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The Fallback
I thought being dumped was painful.
And it was.
Trust is more fragile than hope, and maybe even fear.
And it wasn't the only thing left damaged. My heart and my ego were dragged through the mud as well.
But, I'm collecting the pieces.
Moving on.
Or I was, until I learned the guy who has stolen my thoughts and attention is a client who my often eccentric and demanding boss personally assigned to me. As one of the most sought after event planners in Chicago, I'm determined to keep things professional, especially when I learn his connection to my boss extends beyond money or a favor—but family.
With one glance I forget reason
He smiles, and I lose sense.
But how deep is my past buried?
And how much are we willing to sacrifice?
And it was.
Trust is more fragile than hope, and maybe even fear.
And it wasn't the only thing left damaged. My heart and my ego were dragged through the mud as well.
But, I'm collecting the pieces.
Moving on.
Or I was, until I learned the guy who has stolen my thoughts and attention is a client who my often eccentric and demanding boss personally assigned to me. As one of the most sought after event planners in Chicago, I'm determined to keep things professional, especially when I learn his connection to my boss extends beyond money or a favor—but family.
With one glance I forget reason
He smiles, and I lose sense.
But how deep is my past buried?
And how much are we willing to sacrifice?
465 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2019
341 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Dietz
33 books1,855 followersThe One-Night Scrimmage, A New Forbidden/Secret Sports Romance is Coming May 20th!
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
Mariah Dietz is a USA Today Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed nerd. She lives with her husband and sons in North Carolina.
Mariah grew up in a tiny town outside of Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her time immersed in the pages of books that she both read and created.
She has a love for all things that include her family, good coffee, books, traveling, and dark chocolate. She's also been known to laugh at her own jokes.
Learn More:
→ www.mariahdietz.com
→ Sign-Up to Receive my Newsletter
→ Join My Reader Group on FB
→ Follow me on FB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 22, 2019
4 stars!!
The Fallback is a sweet, sexy, and swoony second chance romance and my favorite Mariah Dietz book to date! This book seriously had the perfect hero, and I loved the heroine as well. A definite must read!
Brooke is a wedding planner and her job consumes much of her life, but she's the best of the best. She's had the same best friend for forever and had been dating the same guy for quite some time. Her life is pretty predictable. Until it all comes crashing down. After catching her boyfriend cheating on her, she packs up all her stuff and moves in with her best friend and her family. She's working on herself and that's that. Until she meets Levi.
Brooke is not ready to date, but Levi is there and he's gorgeous, sweet, and completely irresistible. Just one date won't hurt, right? Soon after that date, she finds Levi to be more unattainable that she originally thought. Still, he's persistent. During all this, Brooke is working on this new blog about being single and trying new things. This is one of the best parts of the book. I loved watching Brooke come out of her shell and try new things. And Levi was right there, along for the ride. He's determined to wear her down.
Brooke and Levi were both amazing characters. I mean... LEVI! He was the best. There was nothing I didn't love about this guy. Brooke had so much strength and character. I loved her, too. I wanted this couple together so badly, but understood why it took time. Brooke is finding herself after the recent ending of a long term relationship, and Levi is a bit off limits because of her job. The slow build up made it all the sweeter, though. Aside from Levi and Brooke, I loved Brooke's bestie. We all need friends like that and I'm lucky I have one. Also, Levi's mom was pretty great. She definitely grew on me!
I really love Dietz writing style. It always pulls me in. This story was a delicious slow burn. It was a gorgeous romance, but so much more than that. It was a book about finding yourself, only accepting the life you deserve, and moving forward. This book was not only a great love story, but a wonderful story of friendship and self growth. I truly loved it and recommend to all lovers of romance!
The Fallback is a sweet, sexy, and swoony second chance romance and my favorite Mariah Dietz book to date! This book seriously had the perfect hero, and I loved the heroine as well. A definite must read!
Brooke is a wedding planner and her job consumes much of her life, but she's the best of the best. She's had the same best friend for forever and had been dating the same guy for quite some time. Her life is pretty predictable. Until it all comes crashing down. After catching her boyfriend cheating on her, she packs up all her stuff and moves in with her best friend and her family. She's working on herself and that's that. Until she meets Levi.
Brooke is not ready to date, but Levi is there and he's gorgeous, sweet, and completely irresistible. Just one date won't hurt, right? Soon after that date, she finds Levi to be more unattainable that she originally thought. Still, he's persistent. During all this, Brooke is working on this new blog about being single and trying new things. This is one of the best parts of the book. I loved watching Brooke come out of her shell and try new things. And Levi was right there, along for the ride. He's determined to wear her down.
Levi is like this enigma. I know we shouldn’t be together. I’ve known it from the beginning, and yet the harder I try to fight it, the more I want him.
Brooke and Levi were both amazing characters. I mean... LEVI! He was the best. There was nothing I didn't love about this guy. Brooke had so much strength and character. I loved her, too. I wanted this couple together so badly, but understood why it took time. Brooke is finding herself after the recent ending of a long term relationship, and Levi is a bit off limits because of her job. The slow build up made it all the sweeter, though. Aside from Levi and Brooke, I loved Brooke's bestie. We all need friends like that and I'm lucky I have one. Also, Levi's mom was pretty great. She definitely grew on me!
I really love Dietz writing style. It always pulls me in. This story was a delicious slow burn. It was a gorgeous romance, but so much more than that. It was a book about finding yourself, only accepting the life you deserve, and moving forward. This book was not only a great love story, but a wonderful story of friendship and self growth. I truly loved it and recommend to all lovers of romance!
January 17, 2019
4.5 stars.
It’s really good-written book. First I thought it’s a slow burn romance but it’s also a realistic fiction about life, about our choices, about being scared of change and taking an action, trying new experiences.
On some parts I found Brooke too stubborn to see what she has and how she’s lucky. However she doesn’t have a childhood with full of love and she’s hurting from betrayal, she has a great friend who supports her, crazy, self centered boss who also supports her carrier ( I loved both these women , especially Catherine the boss, also future mother- in love was one of the most enjoyable characters who made me laugh so much ), her grandmother who is always there for her.
And Levi, well I liked our hero ! he was adorable, not flawless, not a knight in a shining armor but he was patient, he knew what he wanted and he was ready to fight for her and make her forget her ex boyfriend who really needs a good punch on the face.
Mostly I liked the final part of blog which advises us, nobody should tell people what to do. We’re the master of our decisions , not puppets who are controlled by the hand who pulls the strings. So only we can choose what is the best for us.
“Live your life and carve out your own path with time, experiences and relationships. One path ends and another begins. That’s life, don’t miss the present because you’re so busy trying to continue on a previous path.”
So true!!! Perfectly written! There can be no words to say!
It’s really good-written book. First I thought it’s a slow burn romance but it’s also a realistic fiction about life, about our choices, about being scared of change and taking an action, trying new experiences.
On some parts I found Brooke too stubborn to see what she has and how she’s lucky. However she doesn’t have a childhood with full of love and she’s hurting from betrayal, she has a great friend who supports her, crazy, self centered boss who also supports her carrier ( I loved both these women , especially Catherine the boss, also future mother- in love was one of the most enjoyable characters who made me laugh so much ), her grandmother who is always there for her.
And Levi, well I liked our hero ! he was adorable, not flawless, not a knight in a shining armor but he was patient, he knew what he wanted and he was ready to fight for her and make her forget her ex boyfriend who really needs a good punch on the face.
Mostly I liked the final part of blog which advises us, nobody should tell people what to do. We’re the master of our decisions , not puppets who are controlled by the hand who pulls the strings. So only we can choose what is the best for us.
“Live your life and carve out your own path with time, experiences and relationships. One path ends and another begins. That’s life, don’t miss the present because you’re so busy trying to continue on a previous path.”
So true!!! Perfectly written! There can be no words to say!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
It's difficult to always strive for for perfection and then accept that sometimes perfection isn't what we'd originally thought it was. Sometimes perfection is what we didn't see. What we didn't know, perfection is the fallback.
’THE FALLBACK’ Is a full length ‘romance’ novel by author ‘Mariah Dietz’
Twenty nine year old Brooke Jensen is one of the most sought after wedding planners in Chicago, everything is planned down to every minute detail, from the venue, to the flowers, to the menu, ensuring that everything is perfect for the bride to be. arriving home from work early the last thing she didn't plan on seeing was her long time partner entertaining someone else in the bed they brought together, on the expensive sheet set they got for their anniversary, in that very moment being a couple was dwindled down to her becoming newly single.
Not one to dwell on shit she can't fix she moves in with her best friend, her husband and their two kids. It's not the perfect set up, but it is what it is and she makes the most of it.
In the mean time she gets the idea to start up a blog called 'Tales of Being Single' about trying new things and taking risks.
Now we see her making her way as not a couple of six years but as a single successful female who is well over her head when it comes to the dating scene.
She's not ready to put herself up on the singles market just yet, but when cupid lets that arrow go and it pierces Levi all bets are off. It's as though they have known each other their whole lives, everything just slotted into place, until an obstacle comes rearing its head and she can't see a way around it, Levi takes it up a notch, he knows what he wants and he wants Brooke.
This was such an easy book to get lost in, the banter between the two besties made for such a light hearted read, so beautifully written, I'm glad that the cheating from her partner didn't over ride this book, we had no connection to him whatsoever it was solely based on her finding herself and I loved that, I loved seeing her progress, her strength, her blog. I'm so glad I got an opportunity to read this.
* Even though cheating occurred in the very first pages of this book you don't have a chance to connect with his (Brooke's ex's) character so this book is semi safe *
January 12, 2019
Loved it sooooo much!!! ☺☺☺
Normally I hate to read slow burn romance but this turned out a great story... I really enjoyed it. 😍
Normally I hate to read slow burn romance but this turned out a great story... I really enjoyed it. 😍
March 13, 2019
4 extremely satisfying stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Slow burn romance from one of my favorite authors.
And it lived up to all my expectations.
Emotional and sweet with a hint of angst.
Brooke and her best friend Felicity killed it for me alone (they were hilarious). Levi was simply icing on the cake.
Brooke and Levi
Event planner meets Bar owner after catching her boyfriend cheating on her.
And then discovers her demanding boss is his mother.
A Slow burn romance from one of my favorite authors.
And it lived up to all my expectations.
Emotional and sweet with a hint of angst.
Brooke and her best friend Felicity killed it for me alone (they were hilarious). Levi was simply icing on the cake.
Brooke and Levi
Event planner meets Bar owner after catching her boyfriend cheating on her.
And then discovers her demanding boss is his mother.
February 3, 2019
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: If I had to sum up how I was feeling during reading this book into one word, I'd say it'd have to be "waiting". I felt like I was waiting for it to start, then waiting for her to meet the H, then waiting for her to give him a shot, then waiting for anything to happen between them, then waiting for the conflict to happen -- then bam! HEA. The ending wasn't nearly enough for me after all the waiting too. There was too much wasted time with scenes between the h and her best friend, and I definitely think it would've benefited the story to have the H's POV. I also feel the need to clarify that there is no cheating between the mcs. I was under the impression there was cheating between the mcs when I picked this up with the reviews and tags I saw on other people's reviews. All in all, this was a little less than 3 "just okay" Stars for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Levi's story. Brooke finds out that her life is turned upside down when she comes home early to find her long time boyfriend with another woman. She moves in with her best friend and she focuses solely on work, until one night her friend forces her out and she meets Levi. They hit it off instantly but she is not ready to trust anyone yet and only allows him to help her start up a blog about trying new things. Later they are both surprised to find out that he is connected to her boss and he is also her new client. There are some big self discoveries, some sweet moments, and some drama...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This was told in Brooke's POV. I think it would've benefited the story a lot to get his POV as well.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. Way too slow for my liking. I never skimmed, but it took me way longer than usual to finish a book that's not that long.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Levi. I liked him until something he did was revealed during their big conflict. I didn't feel like there was enough time to forgive him properly or for him to redeem himself afterwards.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Brooke. I liked her until her impulsive behavior towards the end. I did appreciate her strength and ambition.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. They have some mild tension. I would say that this is definitely a "slow burn" as they aren't intimate until about 73ish% and then it's fade-to-black.
Descriptive sex: No. Fade-to-black type scenes.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had what I would reluctantly call a HEA ending . It is one of those that has their big conflict resolved and then we are shoved into a epilogue where we are supposed to accept that everything was fully resolved and that they will be secure in their future. I am really starting to hate that! I won't go on, but I wasn't very happy with the ending especially with how slow and uneventful the whole book seemed to be leading up to it.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: If I had to sum up how I was feeling during reading this book into one word, I'd say it'd have to be "waiting". I felt like I was waiting for it to start, then waiting for her to meet the H, then waiting for her to give him a shot, then waiting for anything to happen between them, then waiting for the conflict to happen -- then bam! HEA. The ending wasn't nearly enough for me after all the waiting too. There was too much wasted time with scenes between the h and her best friend, and I definitely think it would've benefited the story to have the H's POV. I also feel the need to clarify that there is no cheating between the mcs. I was under the impression there was cheating between the mcs when I picked this up with the reviews and tags I saw on other people's reviews. All in all, this was a little less than 3 "just okay" Stars for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brooke and Levi's story. Brooke finds out that her life is turned upside down when she comes home early to find her long time boyfriend with another woman. She moves in with her best friend and she focuses solely on work, until one night her friend forces her out and she meets Levi. They hit it off instantly but she is not ready to trust anyone yet and only allows him to help her start up a blog about trying new things. Later they are both surprised to find out that he is connected to her boss and he is also her new client. There are some big self discoveries, some sweet moments, and some drama...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This was told in Brooke's POV. I think it would've benefited the story a lot to get his POV as well.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. Way too slow for my liking. I never skimmed, but it took me way longer than usual to finish a book that's not that long.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Levi. I liked him until something he did was revealed during their big conflict. I didn't feel like there was enough time to forgive him properly or for him to redeem himself afterwards.
h rating: 3.5 stars. Brooke. I liked her until her impulsive behavior towards the end. I did appreciate her strength and ambition.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. They have some mild tension. I would say that this is definitely a "slow burn" as they aren't intimate until about 73ish% and then it's fade-to-black.
Descriptive sex: No. Fade-to-black type scenes.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had what I would reluctantly call a HEA ending . It is one of those that has their big conflict resolved and then we are shoved into a epilogue where we are supposed to accept that everything was fully resolved and that they will be secure in their future. I am really starting to hate that! I won't go on, but I wasn't very happy with the ending especially with how slow and uneventful the whole book seemed to be leading up to it.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
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January 30, 2019REVIEW: DNF
I won’t say it was boring, because that can come across as rude.
I won’t say it was slow, because that can come across as impatient.
I won’t say I think dating rules are the dumbest thing ever because that may come across as shallow.
I won’t say insecurities that are constantly rambled on about are ridiculous, because that would make me come across as insensitive.
But I will say that I couldn't finish this one because it wasn't my cuppa.
Instead of complaining for the entire review, I’m going to tell you what I loved first. I loved Levi. I loved their chemistry when she wasn’t going on some inner monologue about how Gabe wasn’t good to her or how much of a non-people person she is. They smiled and that made me smile. They laughed and the sarcastic banter flowed, so that made me laugh. Levi was seriously amazing and had the patience of a saint.. I wanted more of him. I wanted her to trust him. I wanted her to let go. I loved how hard he tried. I loved his wink and his smile. I loved the butterflies he conjured up, but for some reason, Brooke was just.....odd. I didn’t and couldn’t connect to her AT ALL.
This could have been cute, but it just didn’t work for me. I can’t do cutesy and insecure in a grown woman. I can’t read about a character that says she has zero social skills but her success in her fantastic job requires having social skills and pleasing people and working with them on an intimate level. Things didn’t line up, the heroine was really just ugh, and the story didn’t progress quickly enough for me to get over some of these slight transgressions. It got stale in quite a few spots as well, and that made it even harder to push on.
But Levi. Levi was the only reason I kept going back in to read more. He made me smile for every reason.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I like more grit. More angst. More push and pull. Or, you know, just...more. I like my heartstrings being tugged on and my emotions being thrown around. I didn’t get any highs or lows with this one. Not only did Brooke let her boss run all over her, she let her cheating ex get away with everything. EV-ER-Y-THING. She clearly didn’t work through any of her own issues because she thought about Gabe constantly; while on dates and comparing every action and reaction to him. It was frustrating because it felt way too whiny to me - for the lack of a better word. That made me question so much more about her.
This read to me more like a self help book with a romance twist and that’s definitely not something I signed up for. It would have meant more if she actually self-helped herself. It just read more of an appease myself to get by kind of book. It was honestly frustrating and she was the very reason I DNF'd this book.
~BEE
I won’t say it was boring, because that can come across as rude.
I won’t say it was slow, because that can come across as impatient.
I won’t say I think dating rules are the dumbest thing ever because that may come across as shallow.
I won’t say insecurities that are constantly rambled on about are ridiculous, because that would make me come across as insensitive.
But I will say that I couldn't finish this one because it wasn't my cuppa.
Instead of complaining for the entire review, I’m going to tell you what I loved first. I loved Levi. I loved their chemistry when she wasn’t going on some inner monologue about how Gabe wasn’t good to her or how much of a non-people person she is. They smiled and that made me smile. They laughed and the sarcastic banter flowed, so that made me laugh. Levi was seriously amazing and had the patience of a saint.. I wanted more of him. I wanted her to trust him. I wanted her to let go. I loved how hard he tried. I loved his wink and his smile. I loved the butterflies he conjured up, but for some reason, Brooke was just.....odd. I didn’t and couldn’t connect to her AT ALL.
This could have been cute, but it just didn’t work for me. I can’t do cutesy and insecure in a grown woman. I can’t read about a character that says she has zero social skills but her success in her fantastic job requires having social skills and pleasing people and working with them on an intimate level. Things didn’t line up, the heroine was really just ugh, and the story didn’t progress quickly enough for me to get over some of these slight transgressions. It got stale in quite a few spots as well, and that made it even harder to push on.
But Levi. Levi was the only reason I kept going back in to read more. He made me smile for every reason.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I like more grit. More angst. More push and pull. Or, you know, just...more. I like my heartstrings being tugged on and my emotions being thrown around. I didn’t get any highs or lows with this one. Not only did Brooke let her boss run all over her, she let her cheating ex get away with everything. EV-ER-Y-THING. She clearly didn’t work through any of her own issues because she thought about Gabe constantly; while on dates and comparing every action and reaction to him. It was frustrating because it felt way too whiny to me - for the lack of a better word. That made me question so much more about her.
This read to me more like a self help book with a romance twist and that’s definitely not something I signed up for. It would have meant more if she actually self-helped herself. It just read more of an appease myself to get by kind of book. It was honestly frustrating and she was the very reason I DNF'd this book.
~BEE
January 20, 2019
3,7. O início foi interessante, porém no desenrolar da história achei maçante e repetitiva. Não achei a conexão dos personagens legal. Ficou faltando algo.
January 31, 2019
Sassy banter, a slow burn romance that is rewarding as readers get a mature and realistic relationship -- well, there are some hurdles to overcome before we get to the good stuff. One broken relationship does not mean you're going to be alone and unhappy for the rest of your life. And second chances most often are much better anyway!
Strong characters, one perfectly imperfect hero that gets 5 stars of his very own and the girl, too, great dialogue and a demanding lady boss who comes with her own baggage that hits a little close to home. Throw in a granny who isn't a buttinsky but rather shares the ups and downs and helps pushing you on down the road.
It was a fun read -- and I really wasn't expecting everything that was packing into this little treasure.
Strong characters, one perfectly imperfect hero that gets 5 stars of his very own and the girl, too, great dialogue and a demanding lady boss who comes with her own baggage that hits a little close to home. Throw in a granny who isn't a buttinsky but rather shares the ups and downs and helps pushing you on down the road.
It was a fun read -- and I really wasn't expecting everything that was packing into this little treasure.
January 16, 2019
The heroine was quirky, but I liked her. I liked that she didn't see herself as others did and that she struggled with getting her life back on track. This romance was real, flawed and hard to put down.
January 10, 2019
OK, so there are things I liked about this book and there are things that left me a bit puzzled.
I thought how Brooke and Levi met was cute. I adored Brooke's BFF, Felicity & Felicity's husband, Dan. Brooke's boss, Catherine, left a lot to be desired.
My big problem with this book was how Brooke never faced her issues with what happened in her previous relationship. She continually brushed it off when it was clear she struggled. I wouldn't have minded her ignoring how she felt for a couple of chapters but it continued on & on. Also, I wanted MORE of Levi. Because the book was focused on Brooke, it made it hard to connect with Levi and their feelings for each other. Also, when Brooke started blogging as an outlet, I thought it would be therapeutic for her in the wake of her previous relationship and a means to help her come to terms with what happened. However, the blogging part of her journey really took a backseat to everything else. I think there was only 2 or 3 entries that we got to "read".
The book felt very long and drawn out but I did like the epilogue. I don't mind a slow-burn but this just lacked that spark that I was hoping for within the story.
I thought how Brooke and Levi met was cute. I adored Brooke's BFF, Felicity & Felicity's husband, Dan. Brooke's boss, Catherine, left a lot to be desired.
My big problem with this book was how Brooke never faced her issues with what happened in her previous relationship. She continually brushed it off when it was clear she struggled. I wouldn't have minded her ignoring how she felt for a couple of chapters but it continued on & on. Also, I wanted MORE of Levi. Because the book was focused on Brooke, it made it hard to connect with Levi and their feelings for each other. Also, when Brooke started blogging as an outlet, I thought it would be therapeutic for her in the wake of her previous relationship and a means to help her come to terms with what happened. However, the blogging part of her journey really took a backseat to everything else. I think there was only 2 or 3 entries that we got to "read".
The book felt very long and drawn out but I did like the epilogue. I don't mind a slow-burn but this just lacked that spark that I was hoping for within the story.
January 12, 2019
This book was amazing and will stay with me long after I have read it. It was so heart breaking and so real that I cried and laughed and yelled at my kindle. This is a story that can happen to a person in real life. Mariah has crafted and created a world where reality comes out and draws you in to keep you reading until the end. You need to know what is going to happen to Brooke and Levi.
Brooke is a sought after wedding planner. She has the life she has always wanted. Her business is thriving and her personal life is going great. That is until one day Brooke walks in on her boyfriend cheating. Her world is turned upside down and she crumbles and moves out of the apartment they shared and moves in with her best friend. That is when her best friend suggests they go out and that is when she meets Levi.
That is when Brooke comes up with the idea to start a blog for learning how to be single. Once she starts this blog she starts to live her life differently. She goes out and she does things she never would have done before. With all this new found happiness Brooke keeps thinking about Levi. She wonders what it would be like to be with him but she is scared because she has had her heart broken so she treads lightly with Levi. Slowly building up a friendship that turns into a relationship Brooke learns that The Fallback is wroth it.
Brooke is a sought after wedding planner. She has the life she has always wanted. Her business is thriving and her personal life is going great. That is until one day Brooke walks in on her boyfriend cheating. Her world is turned upside down and she crumbles and moves out of the apartment they shared and moves in with her best friend. That is when her best friend suggests they go out and that is when she meets Levi.
That is when Brooke comes up with the idea to start a blog for learning how to be single. Once she starts this blog she starts to live her life differently. She goes out and she does things she never would have done before. With all this new found happiness Brooke keeps thinking about Levi. She wonders what it would be like to be with him but she is scared because she has had her heart broken so she treads lightly with Levi. Slowly building up a friendship that turns into a relationship Brooke learns that The Fallback is wroth it.
January 9, 2019
Oh. My. Gosh. This book is so damn amazing.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
When I seen the cover for The Fallback it instantly pulled me in so I quickly searched and read the description and it grabbed me and I knew instantly it was a book I needed to read and my instincts were right because this book, this book was simply amazing.
It’s everything I love in a romance. Cute, adorable, supplies you with so many feels and breaks your heart a little. What’s a romance book without a little heartbreak at some point? Hah
Brooke and Levi are the perfect couple. From the moment they meet there’s an attraction and as the story comes along so do they. The sexual attraction between them is so damn panty melting hot.
These two go through their fare share of ups and downs and not everything is easy. There’s trust issues and painful parts but everything that happens is 100% worth it.
I’m so in love with this book, with the story and how well everything mixed together. Mariah did amazing with this book and I’m so damn honoured to have read it.
I’ve read a couple books from this author and they’ve always gripped me but this one is by far my favourite, I can’t wait to read more books from this author.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
When I seen the cover for The Fallback it instantly pulled me in so I quickly searched and read the description and it grabbed me and I knew instantly it was a book I needed to read and my instincts were right because this book, this book was simply amazing.
It’s everything I love in a romance. Cute, adorable, supplies you with so many feels and breaks your heart a little. What’s a romance book without a little heartbreak at some point? Hah
Brooke and Levi are the perfect couple. From the moment they meet there’s an attraction and as the story comes along so do they. The sexual attraction between them is so damn panty melting hot.
These two go through their fare share of ups and downs and not everything is easy. There’s trust issues and painful parts but everything that happens is 100% worth it.
I’m so in love with this book, with the story and how well everything mixed together. Mariah did amazing with this book and I’m so damn honoured to have read it.
I’ve read a couple books from this author and they’ve always gripped me but this one is by far my favourite, I can’t wait to read more books from this author.
January 11, 2019
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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The Fallback by Mariah Dietz was simply amazing and I read it in one sitting! This happens to be only the second book I have read from this author, but I have a feeling I will be changing that soon because if all of her books are this good then I have been seriously missing out! While I really liked Brooke, I have to admit that Levi completely stole my heart!
My heart broke for Brooke because of her cheating ex, but if it hadn't been for that experience she never would have met her prince charming, and holy moly Levi is just that! Their relationship was a slow burning one and my heart was set on fire...I legit got the warm fuzzies in my stomach as I devoured every inch of this story!
This is a heartwarming tale that will captivate every inch of your soul, and leave you head over heels in love with these characters. It was beautiful and unique...a definite MUST READ!
The Fallback by Mariah Dietz was simply amazing and I read it in one sitting! This happens to be only the second book I have read from this author, but I have a feeling I will be changing that soon because if all of her books are this good then I have been seriously missing out! While I really liked Brooke, I have to admit that Levi completely stole my heart!
My heart broke for Brooke because of her cheating ex, but if it hadn't been for that experience she never would have met her prince charming, and holy moly Levi is just that! Their relationship was a slow burning one and my heart was set on fire...I legit got the warm fuzzies in my stomach as I devoured every inch of this story!
This is a heartwarming tale that will captivate every inch of your soul, and leave you head over heels in love with these characters. It was beautiful and unique...a definite MUST READ!
January 11, 2019
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! Levi and Brooke's story is so beautifully written and hits all your emotion buttons. Levi is perfection in everyway, he is sexy, hot, confident and fun. These two have both had bad relationships in the past and need to trust each other. Mariah Dietz has given us readers the perfect story that you can't put down. This is one book you should 1-Click.
January 9, 2019
I am trying really hard to find the romance in this book. Is it poor Levi who was constantly pushing Brooke for something more? Brooke acting like " I don't want anything to happen between us, I am a single woman now?" Everything seemed to be conspiring for them to be together and Brooke didn't want that. I don't believe that she ever fell in love with Levi. The true romance in this book was Felicity and her husband. They were the most realistic and good couple in the book.
The book is 465 pages long according to Goodreads and you know what it didn't have? Character development. Brooke was so annoying and I thought that her blogging would help her to find herself, but in the end, she was worse from the person who packed her bags and kicked that cheater in the curb. She was obviously hurting about the cheating and she never confronted Gabe as she should have. It was painfully obvious that she needed to let all the hurt out and she was just saying "I am over it" when she wasn't and that was proven later in the book. I would love to have someone tell me how much she changed for the best because this is one of the few cases where I think that the heroine got stupider and was more immature than the beginning of the book.
I wish I could say that I knew what kind of person Levi is. I know a few things about him, but I wish we had a few chapters from his point of view, so I could see better the reasons behind his actions. The only thing I know is that he is persistent and has a good heart.
The story was dragging for no reason. Some parts could have not been included in the story and others could have been rushed. I am not buying the whole plotline about Brooke's boss and the excuses, in the end, felt just like that excuses and some easy way to fix everything. I am not buying that. Everyone except Gabe and his new lady turned out to be good guys in the end and that was so unrealistic. I was very disappointed by this book and I wouldn't recommend it.
The book is 465 pages long according to Goodreads and you know what it didn't have? Character development. Brooke was so annoying and I thought that her blogging would help her to find herself, but in the end, she was worse from the person who packed her bags and kicked that cheater in the curb. She was obviously hurting about the cheating and she never confronted Gabe as she should have. It was painfully obvious that she needed to let all the hurt out and she was just saying "I am over it" when she wasn't and that was proven later in the book. I would love to have someone tell me how much she changed for the best because this is one of the few cases where I think that the heroine got stupider and was more immature than the beginning of the book.
I wish I could say that I knew what kind of person Levi is. I know a few things about him, but I wish we had a few chapters from his point of view, so I could see better the reasons behind his actions. The only thing I know is that he is persistent and has a good heart.
The story was dragging for no reason. Some parts could have not been included in the story and others could have been rushed. I am not buying the whole plotline about Brooke's boss and the excuses, in the end, felt just like that excuses and some easy way to fix everything. I am not buying that. Everyone except Gabe and his new lady turned out to be good guys in the end and that was so unrealistic. I was very disappointed by this book and I wouldn't recommend it.
September 10, 2019
nice slow burn
not-appealing
February 15, 2019Note to self: Slow burn with low steam/little passion. Fade-to-black scenes.
dnf
March 15, 2019Dnfed @25%
This book reminds me of Mariana Zapata’s books. Slooooowww. I don’t got time for slow burn now.
This book reminds me of Mariana Zapata’s books. Slooooowww. I don’t got time for slow burn now.
February 14, 2019
I tried to love this book but it didn’t work for me.
October 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
January 10, 2019
Loved the theme of finding yourself. Levi was a doll. I love the chemistry between the main characters.
January 20, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
This is my first Mariah Dietz book & to be very honest; I am adoring the way the author writes a sweet, delightful, steamy romance that has me swooning over not only the hero but also the heroine!
Brooke lives a predictable life – she is a wedding planner and her job consumes her life; but she is on top and she has worked for it. She has one best friend forever and has been in a relationship for a while. Everything in her life is steady and smooth until she catches her boyfriend cheating leading her to move in with her family! She decides to work on herself and taking a break from dating.
But it doesn’t take long for Levi, sweet, charming and utterly gorgeous Levi persuades her for one date. What could one date hurt, right? It wouldn’t change Brooke’s mind about working on herself – but it is delightful Levi who turns out to be even more persistent than she would have thought possible, for a man who is supposed to be unattainable.
Through their slow burn romance; Brooke starts working on her new blog; mostly as a therapeutic measure – and it honestly was one of the most wonderful aspects of the book! I adored how Brooke came out of her shell; how she took control of her own life, finding confidence in not only herself but all her own independence.
The slow build up to Levi and Brooke’s relationship was absolutely fun and spine tingling – I was rooting for this couple since their first meeting; and even though they took their time, it was definitely worth the journey they took to their happily ever after.
The Fallback is more than a romance – it is a journey of woman to find acceptance for her & the kind of life she deserves. This was beautiful from start to finish and I am so glad that I got a chance to read an early copy of this romance!
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January 14, 2019
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**The Fallback is a new adult contemporary romance by Mariah Dietz. I know it is early in 2019, but I can already tell this book is going to be a favorite of the year. It just had everything I was looking for in a book. I read it one day because I just could. not. put. it. down. And this book clocks in on 465 pages, so it isn't what I would call short. It just came out this week, and you all need to run, not walk to grab a copy. If you like romantic comedy types reads that are a pinch of The Devil Wears Prada and dash of The Wedding Planner, I absolutely loved The Fallback. I fell in love with the characters, and their romance was super sweet. This novel was a lot of fun.
Brooke is an event planner at a very well respected Chicago firm. The book starts off on a very personal level with Brooke. I felt like we really got to know her even before Levi ever entered the scene, which I really appreciated. But once Levi did enter the story, I was hooked. There was no looking back for me. Though the book certainly had predictable moments, it totally delivered on everything it promised; great characters and a great romance. I loved watching Levi and Brooke, especially once she learned of his connection to her boss. I can so easily see this story translate to a rom com movie. I also loved Brooke's blog. That was a great side story line for the book, and an awesome way to get an insight into Brooke figuring out who she was as a single woman. It led to some excellent character growth and development.
If you like cute romantic comedies with a wonderfully sweet connection and slow burn romance, the Fallback is a must read for you. I know it is going to be a big contender for best books of 2019 and Levi is totally topping the chart of favorite book boyfriends. This is the first book I have read by Mariah Dietz, but it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read more of her work.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Brooke is an event planner at a very well respected Chicago firm. The book starts off on a very personal level with Brooke. I felt like we really got to know her even before Levi ever entered the scene, which I really appreciated. But once Levi did enter the story, I was hooked. There was no looking back for me. Though the book certainly had predictable moments, it totally delivered on everything it promised; great characters and a great romance. I loved watching Levi and Brooke, especially once she learned of his connection to her boss. I can so easily see this story translate to a rom com movie. I also loved Brooke's blog. That was a great side story line for the book, and an awesome way to get an insight into Brooke figuring out who she was as a single woman. It led to some excellent character growth and development.
If you like cute romantic comedies with a wonderfully sweet connection and slow burn romance, the Fallback is a must read for you. I know it is going to be a big contender for best books of 2019 and Levi is totally topping the chart of favorite book boyfriends. This is the first book I have read by Mariah Dietz, but it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read more of her work.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
January 1, 2019
My last read of 2018 and it was a belter.
I've decided that on my bucket list I want to kiss a gorgeous man on the jumbotron. And if it could be a gorgeous man like Levi Westbrook who can cook me dinner and steal my heart with his dimple that would be even better.
Wedding planner/events coordinator Brooke starts writing a blog, "Tales of Being Single" and decides to check out things that she hasn't tried before like rock climbing, baseball and yoga. With perfect timing along comes Levi, dimple and all to help with her to do list.
The Fallback is a beautiful heartfelt story full of friendship goals and great female role models. Catherine of Glitter and Gold is not just a bitchy boss, she is so much more than that. I want to be Catherine when I grow up.
Brooke is a complete doughnut loving sweetheart. She is so likeable and lovable that she lights up this book.
Fab way to end the reading year. The Fallback isn't a self help book but it has some really, really powerful messages:
"I don't know if everything happens for a reason, but I do know that everything we experience teaches us something. Prepares us in some way to experience more. This might not have been the plan, but sometimes the fallback can be even better."
"There are rules. Dating rules. Commonsense rules. Self-respect rules."
"I'm boring. I prefer pajamas to dresses, barefoot to shoes, and I am realizing that I really suck at almost all girly things. My idea of fun is finding the best doughnut shops in town."
"Don't let age scare you from chasing your dreams. It's only a number."
"If you don't like your cards, you make your own hand. Discard the bad ones and wait until the good ones come."
"I had focused on my negative traits rather than my positive ones. Don't listen to those doubts. They're poisonous and will keep you from being who you're meant to be."
"Follow your heart. If faced with adversity remember you don't have to face it alone but if you are, it will pass. You are strong and no one can take that away."
"One path ends, and another begins. That's life. Don't miss the present because your're so busy trying to continue on a previous path."
I've decided that on my bucket list I want to kiss a gorgeous man on the jumbotron. And if it could be a gorgeous man like Levi Westbrook who can cook me dinner and steal my heart with his dimple that would be even better.
Wedding planner/events coordinator Brooke starts writing a blog, "Tales of Being Single" and decides to check out things that she hasn't tried before like rock climbing, baseball and yoga. With perfect timing along comes Levi, dimple and all to help with her to do list.
The Fallback is a beautiful heartfelt story full of friendship goals and great female role models. Catherine of Glitter and Gold is not just a bitchy boss, she is so much more than that. I want to be Catherine when I grow up.
Brooke is a complete doughnut loving sweetheart. She is so likeable and lovable that she lights up this book.
Fab way to end the reading year. The Fallback isn't a self help book but it has some really, really powerful messages:
"I don't know if everything happens for a reason, but I do know that everything we experience teaches us something. Prepares us in some way to experience more. This might not have been the plan, but sometimes the fallback can be even better."
"There are rules. Dating rules. Commonsense rules. Self-respect rules."
"I'm boring. I prefer pajamas to dresses, barefoot to shoes, and I am realizing that I really suck at almost all girly things. My idea of fun is finding the best doughnut shops in town."
"Don't let age scare you from chasing your dreams. It's only a number."
"If you don't like your cards, you make your own hand. Discard the bad ones and wait until the good ones come."
"I had focused on my negative traits rather than my positive ones. Don't listen to those doubts. They're poisonous and will keep you from being who you're meant to be."
"Follow your heart. If faced with adversity remember you don't have to face it alone but if you are, it will pass. You are strong and no one can take that away."
"One path ends, and another begins. That's life. Don't miss the present because your're so busy trying to continue on a previous path."
January 10, 2019
The Fallback is my new favorite Mariah Dietz book.
"I don't know if everything happens for a reason, but I do know that everything we experience teaches us something....this might not have been the plan but sometimes the fallback can be even better."
Our main characters, Brooke and Levi will be a couple you will remember for a while. Brooke is a perfectionist, she's a very successful wedding planner and is living the perfect life. Great job (her boss is a bit much but hey - it's her dream job), great life, successful and a great boyfriend...well - not really. The great boyfriend turns into a cheater and Brooke has to face, that everything isn't perfect anymore.
Brooke has a great supportive best friend who helps her through this tough time, allows her to live with her, supports her donut eating habit, helps her by allowing her children to love on Brooke through a tough time. Felicity encourages Brooke to start a blog about dating which helps her begin to rebuild. Felicity is her saving grace...until Levi.
"Even in my most vivid of dreams, it didn't feel like this - like my breaths depended on his and race heart raced to maintain his same pattern."
Levi is a sweet guy, not necessarily looking for a relationship but the attraction is instant. These two embark on their friendship with trepidation (Levi becomes her client - she's planning his bar opening - not his wedding) but their chemistry is undeniable and they begin to find their need and desire to be together more than they expected. Brooke is very hesitant but with Felicity's encouragement - she dives right in...
Levi is such a swoony man!
"I am going to make you forget everything"
"Forget what?"
"Everything except for me."
THEN Mariah hits us with a twist that I wasn't expecting and kept them coming! Between the twists and unexpected turns, the multifaceted characters, the slow burn of their relationship and the beautiful writing of Mariah Dietz, I was hooked from the beginning!
January 10, 2019
4.5*
The Fallback is one of those books that makes me want to get up off of my butt and make some changes in my life. Now if I actually do anything about it is the real question!
This was such an enjoyable, sweet, and inspiring story. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling Brooke’s journey with her, as she navigated through changes in her life. It’s the perfect book if you need a break from some of the heavier, more emotional stuff that’s out there!
After her ex’s betrayal, Brooke is determined to take the time to discover who she is as a single person. She has her ups and downs while working to find herself again, but she’s got a great support system behind her, especially her best friend Felicity. Everyone needs a Felicity in their life! I loved how she and her family were there for Brooke, with a place to live, a shoulder to cry on, and a partner-in-crime on many of her new life adventures. She's seriously the best girlfriend a gal could ask for!
Although a romantic relationship is the last thing Brooke is looking for, she ends up meeting Levi- charming, swoony, delicious Levi. And he’s harder to resist than she expected. She does her best to keep him at arm’s length, because this is her time, but what her head wants and what her heart wants are at odds with each other, and staying away is harder than she thought.
With a few unexpected twist and turns, The Fallback is a really enjoyable story of one woman's quest to not only find herself, but to believe in herself again.
The Fallback is one of those books that makes me want to get up off of my butt and make some changes in my life. Now if I actually do anything about it is the real question!
This was such an enjoyable, sweet, and inspiring story. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling Brooke’s journey with her, as she navigated through changes in her life. It’s the perfect book if you need a break from some of the heavier, more emotional stuff that’s out there!
After her ex’s betrayal, Brooke is determined to take the time to discover who she is as a single person. She has her ups and downs while working to find herself again, but she’s got a great support system behind her, especially her best friend Felicity. Everyone needs a Felicity in their life! I loved how she and her family were there for Brooke, with a place to live, a shoulder to cry on, and a partner-in-crime on many of her new life adventures. She's seriously the best girlfriend a gal could ask for!
Although a romantic relationship is the last thing Brooke is looking for, she ends up meeting Levi- charming, swoony, delicious Levi. And he’s harder to resist than she expected. She does her best to keep him at arm’s length, because this is her time, but what her head wants and what her heart wants are at odds with each other, and staying away is harder than she thought.
With a few unexpected twist and turns, The Fallback is a really enjoyable story of one woman's quest to not only find herself, but to believe in herself again.
January 2, 2019
The Fallback was my first read for 2019 and I am pleased to say I enjoyed it. This slow burn romance was a sweet story that will have you hooked from start to end and will give you all the feels.
Levi and Brooke had the most amazing chemistry. You could feel it at every stage of the book. These two characters were well-developed and so likable you would be rooting for them throughout the story. They were supported by a cast of secondary characters who all added so much to the novel.
This is a story about learning to trust and finding yourself and I enjoyed watching Brooke move forward. This was a good read and I would recommend it to lovers of slow burn romances.
Levi and Brooke had the most amazing chemistry. You could feel it at every stage of the book. These two characters were well-developed and so likable you would be rooting for them throughout the story. They were supported by a cast of secondary characters who all added so much to the novel.
This is a story about learning to trust and finding yourself and I enjoyed watching Brooke move forward. This was a good read and I would recommend it to lovers of slow burn romances.
January 15, 2019
The Fallback by Mariah Dietz is a captivating story, full opf twists and unexpected turns that kept me at the edge of my seat and made me read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting.
Brooke is a 29 year old event planner and she has her life planned out too. Only her partner throws a wrench when he cheats on her. To top it off he isn't apologetic or in denial - he breaks off with her for good. Now she has her life put back together all on her own.
Levi is a good man and when he meets Brooke there's this crazy insta chemistry between them.
I started reading and was hooked from chapter one. I loved how the heroine and the hero interacted and I connected with them very easily.
Everything could be easy peasy, but it isn't. I will not spoiler here, oinly so much I had never expected to be Brooke a doormat. But she let her past pretty trample over her. 'til this point I loved the story, the excellent writing and the great characters. But no, I'm not happy at all with that twist - so sad.
Brooke is a 29 year old event planner and she has her life planned out too. Only her partner throws a wrench when he cheats on her. To top it off he isn't apologetic or in denial - he breaks off with her for good. Now she has her life put back together all on her own.
Levi is a good man and when he meets Brooke there's this crazy insta chemistry between them.
I started reading and was hooked from chapter one. I loved how the heroine and the hero interacted and I connected with them very easily.
Everything could be easy peasy, but it isn't. I will not spoiler here, oinly so much I had never expected to be Brooke a doormat. But she let her past pretty trample over her. 'til this point I loved the story, the excellent writing and the great characters. But no, I'm not happy at all with that twist - so sad.
January 19, 2019
This was my second read by Mariah and I’m so glad that I picked up The Fallback! I absolutely loved this story and these characters. My dream job has always been an event, specifically wedding, planning so I fell in love with Brooke and her job immediately….
This story has so many facets and started off with a literal BANG. I felt so bad for Brooke, because nobody should endure what she did. I always say if a man doesn’t want to be with you anymore he needs to have the courage to tell you not cheat, so his lying cheating butt was of no interest to me, and if you ask me Brooke was far to kind to him. Brooke’s so so strong though! She’s taken everything with grace and even though she’s retreated into herself a little big, she’s not dwelling but she’s living! She’s learning how to be a single woman in today’s world, all while blogging and helping other women understand that being single isn’t a disease!! That being single can be fun and make you happy!
But when fates align and Brooke and Levi meet to plan his bar’s opening and the remodel, something inside her just calls to him. He’s smart, sexy, and pulls no punches. Falling hard for Levi is so so easy! I absolutely LOVED his character, he’s so damn sweet and kind, and he helps to convince Brooke that she can plan his party without issue, even though she doesn’t feel qualified. She hesitant to get involved because she’s quite happy where she’s at. But Levi won’t give up until she realizes how special they can be together.
Their banter, and their push and pull is fabulous! I loved how great Levi was with her and how gentle he was with her feelings. Of course until she learns the truth about him, and that causes a big issue with Brooke. The twist was a little predictable but fit the storyline perfectly! It’s hard not to give away too much detail on this one because I want to tell you everything I loved. But this is one you just need to read for yourself!
Mariah did a wonderful job, waiving just enough drama to not make this one over the top, while giving us a strong heroine and a wonderful hero! The slow burn in this story, and Brooke and Levi are worth every minute of your time!
This story has so many facets and started off with a literal BANG. I felt so bad for Brooke, because nobody should endure what she did. I always say if a man doesn’t want to be with you anymore he needs to have the courage to tell you not cheat, so his lying cheating butt was of no interest to me, and if you ask me Brooke was far to kind to him. Brooke’s so so strong though! She’s taken everything with grace and even though she’s retreated into herself a little big, she’s not dwelling but she’s living! She’s learning how to be a single woman in today’s world, all while blogging and helping other women understand that being single isn’t a disease!! That being single can be fun and make you happy!
But when fates align and Brooke and Levi meet to plan his bar’s opening and the remodel, something inside her just calls to him. He’s smart, sexy, and pulls no punches. Falling hard for Levi is so so easy! I absolutely LOVED his character, he’s so damn sweet and kind, and he helps to convince Brooke that she can plan his party without issue, even though she doesn’t feel qualified. She hesitant to get involved because she’s quite happy where she’s at. But Levi won’t give up until she realizes how special they can be together.
Their banter, and their push and pull is fabulous! I loved how great Levi was with her and how gentle he was with her feelings. Of course until she learns the truth about him, and that causes a big issue with Brooke. The twist was a little predictable but fit the storyline perfectly! It’s hard not to give away too much detail on this one because I want to tell you everything I loved. But this is one you just need to read for yourself!
Mariah did a wonderful job, waiving just enough drama to not make this one over the top, while giving us a strong heroine and a wonderful hero! The slow burn in this story, and Brooke and Levi are worth every minute of your time!
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