What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Love #5
Feels Like Falling
Luke McGinnis is the responsible, quiet older brother. The loving son who enjoys working side-by-side with his father at the winery they co-own. At twenty-nine years old, Luke is a success story, the rags-to-riches kind. That’s what people see. Not the ugly past he fights to keep buried... a past that keeps him from really living.
Peyton Matthews is a household name. As a model, her face has been on the covers of countless magazines and she now has more money than she will ever know what to do with. But that smile she flashes for the photographers and the media is just an illusion. That pretty package everyone envies has been her armor, her protection, and she doesn’t want anyone to find a chink in it... especially not the winery owner who looks at her like he knows the dark secrets she keeps.
Peyton Matthews is a household name. As a model, her face has been on the covers of countless magazines and she now has more money than she will ever know what to do with. But that smile she flashes for the photographers and the media is just an illusion. That pretty package everyone envies has been her armor, her protection, and she doesn’t want anyone to find a chink in it... especially not the winery owner who looks at her like he knows the dark secrets she keeps.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2018
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Elle Keating
11 books136 followersElle Keating is the author of romance books in many different genres including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and taboo romance.
Elle grew up in a small suburb in south Jersey, just minutes from Philadelphia. She moved to Pennsylvania but less than two years later, she came running back. Some people call Jersey the Armpit of America, but Elle proudly calls it home and for that reason, you will always find a little bit of Philly and a whole lot of Jersey in her novels.
When Elle isn’t torturing her heroes and heroines (don’t worry, there’s always a happily ever after), she is a public school administrator and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children in New Jersey.
For more on Elle and her books, visit ellekeating.com.
Elle grew up in a small suburb in south Jersey, just minutes from Philadelphia. She moved to Pennsylvania but less than two years later, she came running back. Some people call Jersey the Armpit of America, but Elle proudly calls it home and for that reason, you will always find a little bit of Philly and a whole lot of Jersey in her novels.
When Elle isn’t torturing her heroes and heroines (don’t worry, there’s always a happily ever after), she is a public school administrator and enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children in New Jersey.
For more on Elle and her books, visit ellekeating.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 14, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
Well that was a lot more angsty and messed up than I was expecting. Before I get started, this book comes with a massive trigger warning – and I don't care if this is spoilery because it needs to be – for child abuse and rape. The instances are described and explored in enough detail to (hopefully) make the most sheltered, blessed-with-a-perfect-life reader squirm uncomfortably.
That being said, I did enjoy reading this book. Enjoy doesn't really feel like the right word, actually... I felt compelled to read it is probably more appropriate. Even with all the darker parts bringing things down, I needed to know that Luke and Peyton made it through ok. Luckily, the connection between them was strong, the heat palpable. While a lot of scenes upset me, there were plenty that made me feel uncomfortable...in a good way.
A few things did bother me, however. At times, I felt the triggery content was a bit gratuitous. I don't know if things had to be as dire as they were to achieve the same effect. Or rather, it might have helped if they weren't so dark so as to make this feel more like a romance novel and less like a horror story in places. I also didn't like some of Luke's behaviour at the start, when he behaved in a very creepy, controlling manner. Now, I know he tried to explain that this wasn't typical behaviour for him, but it still made me feel a bit iffy about him as a romantic hero. I'm glad, at least, that consent was such a major theme in this book, and something Luke sought out explicitly. And one last thing: the book was a bit too long. It felt like they kept being on the precipice of their HEA when they had to go on another trust adventure. Now, I get why that happened, but it did start to drag a little towards the end.
Am I glad I read this? Yes. Do I need to now read some fluffy romance? For sure. But if angst-filled romances are your thing, and you can stomach some horrible, dark pasts, then pick up this fifth instalment in the Dangerous Love series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well that was a lot more angsty and messed up than I was expecting. Before I get started, this book comes with a massive trigger warning – and I don't care if this is spoilery because it needs to be – for child abuse and rape. The instances are described and explored in enough detail to (hopefully) make the most sheltered, blessed-with-a-perfect-life reader squirm uncomfortably.
That being said, I did enjoy reading this book. Enjoy doesn't really feel like the right word, actually... I felt compelled to read it is probably more appropriate. Even with all the darker parts bringing things down, I needed to know that Luke and Peyton made it through ok. Luckily, the connection between them was strong, the heat palpable. While a lot of scenes upset me, there were plenty that made me feel uncomfortable...in a good way.
A few things did bother me, however. At times, I felt the triggery content was a bit gratuitous. I don't know if things had to be as dire as they were to achieve the same effect. Or rather, it might have helped if they weren't so dark so as to make this feel more like a romance novel and less like a horror story in places. I also didn't like some of Luke's behaviour at the start, when he behaved in a very creepy, controlling manner. Now, I know he tried to explain that this wasn't typical behaviour for him, but it still made me feel a bit iffy about him as a romantic hero. I'm glad, at least, that consent was such a major theme in this book, and something Luke sought out explicitly. And one last thing: the book was a bit too long. It felt like they kept being on the precipice of their HEA when they had to go on another trust adventure. Now, I get why that happened, but it did start to drag a little towards the end.
Am I glad I read this? Yes. Do I need to now read some fluffy romance? For sure. But if angst-filled romances are your thing, and you can stomach some horrible, dark pasts, then pick up this fifth instalment in the Dangerous Love series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2018
When Luke sees a pair of "haunted blue-green eyes" staring back at him from the cover of a magazine, his heart races. He knows who they belong to, Peyton Matthews, a famous supermodel. But why her eyes are affecting him like that, he has no idea. When she comes to his winery with her sister, he's even more entranced, and terrified, because he just knows she's going to turn his life upside down. And she does, all unknowingly.
Can two tortured souls find some peace within each other? Can they learn to open up to each other? To trust?
"Lei è la mia altra metà, la pace che cerco."
I really wasn't expecting the sheer emotional turmoil Feels Like Falling would put its characters through. Luke and Paige's journey was pretty angsty, and filled with some heavy subjects. Luke was so hot and cold with Paige that I am honestly surprised she took him back, but she has a huge heart, and understands what he suffered because she's suffered, too, so it's understandable why she was so drawn to him, why she fell so hard for him. I know I felt for both of them, but I have to admit I perhaps wanted to shake Luke a few times by the time their story was done. Be forewarned, if you have abuse triggers, stay far, far away from this one. However, if you you can stomach some abuse scenes you'll probably find yourself falling in love with these damaged people as they manage to find some peace.
"She is my other half, the peace I seek."
ARC via Barclay Publicity for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
November 9, 2018
"Lei è la mia altra metà, la pace che cerco."
Elle Keating broke my heart then put it back together.
Luke is truly a tortured hero. Struggling with the pain of his past, he's finally realising that his regular coping mechanisms aren't working any more. When he meets Peyton, he recognises a kindred soul. It's both a shock and relief for him that there's someone out there who could give him the peace he's chased relentlessly for over two decades.
Peyton is more than just a survivor; she's a warrior. Someone else in her position, with her past, might've thought to hide, but she's managed to beat and surpass expectations. Her past has made her stronger, but does it prepare her for sexy winery owner who runs hot and cold, yet looks at her like she's the best part of his life?
The story moves at a fast pace, but does not rob the reader; there's a wealth of emotion within its pages. While my heart hurt for the pain both Luke & Peyton endured, I was cheered with their HEA. I recommend this book. While it may trigger unpleasant feelings, it reminds that there's someone out there for everyone.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Elle Keating broke my heart then put it back together.
Luke is truly a tortured hero. Struggling with the pain of his past, he's finally realising that his regular coping mechanisms aren't working any more. When he meets Peyton, he recognises a kindred soul. It's both a shock and relief for him that there's someone out there who could give him the peace he's chased relentlessly for over two decades.
Peyton is more than just a survivor; she's a warrior. Someone else in her position, with her past, might've thought to hide, but she's managed to beat and surpass expectations. Her past has made her stronger, but does it prepare her for sexy winery owner who runs hot and cold, yet looks at her like she's the best part of his life?
The story moves at a fast pace, but does not rob the reader; there's a wealth of emotion within its pages. While my heart hurt for the pain both Luke & Peyton endured, I was cheered with their HEA. I recommend this book. While it may trigger unpleasant feelings, it reminds that there's someone out there for everyone.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 29, 2018
Full review to come.
October 15, 2018
There's no slow build with this book. Feels Like Falling starts like a firecracker and ends in a soft, warm fizzle of happiness. That's what we want from a romance novel, no? Sometimes they start so slowly that you find yourself wondering whether there will be any actual intercourse between the pages. You won't have that problem here.
Both Luke--winery and sex club owner--and Peyton--gorgeous international model--have dark secrets that keep them from having long-term partners to share their lives with. Viciously abused as children they'll do nothing to keep their secrets buried, but when a game of Truth for Truth leads them to opening up to one another they'll discover that their pasts aren't the only thing they have in common.
Despite the sex club aspect this book actually didn't edge too close to the erotic literature side of things. I think it stayed firmly in the romance novel category and the character's more intimate moments, though a little dirty, were rather vanilla compared to what they could have been. Don't get me wrong though, it was incredibly hot all around.
There's a few sickly sweet eye-rolling moment throughout, but I really enjoyed learning about the characters and watching them grow as individuals and learning to coexist as a couple. There were plenty of dramatic stomach-clenching moments for those who are like me and prefer their books with lots of crazy misunderstandings and sexual tension.
Both Luke--winery and sex club owner--and Peyton--gorgeous international model--have dark secrets that keep them from having long-term partners to share their lives with. Viciously abused as children they'll do nothing to keep their secrets buried, but when a game of Truth for Truth leads them to opening up to one another they'll discover that their pasts aren't the only thing they have in common.
Despite the sex club aspect this book actually didn't edge too close to the erotic literature side of things. I think it stayed firmly in the romance novel category and the character's more intimate moments, though a little dirty, were rather vanilla compared to what they could have been. Don't get me wrong though, it was incredibly hot all around.
There's a few sickly sweet eye-rolling moment throughout, but I really enjoyed learning about the characters and watching them grow as individuals and learning to coexist as a couple. There were plenty of dramatic stomach-clenching moments for those who are like me and prefer their books with lots of crazy misunderstandings and sexual tension.
November 12, 2018
*4.5 stars*
Keating's latest story is about strength and coping. Both Peyton and Luke survived horrible abuses as children but did their best to find a way to move forward. It wasn't necessarily the best but it worked at the time. Now a chance meeting has them re-examining their lives and what they want out in their future.
As much as he loves his family and as good as his life got after he and his brothers were taken in by the McGinnis family, Luke didn't feel like he could talk to anyone about what his past did to him. He tried to live a normal life but found that he had trouble with relationships, so he did the best he could to get by, making only impersonal connections with people outside his family. Then he sees Peyton's haunting eyes on the cover of a magazine and later in real life ... and everything changes.
I think Peyton may have dealt with her past a bit better but it still hampered her life. She'd struggled with giving herself to a relationship, using her career and celebrity as the excuse to keeping things shallow. But her attraction to Luke proves too big to ignore and there is a special connection between them. When she finds out why and what it meant for him, though, will she be able to accept it?
You have to be OK with descriptions of some truly awful things done to children, but if you make it thru you'll find a journey to a HEA that will make it all worth while. Both have their struggles, especially Luke about whether he's good enough for someone like Peyton, but it's heartening the way they manage to work through their issues to finally find that special someone.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
Keating's latest story is about strength and coping. Both Peyton and Luke survived horrible abuses as children but did their best to find a way to move forward. It wasn't necessarily the best but it worked at the time. Now a chance meeting has them re-examining their lives and what they want out in their future.
As much as he loves his family and as good as his life got after he and his brothers were taken in by the McGinnis family, Luke didn't feel like he could talk to anyone about what his past did to him. He tried to live a normal life but found that he had trouble with relationships, so he did the best he could to get by, making only impersonal connections with people outside his family. Then he sees Peyton's haunting eyes on the cover of a magazine and later in real life ... and everything changes.
I think Peyton may have dealt with her past a bit better but it still hampered her life. She'd struggled with giving herself to a relationship, using her career and celebrity as the excuse to keeping things shallow. But her attraction to Luke proves too big to ignore and there is a special connection between them. When she finds out why and what it meant for him, though, will she be able to accept it?
You have to be OK with descriptions of some truly awful things done to children, but if you make it thru you'll find a journey to a HEA that will make it all worth while. Both have their struggles, especially Luke about whether he's good enough for someone like Peyton, but it's heartening the way they manage to work through their issues to finally find that special someone.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
November 13, 2018
Luke McGinnis is the responsible older brother, who hides all the baggage that he carries around, preferring that people only see the success story of he and his father working the winery that they co-own. But behind closed doors, no one sees what he has to do to fight the demons, and they never will. Peyton Matthews is a world famous supermodel with more money than she knows what to do with, but behind her bright smile, there are demons lurking deep in her eyes. Lately, she's getting tired of the spotlight, as she wants more, and when she's helping her sister plan her wedding, she meets Luke, and feels an instant connection to him. Luke feels the same way, but he starts fighting it because of his past, as he decides that he's no good for her. However, fate won't be denied, and their chemistry explodes into sexy times that light the sheets on fire. And this is where it becomes dicey because the push & pull takes over, which frustrates me to no end. See, Peyton reveals her demons which are terrible, but Luke still does not, instead he chooses to keep hurting her. At this point, I just want to throat punch him many times, so my emotions are getting the best of me, and I'm ready to put the book down. And I can't tell you why, so you have to read it to understand what I'm talking about, and trust me you will. The angst is off the charts intense, and luckily, there's a cast of secondaries who talk sense into him or I would have lost it. Anyway, I did read this story in one sitting, and do want to read more of this series, so HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
November 9, 2018
3.75 Blushes....
This is my first Elle Keating book and such a pleasant surprise! Although the story was much darker than I anticipated, I really enjoyed it and finished it in under 24 hours. Peyton is a strong and very likeable heroine with a devastating past. Knowing what she’s survived and was able to accomplish in her life is remarkable. Our hero’s similarly broken and tortured past with equal success makes them a near perfect match. I loved these two together. It’s like they were made for each other. The fact that both the heroine and hero had such similar pasts, had both been through equally horrifying trauma as children made this story really unique.
My favorite element of the story was the protective alpha streak in Luke. It wasn’t over bearing or obnoxious, and Peyton didn’t defy him or get stupid angry over his need to protect her. The balance was perfect. The ending was also really sweet. The only thing that kept me from rating the book a little higher, is that i wish the author had been a little more descriptive in her narrative, especially during the scenes in Italy or important dialogue between main characters. To me, it may have made the story a little richer. But that’s probably personal preference. A good, quick read overall!
November 7, 2018
I am back with the McGinnis boys. This is only the second book that I have read in this series but I am seriously contemplating picking up the others!
This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. We do get glimpses of the other brothers and what is going on with them but it does not take away from the story at all and the writer does a superb job at explaining everything.
Luke and Peyton's story was heartbreaking! I was shedding tears on many chapters throughout. I loved Luke for his quiet and loner nature. He was not looking for a relationship and had abuse issues in his past which makes him struggle with sex now. I also adored Peyton. She was strong and hoping for love but not really looking. I really loved her for her adoration and protection of her sister. She would do anything for her.
When the two get together, it is pretty powerful. They both hold the same skeletons in their closet so they kind of understand each other better than most.
I cannot wait to read the next story in this series which I am hoping is Gabe's. Until then, you need to pick this one up. Have the tissues ready!
This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. We do get glimpses of the other brothers and what is going on with them but it does not take away from the story at all and the writer does a superb job at explaining everything.
Luke and Peyton's story was heartbreaking! I was shedding tears on many chapters throughout. I loved Luke for his quiet and loner nature. He was not looking for a relationship and had abuse issues in his past which makes him struggle with sex now. I also adored Peyton. She was strong and hoping for love but not really looking. I really loved her for her adoration and protection of her sister. She would do anything for her.
When the two get together, it is pretty powerful. They both hold the same skeletons in their closet so they kind of understand each other better than most.
I cannot wait to read the next story in this series which I am hoping is Gabe's. Until then, you need to pick this one up. Have the tissues ready!
November 12, 2018
When people see Luke, they see eldest son who helps his father at the family winery that loves his family deeply and just hasn’t found the right woman to share his life. The truth is he carries devasting secrets from his past which has evolved into a new secret he holds in the present.
Peyton appears to be living the charmed life. She is a successful model which includes the wealth and celebrity lifestyle that goes along with it. She hides the pain of her past behind her smile and outgoing personality.
From their first meeting Luke sees a kindred soul. Neither was looking for love or a relationship and although they share a deep chemistry and connection is it enough to allow them to open up their hearts and pasts so that they can help each other heal?
This is an emotionally heartbreaking story of two people who are perfect for each other. As they have both endured similar horrific pasts, they have more in common than anyone might expect. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Peyton appears to be living the charmed life. She is a successful model which includes the wealth and celebrity lifestyle that goes along with it. She hides the pain of her past behind her smile and outgoing personality.
From their first meeting Luke sees a kindred soul. Neither was looking for love or a relationship and although they share a deep chemistry and connection is it enough to allow them to open up their hearts and pasts so that they can help each other heal?
This is an emotionally heartbreaking story of two people who are perfect for each other. As they have both endured similar horrific pasts, they have more in common than anyone might expect. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 5, 2018
Wow! This is my first book by Elle Keating and it just about broke my heart. I think I have actually sobbed my heart out. The story of Peyton and Luke is so full of trauma and heartbreak that I was so absorbed by it. I was crying so hard in bed, I gave it a rest and, stupidly, thought I could go back to it and 'man up.' Nope, crying whilst looking after my grandkids is not a good idea; they ask so many questions.
Luke and Peyton have such a similar childhood that my emotions couldn't take it. How strong they both are is astounding. Both Luke and Peyton managed to reach adulthood with a few demons to battle and some obvious natural aversions to relationships but they are drawn to each other and I was really rooting for them to open up and find happiness. Luke manages to go from 'emotionless stone man' to 'swoon, I want him' within the pages of heartache. Peyton has her heart on her sleeve but has a lot to work within Luke. She is a strong woman and has my admiration.
The story is inspirational and heartbreaking all at once. I really did cry a river.
Luke and Peyton have such a similar childhood that my emotions couldn't take it. How strong they both are is astounding. Both Luke and Peyton managed to reach adulthood with a few demons to battle and some obvious natural aversions to relationships but they are drawn to each other and I was really rooting for them to open up and find happiness. Luke manages to go from 'emotionless stone man' to 'swoon, I want him' within the pages of heartache. Peyton has her heart on her sleeve but has a lot to work within Luke. She is a strong woman and has my admiration.
The story is inspirational and heartbreaking all at once. I really did cry a river.
August 14, 2021
Love this story. I get drawn to the damaged heroes and this fulfilled my need for happy endings for these men. The extended family is wonderful, the story wouldn't be the same without them.
xxx
xxx
October 29, 2018
This book has two unbelievably strong characters. It is about Luke (Hero) and Peyton (Heroine) who feel like they are damaged because of the horrors they experienced as children. They both have similar backgrounds and come from the same horrific situations. Luke co-owns a winery with his dad and another secret business that only one person knows his true identity and that is his business partner in that venture (It came as a shock to me). Peyton is a world famous supermodel who is the most down to earth person you meet. She does not use her fame to bully others to get what she wants. When they both meet each other they get hit with instant lust. They feel a pull towards each other. Luke, because of is past, feels like he isn't worthy of love and pushes Peyton away. After he pushes her, he releases his mistake straight away and chases after her. It did get frustrating how many times he did that but what made it worth it was the fact that he did all the chasing.
Peyton opened up about her past to Luke and shared all the traumatic details with him and he looked at her with such pride and awe in his eyes....that's how she knew he was the one. The fact that she wanted to divulge everything clued her in. Luke on the other hand wanted to kiss Peyton from the very first time he met her (something he doesn't do) and he couldn't get her out of his head since he saw on the front cover of a magazine. He knew he was in deep trouble.
Although the sex scenes didn't go on for pages but there was A LOT of it. They were always on each other like dogs in heat and it was so freaking hot.
I highly recommend you read this book. It is raw. It is beautiful and I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews