Falling for Love: A West Virginia Romance

by Addison M. Conley

More than a romance, this is a story of how two women find love in one tiny tourist town in West Virginia during the fight for equality and same-sex marriage. Good for any time of the year, this heartwarming read is also about family, friends, and forgiveness. But sometimes, forgiving yourself can be the hardest.
Jordan Simón seems to have it all…except a life. On the verge of her fortieth birthday, she doesn’t know which will devour her first—the regret and emptiness of living a lie about her sexuality or a painful secret she has kept for years. As she struggles internally, she meets Emmy Russo, an out and proud lesbian.
Emmy is visiting her Aunt before moving to Washington DC. After losing her wife six years ago, no one has piqued her interest until she meets Jordan. Yet being in a closeted relationship is the last thing she wants.
Love will lead you home if you open your heart and fight. But how will Jordan, and those around her, find the strength to face fears and fight for what is right?

This book is a second edition of the previously published book Falling for Love: A Winter Romance.

Genres: Romance

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2019

About the author

Addison M. Conley is an author of WLW fiction. Kindle Unlimited customers can read her books for free. Although her roots are in a small town in central Illinois, she’s lived in several states, including Hawaii, and currently resides in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. She loves the mountains and wildlife, except when the beautiful deer eat her flowers and bushes.

Addison wishes you and your loved ones good health and happiness. Together with kindness and respect, we shall rise. Divided, we will fall.

Addison would love to hear from you on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Addison would love to hear from you.

NEW Author website: https://addisonmconley.com

Email: Addison.M.Conley.Author@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddisonMConl...

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TikTok: @addisonmconley13

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in 2015, shortly before the US Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage. It is a sweet romance with some drama, including homophobia.

Since five years Jordan Simón (40) is back in her small hometown in West Virginia, not just back in her hometown, back in the closet as well. She had opened a restaurant, which is very successful, but not has the courage to stand up and be yourself is bothering her more and more. At the edge of her 40th birthday, she is determined to change that. But there are more secrets to her than she’s willing to spill.

Emmy Russo (52) is visiting her aunt Betty Jean. She is on a working brake after working some time in India and before joining the bureau of the same company in DC. She always thought it’s not possible to fall in love at first sight, but Jordan convinced her otherwise. But proud and out Emmy will never get back into the darkness of the closet. Will she take the risk with Jordan?

I enjoyed the building romance between Emmy and Jordan. Both women stay in the middle of life, who know what they want and whatnot. They have made some bad and good decisions in their past, which defined them as to who they are now. The chemistry between them is there from the first minute they met. The sexual tension is slowly building up over weeks until they take the relationship a step forward. The lovemaking was nice, not steamy hot bot good and is not the leading part of the book. What I liked the most, was how Jordan is fighting her fears and take more risks when the feelings for Emmy are growing. Emmy is a sweetheart, always helpful and understanding but not cheesy and not always patiently.

Coming out in her forties in a small town in West Virginia isn’t that easy, especially with a hardheaded religious homophobic brother. There are quite a few secondary characters, they all are very well integrated into the story. I especially loved the mischievously Betty Jean.

Enjoyable and easy read, sweet romance with some drama but not heart-wrenching angst.
My rating 4 stars
ARC provided by the author and LezReviewBooks.com in exchange for an honest review

[Loek Krancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

Living a lie can rock your sanity. She has to find the courage to shed her painful past, to let go and step up. It's a rocky road to love and acceptance but living her true life is the only thing that makes it all worth. A fascinating story that deals with a lot of devastating situations. It include social issues that are, unfortunately, still very alive today. An unforgettable, heart-wrenching story of love and strength. I was deeply touched by Jordan's story and the unconditional support of the most important people in her life. It is beautiful written and I strongly recommend it.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤️‍👩📚⚢🍲🍜🍝👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩📖👭🏳️‍🌈

WOW !! 😍🤩😍🤩

I dived deeply in the story and wasn’t able to stop my reading. The plot is quite simple but powerful and very efficient !!! 💪👏

Both strong and fragile in the same time, Jordan and Emmy are two very touching characters …
I also really appreciated their consequent age difference and the fact that they are 40+ years old .. 😊


Here is the recipe which allowed this story to see the light of day :
° A few measures of Love 💜💙💚💛🧡❤️
° A spoonful of baggage from the past (with their psychological hiccups to work through as side dishes)
° A pinch of drama (which help to the character development)
And
° A pat of sensuality

Mix well all this and dust the result with a good touch of humor and a few interesting references to a few good movies and you obtain a delicious, crusty & meltingly soft but deep debute novel ready to be devoured !!…


I highly recommend this sweet and tasty novel and confess that I’ll be delighted to read Addison’s next books …

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤️‍👩📚⚢🍲🍜🍝👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩📖👭🏳️‍🌈

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Perfect Recipe for Love

After leaving Madrid as a Master Chef, Jordan moves home to her small town in WV, where she is well loved, and opens a very successful restaurant. However, she has about as many secrets as she does recipes. Closing in on her 40th birthday, she is determined to remedy this situation.

Emmy is exhausted after a three-year assignment to the India offices of the company she works for. She is on an extended vacation before joining the DC office part time. As it so happens, Emmy is staying with her Aunt in the same small town that Jordan lives in. Its not long till their paths cross and while not necessarily love at first sight there is definitely intense attraction!

Will Emmy be willing to be one more of Jordan’s secrets and give her time or will it all be too much for the outgoing Brit?

I enjoyed this beautifully descriptive later in life coming out story very much. In addition to being a sweet romance, there is a mysterious stranger in town who is stalking Jordan and an overly obnoxious religious zealot brother that had me convinced she was in mortal danger. These people had me on the edge of my seat a few times…Of course there was a disaster that Emmy was involved in that had me worried for her life too! I loved the nice, slow build up of the sexual tension and the very sexy lovemaking. I did feel the ending was too rushed but everything was tied up so nicely and neatly for a true HEA that I really didn’t mind. This is a perfect book for curling up on the sofa while winter snows fall or on the patio while getting some sun on a warm summer’s day. I think you will like it!

[Mirtha Siblesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story!

This was a lovely story. Very good debut novel. The plot development was flawlessly done. The two main characters had tons of chemistry. Jordan’s growth in attempting to have the courage to come out to her family and friends touched a chord that most of us have gone through. Emmie was a strong out and proud lesbian that found a second chance at love with Jordan. The supporting characters were all charming and fun. I hope the author would consider a story about Jo. Her character was very intriguing. Well done!

[Rocío · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it is well and perfectly said in the blurb of this book, Falling For Love is not just about romance, but also about family, friends and forgiveness.
Jordan is in her 40's and never allowed herself to come out for fear. And Emmy is in her 50's and very openly out. They feel attraction and sparks from the beginning but to hide it is not easy for either one.
Unfortunately, we can find something very common nowadays, homophobia. But fortunately, we can also find people who stand for each other, who stand for other people's rights. And there is all of this in the book.
They will have to find the strength to fight for their rights, to fight the hate of some family members and fanatic neighbours. Not only do they fight but they also find the support and love from family, friends and community.
It's the kind of romance I like. No big arguments and make up later though. And even though I know this is fiction, it gives me hope that I still can find my better half. She is out there, I know.
It is an excellent way of starting a writing career. Addison has done a great job.

[A.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jordan Simón owns her own restaurant in West Virginia, which is where she is originally from after returning from Spain five years earlier.  She meets Emmy Russo and sparks instantly fly.  Jordan is in the closet whereas Emmy is not.  It all depends on what Jordan decides to do or not do.

Both Jordan and Emmy are likeable characters, however, there were a couple of times when I thought they had reacted to a situation uncharacteristically or in a way that surprised me in a bad way.  I especially enjoyed the journey the author took me through with regards to Jordan's character growth.

The minor characters were well written, Betty Jean was a hoot and quite possibly stole each scene she was in.

Overall, a story that is worth a read.

Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Jb

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynn Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is told from two points of view, Jordan and Emmy.

Jordan is an owner and chef of a restaurant in Oakville W. Virginia, a conservative small town. She is nursing an old hurt by throwing herself into her work. She is calm under pressure unless her mom is speaking. Normally she doesn’t spat with anyone else. Her brother is a conservative who loves to cause conflict. When around him, she still keeps her cool and stick to safe subjects. Still, the town is Jordan’s home and she wants to it to feel like one. She hasn’t dated in a long time and prefers to be the one who initiates intimate relationships.

Emmy is shy but emotionally mature. Her confidence is a huge turn on and it was fun to watch her stand up for herself and others. When she walks you can’t help but turn your head and look. However, she is cautious about her sexuality and isn’t looking for a relationship. When she meets Jordan, excitement builds. Emmy knows what she wants in a relationship and doesn’t play games. She is family oriented and looks out for her aunt Betty Jean.

Some secondary characters need to be mentioned. Jo is Jordan’s right-hand woman at the restaurant. She is upbeat and easy going and works on Jordan to have some fun. I really like this character and feel her presence adds depth to the story. Emmy’s aunt, Betty Jean also adds a loving feel to the story.
I feel the author does an excellent job in developing the characters. I can really understand them.

The story is a little overwritten with extra points of view. The two protagonists are enough to keep the story alive and interesting. The story is on a positive note for the entire ride aside from some drama that enhances the plot.

I love how much the protagonists get to know each other before they become romantically intimate. I enjoyed the dates and flirting. The sex scenes are written in such a way that the reader will feel the emotions between the two women.

The dynamics between the two are well put together. The protagonists play off each other. I love how they do silly things together. The ladies have their own lives which are covered in the story; no one is clinging to each other for security. Also, both of them are strong women, which I love.

There are some chilling scenes in the story as a result of intense drama dealing with Jordan’s family. I like the mother-daughter relationship between Jordan and her mom. Her mom is very loving. These types of scenes always add a comforting touch to the story.

Be aware, the story touches on some controversial issues. There is some coarse language lightly peppered in the story just to inform you.

Overall, the book is very well written and I liked it. I would carve out about five hours to read this. A mystery plops down in the middle which made me want to read more. The two protagonists will warm your hearts. I am recommending this read for everyone. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kristina Lovel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good

I really like the way the author writes. There is plenty of meat and potatoes (story), as well as plenty of dessert (sex). I really enjoyed how much Jordan grew with the aid of Emmy. It was also nice that they were an older couple. The 12 year age gap made this novel relatable. I am rating a 3 because I had trouble finishing this book. There is just something missing in this book, I can't quite put my finger on it. I would have liked go see more character growth from Emmy. SPOILER ALERT: I did like the fact that Gerry's wife came to the wedding in the end, but I think the wedding was unnecessary. I'm glad I read this book, and I would recommend it to anyone.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Story

I really enjoyed this story. Both Emmy and Jordon are kind, loving women. It's unfortunate that Jordon has spent her whole life buried deep in the closet, at least with family and most friends. But sometimes love comes along and won't take no for an answer.... thank goodness!

[Devoncatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love vs homophobia

Unfortunate some people want everyone to be just like them or they hate you. It takes a strong woman to face homophobia and say love is Moore important. I've lived in a few bigoted places but decided to live somewhere tolerant instead. This an sweet, interesting and loving novel.

[Kelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story!

This is a very well written tale about finding love. The characters are well developed, and the storyline flows from the pages. If you are looking for a feel-good tale of lesbian love with a happily ever after, this book belongs on your must-read list.

[Joanna Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started slow for me but ended strong

I honestly had a hard time getting into this story, but after a few chapters I was hooked. Nature scenes are beautifully written, and her dialogue is strong. I'm glad I stuck with this, it was worth reading.

[CAH.COETZEE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feedback

Heart warming well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Love between two humans is just that irrespective of their sensuality.
Thank you for sharing your books with us.

[Nancy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book/great author

I particularly liked the irony of the homophonic brother setting off town support for diversity: rainbow symbols in all the businesses on Main Street and suggestions for Pride Day.

[MizLiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice read. Late coming out but for lots of backstory reasons.

[Donna Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its gard to believe this is a debut novel. I like that it honours the time pre sane sex equality and gives me reflection time to honour those who fought so hard that we can love who we love