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Just the Way You Are #1

Until the Stars Fall

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Fairpoint, Alabama is a quiet coastal town nestled in the heart of the deep south. Over the years, the vibrant art community has attracted an eclectic group of residents who are proud to call this small haven on the Gulf Coast home. Come visit this small eccentric town known as the pride of lower Alabama and enjoy the tales of the men who call this lovely place home.

Working in his aunt's design firm as a commercial architect and interior designer, Ladd Eldridge has lived his life since the age of 15 to perfection. As long as he has control over every aspect of his life, he won't have to remember all the years he was neglected, hungry and virtually raising his younger brothers by himself. With a father he barely remembered and a negligent mother who eventually abandoned them for her latest drinking buddy, his childhood was nothing but poverty and struggle until they were brought to Fairpoint and reunited with his father's family. Ladd keeps a tight grip on his world to ruthlessly avoid the chaos of his childhood, but his greatest wish is to have a home and family with someone special. He needs to find a man who will make him feel loved and convince him it's finally safe to let go.

Connor McDaniel is still licking his wounds from the spectacular failure of his last relationship. He had already bought a ring and was mentally planning their future family when his boyfriend of 2 years left him without a backward glance. Connor took the job overseeing the renovation of a historic building in Fairpoint for his family's company, to get as far away from his ex and his glorious new life as possible. He'll regroup and turn his vision of his own Scottish pub into reality. He's been looking for the perfect building to make his dream come true and if he can't have his personal life succeed, he's determined to make his work successful. But Connor is still a closet romantic and all he's ever wished for was a man to love and protect who will help him create a family of his own.

Ladd and Connor both gazed longingly at the same stars and made their heartfelt wishes, never knowing that when their stars fell, their wishes really could come true.

209 pages, ebook

First published April 26, 2018

95 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Abigail Kade

23 books176 followers
Abigail Kade lives on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with her husband, two children, two cats and one dog. She absolutely believes in true love because she married her high school sweetheart. She saw him at a party, picked him up and they were married five years later. They're still married, and he supports her writing about all things men and love, even if he doesn't understand half of the terms she uses, bless his heart.
She was a full time mom and home CEO until she finally decided recently to become what she always wanted to be when she grew up...a writer. She believes everyone deserves their happily ever after, but sometimes it's a difficult path to get there. Now she spends her spare time dreaming and writing about these wonderful characters she has in her head, and telling anyone who will listen that instalove is a very real thing.

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5 stars
149 (35%)
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135 (32%)
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93 (22%)
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30 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,660 reviews460 followers
May 2, 2018
”I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight. Please let me find someone to love me just the way I am and help me become the man I wish to be.”

Ladd had to take care of his younger brothers for years. When his mother disappears he finds out he does have family out there. Family that will love and support him. But his neglect has caused quirks or OCD. He needs things straight, orderly and clean. He just needs a man who will love him quirks and all.

Connor, who was dumped by his boyfriend for two men, thinks he’s not good enough for any man to love. He’ll never be enough. He just wants someone to love, protect and to take care of.

Two different people wishing on a fallen star during a meteor shower find each other. It’s definitely lust at first sight. Could it be more? After struggling to keep it between professionals only, they soon realize each is what the other has been looking for.

This was a sweet and funny read. The dialogue got a bit cheesy at times but I was okay with that. And, there’s plenty of lol moments.
“I was giving this guy more mixed signals than a traffic cop with a bee buzzing his face.”

There’s some good sexy times with a bit of D/s relationship going on.
“You’ll have to earn my cum, boy. What do you think you’re going to have to do to show me you deserve it?”

Connor loves Ladd because of his quirks not in spite of. And Ladd loves his giant who makes him feel safe and secure so he can get out of his headspace sometimes.
“Say it again, Conn. Call me yours. Call me your Laddy. God, that’s so fucking hot. I want to be yours, right here and right now. Make me stop thinking, Conn, and make me feel only you.”

It’s very low-angst with just a tad ex drama. But I have to say, I was a little put off with what they did to Connor’s ex. I’m pretty sure it’s not legal regardless of what they said. I know he was a douchcanoe but still…that’s pretty low IMO.

Overall for a debut novel, it was a sweet easy read which was definitely what I needed. I will be stalking the author anxiously waiting for more. I’m ready for James and Ethan!

Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
May 10, 2018
3 Stars!

This was nice debut and a great start to a series.

Ladd and Conner were very sweet together. Sometimes too sweet. Actually some of it was overkill for my jaded ass. It got a bit too mushy for my tastes. Even though my cynical self could have done without the cheesiness of it, I really liked both characters and liked them together. They both come from big families and I can't wait to get the stories on them. So I will for sure be reading the future books of this series.

The villain's of the story were a bit OTT for my tastes and could have been managed better. I would have like a bit more suspense and maybe even more stealth as to who was making trouble for them. Instead it was made too obvious and took the fun out of letting the reader guess till the big revealing.

Even with all my hang-ups with the book it was still an easy enjoyable read.

Happy reading dolls! xx


Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
April 18, 2020
So, after reading the prologue I realized that I was NOT getting my sorta HoD - type story, and I was perfectly okay with that because the intro was pretty engaging...

And this was a perfectly serviceable romance story, with some really hot sex scenes, and working it's way to a likely comfortable 3.25 Star rating...

And then came the blackmail scheme.

No, not one with an ex doing the blackmail, either. This was the entire family/friend circle of our protagonists (including the MCs) who decided that it would be a good idea to scare off a pushy ex by 1) tricking him into thinking that he was being "taken back" and had been missed while broken up, 2) conned into performing sex acts via Skype/FaceTime that were being recorded in order to 3) threaten him with said video being released to his grandparents which would serve to disinherit him, severing his upcoming trust fund access...with a lovely side of also embarrassing his State Senator father.

Talk about overkill. How about just blocking his number, unfriending him from social media...and if worse came to worse, getting a restraining order? The guy wasn't dangerous (unlike the OTHER ex) and this was completely unnecessary. That guy's family either knew or ignored his being gay, but the potential for ruination so blatantly trotted out like that was worse than revenge porn IMHO.

Dropped to 2.5 because of it.

That said, I did read the sneak peak of the next book and I will probably, at some point read it. Going on the Back-Burner, though.

*****************
Original Comment on Shelving as TBR:

I am totally getting a George/Wade (Hart of Dixie) feel from this blurb...

Kinda lovin' that!
Profile Image for Mindy.
182 reviews
Read
May 22, 2018
DNF at 22% . I'm gonna try this book again later.
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
May 2, 2018
I loved this one. It had everything. Humor, romance and a family feeling that added to the story. I adored both MCs and loved how they loved each other. I’m surprised this is a debut novel and I can’t wait for more. I’m really looking forward to James and Ethan’s story but also waiting to see who Remy and Rhett will end up with. There was talk at the end about Rhett and Isobel but I have a crazy feeling that maybe Troy will be for Rhett. That may not happen but for some reason I thought maybe.
Profile Image for SoCalBookReviews.
602 reviews20 followers
May 25, 2019
Ladd grew up rough basically raising his younger twin brothers, until family members stepped in and helped give them the life they deserved. Even after years, he fights daily to overcome his anxiety and OCD and worries he will never find someone who loves him for who he is, quirks and all.
Conner is still reeling over the betrayal of his ex. All he wants and wishes for himself, is a fresh start and someone to build a life with. When he meets Ladd it’s basically Lust and Love at first sight.
This book was cute, sweet, funny, sexy and hot. Pretty much everything you want to read in a romance was put into this book and the storyline flowed perfectly. It’s was a fun, enjoyable read. With some family shenanigans, some Ex drama, a few twists at the end. And Ladd and Conner have some heated sparks flying, Ladd has some “kinks” that Conner is perfectly capable of Satisfying. (No BDSM in this book, but it hits close to the border with some spanking, & rough, kinky sex)
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
May 17, 2018
2.5 Stars

Ladd had a rough childhood growing up without his father, who passed, and an alcoholic mother who constantly disappeared. Ladd had to take on the responsibility of parenting his younger twin brothers. At 15, when his mother goes M.I.A, he discovers a letter from a P.I. that changes his life. His father's family had been looking for him and with that, he and his brother make the move to Alabama to be with his father's family. 10 years later he is working for his aunt's successful architect company. Overall he is happy but his childhood has left many mental scars on him. As an adult he seems to have OCD and having to have everything perfect. This tends to cause friction in his romantic life and all he wishes for is to have someone to love him for him.

Conner took on the man of house duties at the age of 8 when his father died. Although, his mother eventually remarried he always felt protective of his family. He has recently moved to Alabama to open a new pub and to get over his last relationship. Conner was ready to propose to his boyfriend when he found out he was being cheated on. Hurt and heartbroken, Conner wishes for a new start and for someone to love.

The two MCs meet with the project being the new pub. They are immediately drawn to one another. The sparks fly and the their interactions are cute but it seems crazy ex's are trying to keep them apart. However, the two know they will do everything they can to make their relationship work.

I am assuming this is the author's first book. I was not a fan of the pacing or the story line. Sure it had a lot of fluff in it but I am totally ok with that. However, for a short book it was filled with an abundant amount of drama. I wasn't feeling that. At times, I found the book went all over the place. There were moments when the author went into too much detail, i.e. one of the MCs sexual fantasy, and others when there wasn't enough. Some of the sex scenes made be weirdly uncomfortable but there were moments of tender sweetness, between the two MCs, that had me forgiving some of the books downfalls.

Overall, it was an ok read and a decent beginning to a series. I will most likely be coming back to check out the next book.
Profile Image for lin (hazard's version).
357 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2020
1⭐

Mmh, a ver. Ni siquiera sé cómo conseguí este libro, simplemente lo encontré en mi tableta mientras buscaba algo que leer. Así que le di una oportunidad.

Cuando lo comencé a leer me encontré con unos personajes simples, pero algo pintorescos, que lograron entretenerme lo suficiente para pasar por alto los diálogos forzosos, pero cuando llegué a la parte del sexo... el diálogo forzoso se multiplicó por mil y casi no podía continuar por lo incómoda que me ponía las líneas de los personajes.

Y no me malinterpreten, adoro los romances m/m. Soy fan de las escenas ON FIRE, me encantan. Y no soy para nada ajena al sexo kinky, por lo que mi incomodidad no iba por ese lado.

Era incómodo porque se sentía forzoso, actuado, cliché y en cierto modo ridículo. Sentí que estaba leyendo una escena porno súper exagerada y mal actuada.

Cuando superé esa escena, seguí esperando un conflicto ya que ni siquiera llegaba a la mitad del libro. Y cuando por fin apareció algo parecido a un problema en el libro, era un poco demasiado sin sentido, pero que intentaron "solucionarlo" ... ¿...amenazando con hacer público un video íntimo? Y eso teniendo en cuenta que fue el consejo de, no uno, sino dos abogados. WTF.

*Aqui puede haber un spoiler* Y el otro problema que apareció luego, se solucionó porque el multimillonario perpetrador decidió -por alguna razón inexplicable- ensuciarse él mismo las manos y hacer las cosas por su cuenta. Obviamente fallando estrepitosamente y dejando por toda la escena del crimen sus cosas: un maldito encendedor con sus iniciales, un bidón de gasolina que pertenecía a su familia y por si la policía pudiera albergar alguna duda, también dejó su billetera.

*suspiro dramático*

Como conclusión diré que sé que es el primer libro de la autora, de verdad la incentivo a que siga escribiendo. Porque siento que la historia tiene potencial, pero le falta un poco más de tiempo. Tiempo para trabajar en la personalidad de cada personaje y llenarlos de detalles, hacerlos bien estructurados y un poco más profundos, especialmente al "villano" (el personaje mejor diseñado fue Ladd, pero sí sentí que por momentos el personaje se salía de su propia piel, no actuaba como él mismo). Tiempo para mejorar la trama y el argumento, no sentí que realmente hubiese un problema que no se solucionase por si solo. Tiempo para mejorar los diálogos, convertirlos de monólogos a diálogos normales. Más tiempo para revisiones, correcciones, etc. Por lo que sí, creo que tiene potencial y de verdad -sé que a nadie realmente le importa mi opinión pero- le recomiendo que se consiga un mejor editor.
Profile Image for Tanja.
575 reviews19 followers
April 26, 2018
“When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.” Remember that beautiful Disney song? It kept humming in my mind while reading this book. “Anything your heart desires will come to you. No request too extreme. Sweet fulfillment of their secret longing.” These are just a few words, but everything that is said in that song I could find in this book.
It is a wonderful debut by this author. It had everything I love in a book. Beautiful writing with a natural flow, sweet characters, hot sex, quirky banter, hilarious situations, and a good plot. I couldn’t ask for more. It gave me all the feels.
Ladd is the oldest of three, and from an early age, they had to fend for themselves. Their lives turned for the better when they were reunited with their uncle, James. Fast forward ten years and Ladd is a successful architect, but he is still gazing at the stars and wishing for his own true love.
Just like in fairy tales, his knight in shining armor comes in the form of Connor, a tall, slightly rough around the edges Scottish guy. He sweeps Ladd of his feet with his gentle demeanor, sweet smiles, and caring heart. The most important is that he sees Ladd. Not only his cute, young face and his colorful bow ties. No, he sees his Laddy with all his quirky habits to deep into his soul. The moment they meet they have that once-in-a-lifetime connection. They are so in tune with each other they hardly need words, but they do have their conversations. They are completely honest with each other, even about their secret longings. Everything is laid on the table. It isn’t often I read a book where that happens, and I loved it for it. Don’t think for a second that this book is one sappy story. It is not. Just like every new couple, they have their issues, but they never make them into problems. Even their exes can’t come between them.
It is a whirlwind romance, but at the same time, they keep it slow. Step by step they get to know each other, and with every step, their physical relationship grows a bit further, a bit kinkier.
The family dynamics are absolutely wonderful. From Ladd’s twin brothers, Rhett and Remy, to Aunt Helen and Aunt Lilian, to Ladd’s best friend Taylor, and Connor’s brother and mother. They are delightful. Those conversations through the phone or at the dinner table had me laughing so much. I know for sure that I will never look at tablet holders the same again.
When I was finished, I had a song in my head and a warm feeling in my heart. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
17 reviews67 followers
April 30, 2018
This book had potential, the first chapter was great but it was awful! I got it free from amazon unlimited and it was a total waste of time. This author needed more story, more character development and not to make every other word the F word. In a story it’s about how much you can say in the fewest words and I found myself editing every sentence. They were filled with tons of cliches. I literally deleted the book off my kindle otherwise I would give some examples. I get that people can self publish now but for god sake take some pride in your work and put a little effort into it. I believe if the author would have fleshed out the story and characters and and not make it so cliche and made it a love at first sight romance, there is something there. Take this book off amazon and really work on writing something worthy of anyone’s time to read. I’m not trying to be mean but when you put something out there that people spend their time to reach, it should be worth the effort to make it as good as possible.
Profile Image for Cee Brown.
1,310 reviews38 followers
April 27, 2018
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•` 💖4.5 From done to one stars.

Finding family...

Ladd was too young to be raising his twin brothers Rhett and Remy, but what else could he do when his mother went off the loop and just disappeared? Growing up in a bad environment was not going to get them anywhere without smarts and education. It was with these smarts that the brothers escaped the horror of the life they had been left in and one letter that changed it all.

A brand new world...

Ten years later, the brothers had a different life and living the dream. Now only if Ladd's wish on the stars could come true, he would be happier than ever. "I wanted someone in my life. But finding someone who understood my needs and being okay with them was almost impossible." You see, as OCD as Ladd was, he had kinks that his exes could not fulfill without making him out to be the even weirder guy.

Wishing on a star...

Connor was Scottish to boot with the accent that followed with emotion. Recently out of a relationship that gutted him, all he wanted was "..a guy who liked me for me. I wish I could find someone who just wants to be mine, a part of my family and maybe start a family of our own." Meeting his architect/designer while building his future was like a dream come true. But how do you reconcile not thinking you're good enough and wanting it all?

Follow Ladd's and Connor's sensational story about having dreams, wishing on a star and watching those dreams be revealed. I absolutely adored this story and cannot wait to read more about this family. Welcome Abigail Kade to the world of writing. Your debut caught my attention and I cannot say I am upset about it.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through Lescourt.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,067 reviews39 followers
April 27, 2018
Ladd was such a sweetheart. He came from such a difficult childhood, and raised his brothers the best that he could. He had a heart the size of the US, and had such a drive to do his best for everyone. Unfortunately along the way Ladd ended up contending with anxiety and doubt about his worth. Connor recently had a bad breakup, and he was very vulnerable in the relationship area.

Ladd and Connor met when Ladd was hired to do architectural work for Connor and had an instant connection. Ladd tried to keep the relationship professional, but both of them realize that life is too short to let a good thing pass them by.

Once they get together, they jump headfirst into the relationship and there is so much sweetness.
I loved the low angst level, even though there were some challenges put in their way. Fortunately, the guys faced the challenges together to make them stronger together. loved their families, and hope that James and some of the brothers/friends get their own books. It would be lovely to revisit these characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received from LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Amanda.
384 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2018
Aww, I loved this debut novel from Abigail Kade! Ladd is such an adorable character I loved immediately. He is a red-headed, blue-eyed stylish preppy twink architect - and he is amazing. Connor is a sexy bear with a heart of gold, and is the perfect match for his Laddy. This story is so sweet that I couldn't help but love it. It is lower on the angst scale (though not without conflict), and is also funny and romantic and heartwarming and sexy (oh my god, so sexy - Ladd! That man surprised the heck out of me.. so hot!) and even a little bit kinky.. So basically, it's fantastic. And that underlying stars theme? Swoon!

I love the dynamic between Ladd and his brothers and the rest of their family, and I really want to get to know Rhett and Remy more. And James. And Ethan. And Connor's family.. And.. well, you get the picture! This is a memorable start from an author I will be keeping on my radar in the future, as I can't wait to see what she has coming next.
Profile Image for R.
2,111 reviews
April 27, 2018
Surviving a childhood from hell has made Ladd a strong man. He has issues with controlling his surroundings, buts he's working on it. Now an architect, good at his job, he still feels his life could be better. He makes a wish on a falling star to find the right man to love him despite his quirks and awkwardness.

Connor comes from strong Scottish stock. Has a successful company with his brother. Still shaky from a breakup, he also feels his life could be better. He too makes a wish on a falling star. Wishing for someone who wants his support, protection, and a family.

When they meet, the attraction is instant. Connor wants the small redhead with a passion that surprises him. Ladd feels the same but also knows he has never gotten what he wants in a relationship. As he thinks about Connor he wonders if possibly the beautiful sexy man could be his Dragon Slayer. Both men struggle with strong feelings happening to quickly. Wanting to slow things down, afraid they may implode if they move to fast.

Ex’s from hell, crazy family, insta love. Great debut book, I loved it. Anxious for the next story.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
April 24, 2018
Romantic, quirky, and delightful characters line the pages of this terrific story! This book has all the feels for me! i laughed and i cried in this beautifully written story of finding love. I loved the phraseology and style of this new writer. There is a great relationship between the words and the message that she is convening.

Connor and Ladd, our MC's, are so well written that they will live in your heart long after you have finished reading their journey. Loneliness and loss is something both of these men are familiar with and they are both wishing for their someone.

There are so many special scenes in this book that will touch your heart from a restaurant scene to a Skype call. There is beautiful art and very creative art and you will fall in love with so many characters that are written as part of the fabric of this story.

I am so looking forward to the next books, so many characters i want to find their HEA and this is just the author to keep me reading each one. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Misty M.
265 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2018
This is a good first effort from a debut author, and I can see the potential to be really good, even great. It just missed the mark for me in execution though. It has all the parts that make a good book, with captivating main characters and a really interesting concept. The dialogue was just a bit stilted and unrealistic, and the bad guys were so OTT. Even so, it was still enjoyable, a nice easy read. I’m looking forward to more from this author, because the storytelling was great, and I think there is a lot of potential to be really good.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,008 reviews26 followers
May 21, 2018
Hard to get into. A little long. The characters don't seem real. Everything happens fast. There is potential but I didn't love it.
Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
June 2, 2018
How did I wait to read this story?!

It was super cute, funny and all together sweet. There was definitely a few emotional parts which really added to the depth of the story for me. I got a couple tears here and there, but this was a great love story! And there was more than just the storyline of the two MCs together which kept things interesting.

I loved both MCs, Ladd and Conner. They were both honest and endearing. The dynamic between them from the first meeting was both entertaining and sincere. They were super sweet to each other and and while it was definitely was a teensy cheesy sometimes, it was sort of refreshing how they were together.

I loved the side characters and am super excited to get some of their stories. Altogether, the story and writing was really good. Definitely a goto author for me in the future.
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2018
Connor and Ladd

A love story that swoon worthy , gentle, heart breaking and tender.
Ladd has taken care of his brothers since he was four years old, and all he wanted was someone who would take control and let him just feel.
Connor is heart broken after splitting from a long term relationship.
He moves to a quaint town to start over.
What he did not expect to find was his perfect person.
When they met it was love at first sight even though they both did not want to put a name to it.
They became fast friends learning each other's quarks and learning to trust.
Wonderfully written.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
118 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2018
I passed on this book about 6 times simply because I had too many books on my must-read-now list. Something about the blurb and cover, however, kept drawing me back, convincing me it was going to be my kind of story. I love the cover and title of this book. They both speak to my need for the whimsical and happily-ever-afters, and this book didn’t disappoint in that area. It was everything I wanted the book to be. Add in the steamy kick and intriguing supporting characters that left me begging for more (I did literally beg this author to give me the next book NOW), it’s safe to say this book didn't let me down. The intro was intense and hooked me right away, and the story continued hold my interest until the end.

Ladd and his brothers were abandoned by their mother at a point in their life they were already struggling to survive. A miracle falls on them just when everything else threatens to destroy their fragile stability. Fast forward to adult-Ladd, and we see he is not without a few mental scars from his past. He craves finding “the one” but after several failed relationships, he’s beginning to believe finding someone who can love him for who he is, is nothing more than a fantasy.

Conner is just coming out of a terrible relationship and is also convinced that he will never be able to find his one true love either. On the night of a meteor shower they both end up wishing upon the same star for what they will soon discover is each other.

“I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight. Please let me find someone to love me just the way I am and help me to become the man I wish to be.”

Ladd’s unique and quirky personality was as endearing as his love for bow ties. He suffers from OCD and struggles on a regular basis to contain his need for precision and perfection. This stems from a rough childhood and the associating insecurities that come from that kind of trauma. Don’t let that fool you into thinking he is weak, though. He has no problem standing up for himself or the ones he cares about and has done so his whole life, which is why he secretly craves for his own hero to take care of and stand up for him for a change. Just when he’s convinced himself that this dream is nothing more than an empty wish upon a star, Connor comes barging into his life.

“If I belonged to this man, I bet I’d never have to worry about anything ever again. I bet he’d be my dragon layer.”

Connor is well... all the yummy things - big, strong, and Irish. He is a protector at heart and longs for his own guy to love and take care of. After a hilarious and hot first encounter with Ladd, Connor quickly realizes Ladd might just be the man of his dreams and vows to win him over. He works hard to prove to the somewhat skittish Ladd that he can be trusted and relied on. They start off slow and then quickly topple over in to hot and steamy. I loved the way Conner was able to be a steady constant for Ladd without being overbearing or controlling. Except of course in the bedroom when they kicked up the steamy factor with some touches of kink and hints for more to come.

“But I knew, at this moment, that I wanted to be his knight. I wanted to slay all of his dragons for him if he would let me.”

My biggest issue with hero/protector stories is that so often one character is the stronger one who is constantly taking care of the other, with little to no balance in the relationship. Abigail didn’t let that happen with this book. There was equality between the 2 characters and they both worked hard to show they were committed, in both relaxed and unexpected situations. I loved their dynamic so much, they were so sweet and supportive of one another. Truly a perfect match. I also appreciated how they just accepted their feelings for one another and were completely honest about how they felt, as well as their needs. It was such a breath of fresh air to get that from these guys. There’s nothing more frustrating when characters who clearly adore each other refuse to let love happen.

My only complaint with this book is, I did feel a little thrown by the drastic contrast of how sweet they were outside of bed, to how spicy things became in bed. It's wasn’t that it didn’t work, because it did and it also fit the characters, but the switch left me a little winded, especially during their first time together. It was too abrupt for what I’d seen of them so far, so I had a harder time connecting to it. Later, it worked, once I expected it, but that initial encounter felt off. The characters and their connection were already established strongly enough at this point that the switch didn't kill the story for me, though.

“I always dreamed of a man of my own and a family of my own. I want that more than anything with you. Please love me as much as I love you. Love me until the stars fall from the sky, Ladd.”

Overall, Until the Stars Fall kept my attention nicely. There were a few places where the quality of writing wasn't as consistent and I didnt feel as immersed, like I was being told what was happening instead of shown. There were also a couple moments where it slipped past super sweet to a little too cheesy. I think some of this can be attributed to this being her first book though. I'm excited to read the next installment and I’m looking forward to reading more of Abigail’s work.
2 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2018
While the story had a good direction the book itself was lacking. I felt like it was nothing but an endless stream of cliches. Not to mention how unnatural it felt for every character to be expressing their deepest feelings in complete paragraphs at the best time every time. Reading it made me feel like I was trying to eat a 5lbs bag of pure sugar. It was a struggle to get through.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,155 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2018
Connor McDaniel ist bereit für einen Neuanfang und es zieht ihn nach Alabama. Dort will er seinen neuen Besitz renovieren und dazu braucht er die Hilfe des Architekten und Innenausstatter Ladd Eldridge, der dort in der Firma seiner Tante arbeitet. Der hat gemeinsam mit seinen jüngeren Brüdern eine sehr schwierige Kindheit überlebt und könnte nicht glücklicher sein. Einzig sein Privatleben sieht ein wenig trist aus.

Zwischen Connor, der nach einer Trennung wieder auf dem Markt ist, und Ladd fliegen vom ersten Moment an die Funken. Allerdings versuchen sie beide eine gewisse Professionalität zu wahren. Immerhin müssen sie ja zusammenarbeiten. Doch durch den engen - beruflichen - Kontakt, kommen sie sich natürlich auch menschlich näher und irgendwann springt Connor doch über seinen Schatten und bittet den immer wieder reservierten Ladd um ein Date, das jedoch dann so ganz anders verläuft als erwartet.

Until the Stars Fall ist eine sehr süße und amüsante Geschichte, die sehr angenehm und humorvoll erzählt wird. Ladd ist schon sehr speziell und schon sein Kleidungsstil gibt immer Anlass etwas zu schmunzeln. Connor ist der perfekte Gegenpart für Ladd, der sein Leben immer kontrollieren muss. Die Umstände seiner Kindheit und Jugend haben ihn stark geprägt und einige Tick bei ihm manifestiert.

Es gelingt Connor jedoch ziemlich gut Ladds Abwehrmechanismen zu unterlaufen und gemeinsam entdecken sie ihre Kinks und Bedürfnisse. Gegen Ende hin wird die Geschichte jedoch ein bisschen schräg und es passieren Dinge, die für die Story jetzt nur bedingt nötig gewesen sind. Deswegen ziehe ich auch einen Stern ab. Trotzdem hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen und es gibt auch schon Ausblicke auf ein Fortsetzung, die sich möglicherweise um Ladds Onkel James drehen könnte.
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
450 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2018
Until the stars fall
Ladd has raised his twin brothers, Remy and Rhett since he could remember. By the age of fifteen his mum was missing more than being home and with men threatening him and his brothers he needed to leave their home. Whilst packing he comes across a letter that changed their lives for the better. Ten years later Ladd has graduated and is a budding architect with his Aunts firm. Remy is a Sculpture/Architect and Rhett is a lawyer. They owe everything to their Dad's brother James and Aunts Helen, Lillian and her girlfriend Gwen, but Ladd is still missing the love of someone special to take care of him and love him and all his quirks!
Connor has moved house to escape from his ex who left him broken hearted. He's purchased an old building to renovate to a pub where he should be meeting an architect. When he arrives he finds the most beautiful stunning young man he's ever seen, he thinks he's trespassing until he introduces himself as the architect! How is Connor going to work with him and keep it strictly professional? Project claim Ladd begins!
This book is cute and follows them as they find their dreams of wishing on falling stars do come true. There are obstacles in their way and Connor also has to get Remy and Rhett's approval. Ladd's aunts had me laughing out loud. Hoping for a book 2!
1,384 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2018
I received an ARC from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well-written and multidimensional. The storyline is interesting and holds your attention.
Ladd and his brothers had a rough life growing up. He was 15 when their uncle came to save them. He is close with his whole family, but he wants to find someone to come home to each night. His last relationship was a nightmare. His wish is to find the perfect guy that will be rough and gentle. The perfect guy will also accept his many quirks and him as a whole.
Connor had to leave home to get away from the painful reminders of his ex. He is finally making one of his dreams come true when he finds a stranger sneaking around his new building. Connor wants to get to know him better, but will he be able to move on?
These two are wonderful characters that you want to see happy. The supporting cast of family and friends are hilarious and heartwarming. They all stand together in the face of trouble. Everyone will want a family like this.
Read this book and enjoy these characters. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,893 reviews
April 26, 2018
Ladd has had a hard start in life and wants a man and family to love him just the way he is quirks and all, but every time you wish upon a star it comes true eventually .... Right?
Conner is getting over a hard breakup which happened just as he was going to propose, so new place, new start and wishing for a family and a man to protect and love isn't too much to ask for surely?

This is the first book in this series and the first one by this author that I have read, it was a delightful surprise. This book is sweet sometimes achingly so especially at the end. It does not start that way, there is a rollercoaster of emotions felt by the characters who were well rounded and felt as though they could have been your friends, and they came with a great cast of secondary characters to support them and to hopefully find out more about them which from this readers point of view bodes well for future books. Am looking forward to the next one and I know who I hope that one is about.

Overall a great read and for me a new author found..... YAY.
253 reviews
April 30, 2018
4.5* Until the Stars Fall is the first book by this author and the first in the series. Ladd had a hard start to life and basically raised his brothers until his uncle found and saved them. He is very close to his family but is lonely and wants someone of his own to love. Conner has just moved to Fairpoint, Alabama after getting his heart broken and is looking for a fresh start and forever love. Conner and Ladd meet during the process of restoring an historic building as Conner now owns it and Ladd is the architect on the project.

I laughed so hard through most of this book! Enjoyed how the main characters and their families interacted with each other and showed their feelings. Loved this book and so excited to see where this series is going next!

I received an ARC of this book and ended up going back to purchase it as I know I will read it many more times when I need a feel good story.
Profile Image for Sallyann.
486 reviews
April 26, 2018
Ladd had a tough start to life, his Dad died when he was just a young child then his Mum abandoned him and his twin brothers when he was a teen. He was almost selling his ass just to make ends meet when he was quite literally saved by his uncle that he never knew. Now ten years later he has what seems the perfect life, if only he could find the perfect man who can accept him just the way he is.
Conner has just moved to Fairpoint to over see the renovation to the pub he has always wanted. His ex has recently left him for not one but two other men.
I absolutely loved the first time Conner and Ladd meet, Conner mistakenly thinks Ladd is breaking in, the sparks really did fly. Ladd’s family are an absolute hoot and I’m very mush looking forward to hopefully reading more about them especially Remy.
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