully broken but had a strength that the best of us will envy. And the men in this book?! Holy hotness i need a smoke!
It's an amazing story with a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Rebel is brilliant in her character development. So much so, that I am in love with maddie/laine. She is beautifully broken but had a strength that the best of us will envy. And the men in this book?! Holy hotness i need a smoke!
February 15, 2018
The F***... holy moley... I wasn’t expecting that... confusion, so much confusion. I am struggling to write a review, to even get my thoughts to form a coherent stream.
This is a raw read, everything about this book is written to entice and confuse you, to keep you guessing. Rebel Farris never gives you enough information to allow your ideas to solidify. This is a thriller as much as a romance and you will be kept on your toes. Your thoughts and suspicions are never verified and your mind becomes Sherlock Holmes as it kicks into overdrive.
This is a story of the past and the present and the emotional rollercoaster that happens when the two collide. You are taken on a journey, one of lies, deceit, heartbreak, new beginnings and fresh starts.
I found this story very hard to follow as the past and the present interchanged so frequently. However as the book drew to a close I understood the importance of writing this story in such a way. For every chapter about the past it interlinked with a chapter about the present. For every tibid of information shared a deeper understanding followed, one that you couldn’t fathom until the end of the book. It is written to trick and tease you, to leave you wanting more.
This is a raw read, everything about this book is written to entice and confuse you, to keep you guessing. Rebel Farris never gives you enough information to allow your ideas to solidify. This is a thriller as much as a romance and you will be kept on your toes. Your thoughts and suspicions are never verified and your mind becomes Sherlock Holmes as it kicks into overdrive.
This is a story of the past and the present and the emotional rollercoaster that happens when the two collide. You are taken on a journey, one of lies, deceit, heartbreak, new beginnings and fresh starts.
I found this story very hard to follow as the past and the present interchanged so frequently. However as the book drew to a close I understood the importance of writing this story in such a way. For every chapter about the past it interlinked with a chapter about the present. For every tibid of information shared a deeper understanding followed, one that you couldn’t fathom until the end of the book. It is written to trick and tease you, to leave you wanting more.
April 3, 2018
The F***... holy moley... I wasn’t expecting that... confusion, so much confusion. I am struggling to write a review, to even get my thoughts to form a coherent stream.
This is a raw read, everything about this book is written to entice and confuse you, to keep you guessing. Rebel Farris never gives you enough information to allow your ideas to solidify. This is a thriller as much as a romance and you will be kept on your toes. Your thoughts and suspicions are never verified and your mind becomes Sherlock Holmes as it kicks into overdrive.
This is a story of the past and the present and the emotional rollercoaster that happens when the two collide. You are taken on a journey, one of lies, deceit, heartbreak, new beginnings and fresh starts.
I found this story very hard to follow as the past and the present interchanged so frequently. However as the book drew to a close I understood the importance of writing this story in such a way. For every chapter about the past it interlinked with a chapter about the present. For every tibid of information shared a deeper understanding followed, one that you couldn’t fathom until the end of the book. It is written to trick and tease you, to leave you wanting more.
"Read on behalf of Books After Fifty"
March 9, 2018
It’s difficult for me to find the right words to adequately give a review of this book. I was hooked by the second page. This story is about Maddie and begins with her as an adult but the author does a now an then time line which moves smoothly. This story has a little of everything from first love, infidelity, discovering her sexuality, BDSM, conflicted emotions of loving two people at the same time and so much more. This author takes you on a ride of I got this figured out to what the hell just happened. This book ends on a cliff hanger but the second book Pivot Line is set to be released in a few days. If you like a book that you can’t stop thinking about you need to read this series.
November 28, 2018
WOW... what an awesome ride this first book took me on and I so can't wait for the next one. Rebel seamlessly writes a story that flips from current to flashback propelling the story forward with every word with great characters that engage you from the very start. Yes it does end in a cliff hanger but the second book it available. So my best advice buy both books now so you can just go from one to the next. I received a ARC for an honest review.
March 24, 2018
Amazing!! I was hooked from page one. It's dark, sexy and suspenseful with a little humor thrown in. My heart was breaking one minute from the angst and then it was skipping beats from the mystery. The mixture of the two is perfect and will hold your emotions hostage until the very last sentence......and that last sentence....OMG!!!! Book 2...here I come!!
February 5, 2018
Have I told ya'll lately how much I fucking LOVE finding new authors!!!!! Promoting them and sharing their stories that move me is becoming my all time favorite thing. Now don't get me wrong I do have some favorites but finding new authors that blow my mind is what gets my blood pumping!
Rebel Farris is a freaking talented writer!!! Let me tell you that when I got the chance to review this book I was excited and pumped, but also beyond nervous..... you really don't know what you will get when you are trying out a new author. (I think that's what excites me... lol)
I am not sure when the last time I grew so attached to a character and felt like I connected emotionally but when I met Maddie (or Laine) I knew I was in deep. The things she experiences I felt right along with her and not only that but parts I could pull from my own life. Maddie will make you cry, get angry and be terrified for her all within a few pages. I am telling you this book even had me laughing at a few parts but then was quickly sparked with an electricity of arousal I was sure I would jump my husband the moment he came home from work.
You meet quite a few characters throughout this book and a first I was confused with some of the girls but I was completely on the edge of my seat that I figured out who was who.
But the men...... oh hot damn just thinking about them is getting me all worked up. Jared is one of the first guys I fell in love with and although I understand the things he did throughout the book I am still a little pissed. Evan is one of Maddie's best friends that had me swooning during a particular kitchen scene with all the girls!! Another guy that I think could be even sexier than Evan is Nic (or Lucky), ladies I have to say he is a bit of a player though. But during this one particular scene with Maddie and a new guy Law, I would have LOVED to see how it would've played out if Maddie and Nic weren't such good friends, because hot damn the thought of the three of them made me need to squeeze my legs together to relieve some of the tension building. The last guy I have already mentioned is Law and boy does he get my blood pumping but also my mind racing because he makes me suspicious.
I hate spoilers and any idea of the story being shared so this is why I talk about the characters but my emotions felt like they were thrown back and forth across a long ass room. I cried a lot (some for personal reasons) but mostly because I could feel so much for each of these characters. I will say that some of this book had me freaking the fuck out while I was ALONE in my apartment with freaking weird noises going on outside. (I became A LOT paranoid, just saying...)
I have read many different authors and this last week I read one of my favorite best selling authors and just between us...... this book blew my mind more....
**If you know who my favorite author is and are upset with this opinion just know that it is just my opinion and my personal preference. I still love her but I have to be honest.**
This book should be read by all and with that being said I will give you a warning... the end is a fucking mind blown changer of epic proportions!! When you read this book realize that you don't know a damn thing about what really happened or what is going to happen. Be ready to scream and throw that phone/kindle or whatever you read on (I suggest putting pillows down or aiming towards the couch.) because that reading device will be thrown and you will break down and cry the ugliest cry! Along with not being able to read another damn thing for the entire next day like I did because my brain was still caught up on figuring this out!!
Rebel Farris is a freaking talented writer!!! Let me tell you that when I got the chance to review this book I was excited and pumped, but also beyond nervous..... you really don't know what you will get when you are trying out a new author. (I think that's what excites me... lol)
I am not sure when the last time I grew so attached to a character and felt like I connected emotionally but when I met Maddie (or Laine) I knew I was in deep. The things she experiences I felt right along with her and not only that but parts I could pull from my own life. Maddie will make you cry, get angry and be terrified for her all within a few pages. I am telling you this book even had me laughing at a few parts but then was quickly sparked with an electricity of arousal I was sure I would jump my husband the moment he came home from work.
You meet quite a few characters throughout this book and a first I was confused with some of the girls but I was completely on the edge of my seat that I figured out who was who.
But the men...... oh hot damn just thinking about them is getting me all worked up. Jared is one of the first guys I fell in love with and although I understand the things he did throughout the book I am still a little pissed. Evan is one of Maddie's best friends that had me swooning during a particular kitchen scene with all the girls!! Another guy that I think could be even sexier than Evan is Nic (or Lucky), ladies I have to say he is a bit of a player though. But during this one particular scene with Maddie and a new guy Law, I would have LOVED to see how it would've played out if Maddie and Nic weren't such good friends, because hot damn the thought of the three of them made me need to squeeze my legs together to relieve some of the tension building. The last guy I have already mentioned is Law and boy does he get my blood pumping but also my mind racing because he makes me suspicious.
I hate spoilers and any idea of the story being shared so this is why I talk about the characters but my emotions felt like they were thrown back and forth across a long ass room. I cried a lot (some for personal reasons) but mostly because I could feel so much for each of these characters. I will say that some of this book had me freaking the fuck out while I was ALONE in my apartment with freaking weird noises going on outside. (I became A LOT paranoid, just saying...)
I have read many different authors and this last week I read one of my favorite best selling authors and just between us...... this book blew my mind more....
**If you know who my favorite author is and are upset with this opinion just know that it is just my opinion and my personal preference. I still love her but I have to be honest.**
This book should be read by all and with that being said I will give you a warning... the end is a fucking mind blown changer of epic proportions!! When you read this book realize that you don't know a damn thing about what really happened or what is going to happen. Be ready to scream and throw that phone/kindle or whatever you read on (I suggest putting pillows down or aiming towards the couch.) because that reading device will be thrown and you will break down and cry the ugliest cry! Along with not being able to read another damn thing for the entire next day like I did because my brain was still caught up on figuring this out!!
December 13, 2018
The best read of 2018 for me. I could not believe this was a debut book, the writing was so well done, the story told so well I was on the edge of my seat turning page after page! One click this one!!
March 7, 2018
5 THRILLING FALSE START STARS!! Wow, just wow, I am still trying to catch my breath, so freaking unbelievable. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book. The story is so emotional and has all the feels you could ever want. This is one thrilling ride you will want to ride, I loved every minute of it. I am so glad I found this phenomenal author and cant wait to read more by her.
February 13, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I seriously had trouble putting this book down. Other readers will love this book.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I seriously had trouble putting this book down. Other readers will love this book.
December 14, 2018
False Start is a part of a Duet. You will want to read both books back to back. There is a slight cliff-hanger at the end, which is more like a "...to be continued..."
This story, overall was incredible. There are many characters and background information constantly flowing throughout the book. Whereas I liked the storyline, (and I couldn't put it down once I became invested) it was extremely complicated. I stayed with it because I had to know who was died why is Mads/Laine so broken, and who was she going to end up with, Jared, Law or Dex? She sucked me in!
It is a well laid out story beginning to end. Great job for being the first book that Rebel has written. She did an excellent job of capturing me for the long-haul. I will read the spin-off series slated for 2019, because I got suckered into this story, hook, line & sinker. I love the characters. They are broken, dark, risqué, quirky, loving, loyal and all around awesome. I wish I had friends like Mads has in this series. I love that it is based in Austin and I recognized the streets and places described. That is pretty neat. I did get annoyed at first with the slang, and then I realized, 'Holy crap, this's'xactly how we talk!" I guess I've never seen it captured in black & white. :) This'll be a awesome read for you. The story's incredible.
Worth the read, just a fore-warning, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, so I recommend reading both books straight through.
I voluntarily gave an honest review after being given an Advance Reader Copy by the Rebel Farris.
This story, overall was incredible. There are many characters and background information constantly flowing throughout the book. Whereas I liked the storyline, (and I couldn't put it down once I became invested) it was extremely complicated. I stayed with it because I had to know who was died why is Mads/Laine so broken, and who was she going to end up with, Jared, Law or Dex? She sucked me in!
It is a well laid out story beginning to end. Great job for being the first book that Rebel has written. She did an excellent job of capturing me for the long-haul. I will read the spin-off series slated for 2019, because I got suckered into this story, hook, line & sinker. I love the characters. They are broken, dark, risqué, quirky, loving, loyal and all around awesome. I wish I had friends like Mads has in this series. I love that it is based in Austin and I recognized the streets and places described. That is pretty neat. I did get annoyed at first with the slang, and then I realized, 'Holy crap, this's'xactly how we talk!" I guess I've never seen it captured in black & white. :) This'll be a awesome read for you. The story's incredible.
Worth the read, just a fore-warning, there are a lot of characters to keep track of, so I recommend reading both books straight through.
I voluntarily gave an honest review after being given an Advance Reader Copy by the Rebel Farris.
February 20, 2019
There is a reason that this book has received a unanimous 5 stars. This book will just blow your mind. I’m just a reader I devour books but rarely write a review, to be truthful I go in raw and don’t read them until after I have finished a book to see if I agree with their opinions. It’s usually a cover and a blurb or a recommendation that gets me in. This book has introduced me to a debut author that the world needs to hear about.
I don’t have a word I can think of strong enough for a description. It was so good on so many levels. It was perfection; it had so many twists and turns. It was a “now and then” adventure, each chapter in the past sets you up for a new discovery into the present. The introduction of new characters and situations and what they contribute to the end story.
So please, if you read reviews go ahead and read the others. I agreed with everyone else who has been captivated by this wordsmith. Or go in raw like I did and become bewitched. I’m counting down the days for Pivot Line.
Look out book world here comes Rebel Farris!
I don’t have a word I can think of strong enough for a description. It was so good on so many levels. It was perfection; it had so many twists and turns. It was a “now and then” adventure, each chapter in the past sets you up for a new discovery into the present. The introduction of new characters and situations and what they contribute to the end story.
So please, if you read reviews go ahead and read the others. I agreed with everyone else who has been captivated by this wordsmith. Or go in raw like I did and become bewitched. I’m counting down the days for Pivot Line.
Look out book world here comes Rebel Farris!
March 6, 2018
I was very into this book! It felt like forever since I've open a book that gives me more of a back story. Not the typical romance in the here and now with one guy. This story develops around her struggles and honest to God bad luck, so we get to read more than one partner in love for her, how her responsibility grows and how her values and courage become stronger with each struggle. I loved how each of the guys in her life end up being so different but such a good fit for her. And I also loved the mystery of it. Through every page you are aware of a danger to her and her family's life and you bounce back and force trying to decipher who it is causing her grief. You will question who should she trust and if you are like me you will have ups an downs where you will fight with the book because it leaves you midway to take you back. It is nerve racking but oh so good...
March 16, 2018
What an outstanding debut? This book caught my attention right off with the cover, simply amazing an original, so much creativity used. I'll start out saying it did take a bit to get into it, there are a lot well thought out events and plotted layers in the story, it's not a typical romance theme, plot = HEA. It's entrancing because I was caught between both scenarios, the years before labeled then and the now chapters. It was easy to get caught up in both time span, both intriguing. Cliff hanger, yes and quite the sucker punch I must say, however book 2, Pivot is out so no worries, can't wait, highly recommend!!!
October 4, 2018
FanFlippingTastic!
An absolute head turning grab hold of you keeping you hypnotized throughout the engrossing suspense filled twists you never see coming feeding off every word as the storyline dominates every aspect of you making it impossible to put down! A very well executed read that is an absolute must have one click and get it read you will not be disappointed! Thrilling hot chemistry! Intense, enjoyable, exciting, suspense, emotionally gripping and head turning twists! A fantastic must read!
An absolute head turning grab hold of you keeping you hypnotized throughout the engrossing suspense filled twists you never see coming feeding off every word as the storyline dominates every aspect of you making it impossible to put down! A very well executed read that is an absolute must have one click and get it read you will not be disappointed! Thrilling hot chemistry! Intense, enjoyable, exciting, suspense, emotionally gripping and head turning twists! A fantastic must read!
May 31, 2018
This book is unbelievable. I was drawn in by the cover, and the blurb kept me interested. I was invested in these characters, and the story is hard to put away. I want more! I can’t wait to start book two. This author was a new author for me, and she’s stuck with me now. I am completely hooked.
February 7, 2018
I hate …honestly, I do, I really hate leaving a short review, I usually have so much that I want to say that finding a place to stop, take a breath and analysis is difficult but that is not the case with this book.
No, with this I have no choice but to leave a short review but believe me when I say it is for your own good because I could wax lyrical about this for far longer than is politely acceptable!!
Yes, Ladies, it was THAT GOOD!!!
I loved the cover, in fact, it was that and not the blurb that drew me in. The author should be delighted with the book she has produced because for a debut novel, it was superb.
From start to the finish the pace and pattern of the book will have you hooked, the emotional aspect of the read was enough to leave me with a book hangover.
The characterization was complete, there were no rough edges, each character had their place and each of them brought a personality to the page that could not be denied. They were strong, dedicated and delicious.
I especially loved the complexity of Maddie, the fact that I felt as if I could not only laugh but cry alongside her. Of course, there were other female characters in the story and they all had their time in the spotlight but other than Maddie I would have to say that my focus was well and truly trained on the multitude of magnificent men that the author served up… and although I don’t particularly want to single just one of them out as they were all fabulous, I thought Law was a gem!
As part of a duet, it came as no surprise that there was an amazing ending to this installment but darn it…this was just amazing and that ending, it was sensational!
Have tissues to hand and a pillow to hide behind…you have been warned, you will need both!!
No, with this I have no choice but to leave a short review but believe me when I say it is for your own good because I could wax lyrical about this for far longer than is politely acceptable!!
Yes, Ladies, it was THAT GOOD!!!
I loved the cover, in fact, it was that and not the blurb that drew me in. The author should be delighted with the book she has produced because for a debut novel, it was superb.
From start to the finish the pace and pattern of the book will have you hooked, the emotional aspect of the read was enough to leave me with a book hangover.
The characterization was complete, there were no rough edges, each character had their place and each of them brought a personality to the page that could not be denied. They were strong, dedicated and delicious.
I especially loved the complexity of Maddie, the fact that I felt as if I could not only laugh but cry alongside her. Of course, there were other female characters in the story and they all had their time in the spotlight but other than Maddie I would have to say that my focus was well and truly trained on the multitude of magnificent men that the author served up… and although I don’t particularly want to single just one of them out as they were all fabulous, I thought Law was a gem!
As part of a duet, it came as no surprise that there was an amazing ending to this installment but darn it…this was just amazing and that ending, it was sensational!
Have tissues to hand and a pillow to hide behind…you have been warned, you will need both!!
January 23, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you Rebel Farris!
I love suspense. I love romantic suspense to be exact. I love the anticipation of it all. The fitting together of the pieces. The fact that you never have the FULL story until the author decides you do. I love that you make these theories in your head that constantly evolve and change as you keep reading. That is EXACTLY what this book does. It consumes you. It makes you ask SO many questions.
Rebel Farris was a new author for me, and I found out just how talented she is. Every move she makes is calculated. The plot is layered and complex. She peels away layers in an organized yet disorganized fashion that keeps the mystery alive and interesting.
I honestly LOVE cliffhangers and this one was so epic, I smiled. (Yes, I realize I'm weird, but that just makes me special right?) Anyways, I definitely recommend this book!
I love suspense. I love romantic suspense to be exact. I love the anticipation of it all. The fitting together of the pieces. The fact that you never have the FULL story until the author decides you do. I love that you make these theories in your head that constantly evolve and change as you keep reading. That is EXACTLY what this book does. It consumes you. It makes you ask SO many questions.
Rebel Farris was a new author for me, and I found out just how talented she is. Every move she makes is calculated. The plot is layered and complex. She peels away layers in an organized yet disorganized fashion that keeps the mystery alive and interesting.
I honestly LOVE cliffhangers and this one was so epic, I smiled. (Yes, I realize I'm weird, but that just makes me special right?) Anyways, I definitely recommend this book!
December 19, 2018
A fantastic, emotionally charged and complex story. An intricately woven story of love, betrayal and heartbreak told through a serious of past and present point of views. Seamlessly executed allowing the reader to follow the action with ease.
Maddie, is the lead and this story revolves around her complicated and often emotional past and present life. She is a great protagonist, a well developed and likeable character. Surrounded by a group of amazing supporting characters, especially the men. Hot!! This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, tissues are a must! The ever pressing question of the stalker and who it is will keep you guessing.
The end will have you downloading the second part instantly and you won't be disappointed.
Maddie, is the lead and this story revolves around her complicated and often emotional past and present life. She is a great protagonist, a well developed and likeable character. Surrounded by a group of amazing supporting characters, especially the men. Hot!! This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, tissues are a must! The ever pressing question of the stalker and who it is will keep you guessing.
The end will have you downloading the second part instantly and you won't be disappointed.
January 10, 2019
Loved it!!!! False Start by Rebel Farris has so many amazing twists and turns in this book. The author gives you the past and present and you never know what’s going to happen next. I freaking love Maddie!!!! It’s STEAMY HOT TOO!!!! When I think I love one character more another one comes in the picture. OMG!!! I didn’t see that coming at the end. I can’t wait to read the next book. Awesome job Rebel Farris.....
June 4, 2018
Twisted yet amazing
Impossible to describe. Crazy. Hard to follow, back and forth, but...a great story, sexy, dramatic thriller. Confusing filled with self-doubt, sadness and mystery. I could put it down...but then had to pick it up until I finished it. Cliffhanger and all-well done.
Impossible to describe. Crazy. Hard to follow, back and forth, but...a great story, sexy, dramatic thriller. Confusing filled with self-doubt, sadness and mystery. I could put it down...but then had to pick it up until I finished it. Cliffhanger and all-well done.
December 28, 2018
False Start: Book One in the Falling Small Duet by Rebel Farris is phenomenal!
Farris takes her readers on a suspense filled journey that leaves you wanting to stay up way past your bedtime to see what happens next.
I absolutely loved the complexity of her characters and was ready to immediately dive into the second book, Pivot Line, when she hits us with the bombshell cliffhanger.
So glad I stumbled across this new to me author!
4.5 Stars
Farris takes her readers on a suspense filled journey that leaves you wanting to stay up way past your bedtime to see what happens next.
I absolutely loved the complexity of her characters and was ready to immediately dive into the second book, Pivot Line, when she hits us with the bombshell cliffhanger.
So glad I stumbled across this new to me author!
4.5 Stars
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