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Love in the Heartland #4
Before We Fell
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The horror that rocked my small town last winter also brought Noah Wilkes into my life. The first almost broke all of us, but the second changed everything.
He stomped into my classroom all angry scowls and rudeness, the big-shot lawyer who was always too good for this small town. But the moment his smile softened toward his niece, it was me that melted.
The heartbreak that brought him back also brought me closer to him, to the man he hides from the world behind his swagger and aggression. The man I couldn’t help but fall for.
But life has a way of throwing a curveball when you least expect it, and this one could cost me everything--even him.
Turned out, our fates were written in the sky before we ever met—
Before we fell.
He stomped into my classroom all angry scowls and rudeness, the big-shot lawyer who was always too good for this small town. But the moment his smile softened toward his niece, it was me that melted.
The heartbreak that brought him back also brought me closer to him, to the man he hides from the world behind his swagger and aggression. The man I couldn’t help but fall for.
But life has a way of throwing a curveball when you least expect it, and this one could cost me everything--even him.
Turned out, our fates were written in the sky before we ever met—
Before we fell.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2019
65 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Lynn
76 books2,283 followersStacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.
The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble.
Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Let's be friends! Follow me here:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2GhozSE
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2C1XYLe
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2EwGQPg
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2o2KUg4
Visit my Facebook Group where we talk about books and everything else that comes into our minds!
Stacey's Sweeties: http://bit.ly/2CpXbzq
OR--- subscribe to my newsletter and receive a FREE EBOOK as a thank you! www.staceylynnbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 5, 2019
This story is emotional. It’s heartbreaking and full of pain and suffering. But it’s also passionate and tender, with dreamy and inspiring moments of love and happiness. This book makes you FEEL. Period.
Although Before We Fell is part of the Love in the Heartland series, it can be read as a standalone.
Stacey Lynn has become a go-to author for me. Her stories are beautifully layered with complexity that makes the story lines unique and captivating. Before We Fell is just another example of the author’s striking narrative of a truly poignant romance.
I found myself crying over multiple parts of this story. Not the proverbial tears upon reading such an impacting story, but real tears over the heartache and stunning revelations that transpire throughout the book. There was not a single moment that went by while reading that I was not completely and utterly enthralled with the characters. As much as the journey taken by Noah, Lauren, and Riley is extremely traumatic and devastating, it also shows how strong and fiercely loyal these people can be when faced with indescribable despair and grief. Trust and faith are pushed to the limits, but honesty and forgiveness are the only things needed to truly mend fractured hearts.
I don’t want to go into exact specifics of this story, as I think it’s one you just need to dive head first into and discover the powerful and touching dynamic yourself. Before We Fell is an unbelievable must-read, and one of my favorite books of 2019!
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Kelly
Although Before We Fell is part of the Love in the Heartland series, it can be read as a standalone.
Stacey Lynn has become a go-to author for me. Her stories are beautifully layered with complexity that makes the story lines unique and captivating. Before We Fell is just another example of the author’s striking narrative of a truly poignant romance.
I found myself crying over multiple parts of this story. Not the proverbial tears upon reading such an impacting story, but real tears over the heartache and stunning revelations that transpire throughout the book. There was not a single moment that went by while reading that I was not completely and utterly enthralled with the characters. As much as the journey taken by Noah, Lauren, and Riley is extremely traumatic and devastating, it also shows how strong and fiercely loyal these people can be when faced with indescribable despair and grief. Trust and faith are pushed to the limits, but honesty and forgiveness are the only things needed to truly mend fractured hearts.
I don’t want to go into exact specifics of this story, as I think it’s one you just need to dive head first into and discover the powerful and touching dynamic yourself. Before We Fell is an unbelievable must-read, and one of my favorite books of 2019!
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Kelly
April 9, 2019
This book had me going through tissues like there was no tomorrow!!!! Gut wrenching sobs overtook me at times where I had to put the book down and gather myself, but then there were times that this book was so hot I was grabbing a cold glass of water to cool off. To say my emotions ran the gambit would be an understatement.
Noah's life is changed when his sister and brother-in-law are killed and he is given custody of his young niece, Riley. Riley was the only witness to her parents murder and it took it's toll on her, it changed the vibrant young eight year old to someone no one recognized any longer, she didn't talk to anyone and she didn't want to interact with anyone. It was so, so sad. But then she met her new school teacher in the new town that she and her Uncle Noah moved to and things changed.
Lauren's heart broke when she heard about Riley's story and that was before she met her new student. There was a sweet connection between the two and it was definitely heartwarming to see that Riley could open up to someone even if her uncle wasn't to happy about it at the beginning.
The chemistry between Lauren and Noah was smoking hot but the true heart of the story was Riley and how they made a life for her after everything had been taken away.
While this book is the fourth book in the Love in the Heartland Series this book, as well as the others, can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book but please be warned you will need a box of tissues. Happy Reading!!!
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
Noah's life is changed when his sister and brother-in-law are killed and he is given custody of his young niece, Riley. Riley was the only witness to her parents murder and it took it's toll on her, it changed the vibrant young eight year old to someone no one recognized any longer, she didn't talk to anyone and she didn't want to interact with anyone. It was so, so sad. But then she met her new school teacher in the new town that she and her Uncle Noah moved to and things changed.
Lauren's heart broke when she heard about Riley's story and that was before she met her new student. There was a sweet connection between the two and it was definitely heartwarming to see that Riley could open up to someone even if her uncle wasn't to happy about it at the beginning.
The chemistry between Lauren and Noah was smoking hot but the true heart of the story was Riley and how they made a life for her after everything had been taken away.
While this book is the fourth book in the Love in the Heartland Series this book, as well as the others, can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book but please be warned you will need a box of tissues. Happy Reading!!!
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
April 10, 2019
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Stacey Lynn for this opportunity! I have read a few Stacey Lynn books, and I really enjoy her writing style and books. This story followed Lauren and Noah who we so absolutely adorable! Lauren was the sweet, teacher who had the biggest heart and deserved to be happy. Noah is the “jerk” who thought he was living the life, until he had to take custody of his eigh year old niece Rylie. I really felt for Rylie, she was the cutest little girl, who like anyone doesn’t deserve to go through what she went through. I loved watching the characters transform throughout this book, especially Rylie and Noah. I really enjoyed this story because it had a lot more to it then just a love story between a couple, it was also about family and “heartbreak”, it makes stories like this feel more relatable and realistic.
April 9, 2019
Rating: 2.5, rounded up because I generally like the author
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The pain and suffering that Noah, Riley, and even Lauren feel literally brought tears to my eyes. Even though I'd guessed the "curveball" very early on, and how it pertained to Riley's silence, I thought the writing was well done and the story compelling. Riley was well written, which I find a lot of authors have difficulty handling with young characters. Though sometimes she did come across as younger than her supposed eight years of age.
What I did not enjoy was the ending. I'm sorry but
I get that books generally need a HEA, and that Lynn was running out of time/words/whatever. But in that case some of the build-up could have been cut to balance things out. (Like, maybe the whole thing with the cop was unnecessary.) I'm not saying he had to make some grand romantic gesture (those are often OTT ridiculous, IMO), but he should have made more of an effort to win her back other than a few paragraphs of pleading. If someone hurts me that badly I'm not going to be all "oh, whatevs, I love you so much" and forgive that easily.
This is particularly irksome because
This is lazy writing and I wish romance authors would stop. It just continues to feed into rape culture and grooming women to be in abusive relationships. (Oh, baby, I'm sorry I hit you. But I love you so much, you have to forgive me.)
I'm going to stop this review here because if I continue I'm liable to talk myself into dropping the rating down to 2 stars.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The pain and suffering that Noah, Riley, and even Lauren feel literally brought tears to my eyes. Even though I'd guessed the "curveball" very early on, and how it pertained to Riley's silence, I thought the writing was well done and the story compelling. Riley was well written, which I find a lot of authors have difficulty handling with young characters. Though sometimes she did come across as younger than her supposed eight years of age.
What I did not enjoy was the ending. I'm sorry but
I get that books generally need a HEA, and that Lynn was running out of time/words/whatever. But in that case some of the build-up could have been cut to balance things out. (Like, maybe the whole thing with the cop was unnecessary.) I'm not saying he had to make some grand romantic gesture (those are often OTT ridiculous, IMO), but he should have made more of an effort to win her back other than a few paragraphs of pleading. If someone hurts me that badly I'm not going to be all "oh, whatevs, I love you so much" and forgive that easily.
This is particularly irksome because
This is lazy writing and I wish romance authors would stop. It just continues to feed into rape culture and grooming women to be in abusive relationships. (Oh, baby, I'm sorry I hit you. But I love you so much, you have to forgive me.)
I'm going to stop this review here because if I continue I'm liable to talk myself into dropping the rating down to 2 stars.
April 9, 2019
Before We Fell by Stacey Lynn is book 4 in the Love In The Heartland Series. This is the story of Noah Wilkes and Lauren Frazier. I have read the previous book (and loved it!) but feel you can make this a standalone book. Noah was a hot shot lawyer in the city but after the death of his sister and brother-in-law he has inherited his nice, Riley. Noah has choose to leave it all behind and head back to his hometown of Carlton to be near his parents in addition to raising his daughter. So besides the important change of now being a father he is having to adjust to a small town. Then he meets Lauren who is the grade school teacher and not to mention his neighbor. Of course Noah had doubts of his ability to be what Riley needed but Lauren help when doubts were near. This was a sweet hot romance read...really enjoyed it.
February 7, 2020
When big-time defense attorney, Noah, is given custody of his young niece after her parents are killed in front of her, both their lives are irrevocably changed. Thanks to a therapist's advice, he moves Riley and himself back to the small hometown he had left years before, so that his parents can help out with Riley's care. But, coming back home hasn't seemed to help Riley any. If anything, she's even more withdrawn, even more sullen, and no one can seem to reach her. Until a very special teacher makes it her mission to help the little girl who has such pain and anguish in her eyes.
Lauren is indeed, a special teacher, a special person. I love how much she bonds with Riley, and how she's the first person who brings Riley out of her shell. Really, she is the best part of Before We Fell. Well, she and Riley. Noah, on the other hand, I could not stand, and is the reason for the 3.5 stars. He was, honestly, a complete asshole. The way he treated Lauren in the beginning, and after they fell apart, was horrible, and Lauren (and Riley) deserved so much better. If Lauren had been paired with a better man, someone worthy of her love, then this would have been a 5-star read because it's beautifully emotional (I cried more than a few tears) and the writing is superb. But, the way Noah behaves, and the pain he put Lauren and Riley through, all because he was such an ass, just made it so I couldn't give it more than 3.5 stars. I'll round up to 4 for the official rating, but Noah's such a terrible character that this probably deserves 3 stars or less. I just could not get past what a jerk he is, and then Lauren takes him back with the bare minimum of apology on his part. If I'd been her, he'd be kissing my ass, giving me a million orgasms, and then I'd walk away from his ass, because he really didn't deserve her to take him back after he ghosted her.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Full review posted here ---> Live Through Books Blog.
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April 9, 2019
OMFG WHAT A DAMN HEARTBREAKING YET UTTERLY BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN STORY.....
Take a bow Stacey Lynn. You so deserve it. This book was so so Beautiful...
Before We Fall will instantly, from the moment you start the Prologue, it will have your undiveded attention. Also it will definitely give you the feel of a certain movie but its absolutely nothing like it.
Noah, Lauren's and Riley's story is nothing like the movie that comes to mind. Its so much more. It's damn Heartbreaking, it sad, you will definitely be trying to hold back a Sob a Time or two.
Noah is Riley's Uncle. Circumstances calls for him to be her legal guardian. This no Nonsense, rich attorney has to give everything that goes with Rich Bacholar life up for his Niece. Which he does in a heart beat.
Lauren is Riley Teacher, she also is Noah's new next door Neighbour. Everyone knows them in town so they know the family history.
Yet Noah's first impression to Lauren is anything but amazing.
He is a Giant Jerk to Lauren but she wastes no time in putting him in his place. It doesn't rake to long for him to start seeing that She is the best thing tp happen to him and Riley.
Watching them all come in with huge baggage and then heal slowly with each others love and support. Watching them all fall on love was just down writen awesome.
These two have it hard, faith really tries to mess with them as well... But the Gods finally know they have been through enough.
Watching them all get their HEA after all the hurt makes you have the biggest smile on facr when you reach the end of a perfect Epilogue....
Take a bow Stacey Lynn. You so deserve it. This book was so so Beautiful...
Before We Fall will instantly, from the moment you start the Prologue, it will have your undiveded attention. Also it will definitely give you the feel of a certain movie but its absolutely nothing like it.
Noah, Lauren's and Riley's story is nothing like the movie that comes to mind. Its so much more. It's damn Heartbreaking, it sad, you will definitely be trying to hold back a Sob a Time or two.
Noah is Riley's Uncle. Circumstances calls for him to be her legal guardian. This no Nonsense, rich attorney has to give everything that goes with Rich Bacholar life up for his Niece. Which he does in a heart beat.
Lauren is Riley Teacher, she also is Noah's new next door Neighbour. Everyone knows them in town so they know the family history.
Yet Noah's first impression to Lauren is anything but amazing.
He is a Giant Jerk to Lauren but she wastes no time in putting him in his place. It doesn't rake to long for him to start seeing that She is the best thing tp happen to him and Riley.
Watching them all come in with huge baggage and then heal slowly with each others love and support. Watching them all fall on love was just down writen awesome.
These two have it hard, faith really tries to mess with them as well... But the Gods finally know they have been through enough.
Watching them all get their HEA after all the hurt makes you have the biggest smile on facr when you reach the end of a perfect Epilogue....
March 26, 2019
This was one heart breaking book. My poor babygirl Riley. The pain and fear expressed in this little girl broke my heart. Lauren the saving grace brought a shine and spark to the dim and gllom of both her and Noah. The progression was steady but uplifting. I was torn and hoping from beginning to end. Stacey gutted me, broke me, but somehow found a way to but me back together.
This was a wonderful read.
This was a wonderful read.
dnf
September 3, 2020dnf 49%
April 7, 2019
Sexy, emotional and heartfelt. Before We Fell sticks with you long after finishing it. Full rec on Frolic to follow soon.
March 26, 2019
In the blink of an eye Noah Wilkes's entire life came crashing down around him, he went from being a big city lawyer to an instant parent of his niece. He had no idea where to even begin, court room dilemmas he can handle, but daily routines and caring for a child was completely overwhelming. So he left his job and the big city behind, and moved a little closer to home and his parents, hoping his mother could help steer him in the right direction. But he never expected it to steer him a little closer to love... and to a woman that would change his life for the better.
Before We Fell is a heartbreakingly beautiful tale of new beginnings, healing, and unconditional love. Within the pages of this perfectly penned novel you will meet a handsome lawyer turned new father, his lovable niece, and the woman who wanders into their lives and pieces their dim and broken world back together. As I read this story my heart broke for this family, especially Riley, that poor little girl lost so much. But little by little I saw her go from being closed off, to a happy, well adjusted, vibrant little girl, and boy did that do my heart good, and bring a few happy tears too. There was so much to love about this one, the angst filled story line brought feels, there were moments of pure joy that made me smile, and of course steamy times to curl the toes. I just cannot say enough good things about this one, definitely one of Ms. Lynn's best to date!! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Before We Fell is a heartbreakingly beautiful tale of new beginnings, healing, and unconditional love. Within the pages of this perfectly penned novel you will meet a handsome lawyer turned new father, his lovable niece, and the woman who wanders into their lives and pieces their dim and broken world back together. As I read this story my heart broke for this family, especially Riley, that poor little girl lost so much. But little by little I saw her go from being closed off, to a happy, well adjusted, vibrant little girl, and boy did that do my heart good, and bring a few happy tears too. There was so much to love about this one, the angst filled story line brought feels, there were moments of pure joy that made me smile, and of course steamy times to curl the toes. I just cannot say enough good things about this one, definitely one of Ms. Lynn's best to date!! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
April 11, 2019
5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Lauren and Noah’s story. Lauren meets Noah when he moves back to town in order to take care if his niece. She is his niece’s teacher. She gets her to smile ad open up a little when Noah could not. He is not happy about it but will do anything for his niece. But the more he is around Lauren the more he is drawn to her. She is also doing great things for his family. With his family going though so much it is nice that she is so helpful. The more they spend time together the closer they all become. The fall for each other but is love enough to overcome the truth? When the past comes back will they be able to face it together or will it rip them all apart?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. This book is packed full of emotions so be sure you have the time for a full read wit some tissues handy.
I highly recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Lauren and Noah’s story. Lauren meets Noah when he moves back to town in order to take care if his niece. She is his niece’s teacher. She gets her to smile ad open up a little when Noah could not. He is not happy about it but will do anything for his niece. But the more he is around Lauren the more he is drawn to her. She is also doing great things for his family. With his family going though so much it is nice that she is so helpful. The more they spend time together the closer they all become. The fall for each other but is love enough to overcome the truth? When the past comes back will they be able to face it together or will it rip them all apart?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. This book is packed full of emotions so be sure you have the time for a full read wit some tissues handy.
I highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author***
Noah and Lauren's story is hard, I think, to review without spoilers.So, this is going to be a short review.
It's heartbreaking, it's emotional, it has some tender moments, some steamy ones, and some that make you feel not only for the characters but for the pain they are causing for themselves by their choices...however, you also understand the reasons for those choices, the reasons that they aren't able to just say "ok" and to walk away, or to ignore what they have just learned.
I am going to say, again as I think there are a lot of spoilers possible, that I enjoyed the journey of this book, that I loved where it ended up, and that it was a pleasure to read.
I recommend this title.
Noah and Lauren's story is hard, I think, to review without spoilers.So, this is going to be a short review.
It's heartbreaking, it's emotional, it has some tender moments, some steamy ones, and some that make you feel not only for the characters but for the pain they are causing for themselves by their choices...however, you also understand the reasons for those choices, the reasons that they aren't able to just say "ok" and to walk away, or to ignore what they have just learned.
I am going to say, again as I think there are a lot of spoilers possible, that I enjoyed the journey of this book, that I loved where it ended up, and that it was a pleasure to read.
I recommend this title.
April 1, 2019
Before We Fell made me cry. Yup, that's right...me, "The Darkness" as my bestie has tagged me because I have no emotions, no soul, a dark heart (you get the picture).
While it wasn't an ugly cry, I did cry none the less. For exactly 6 minutes, 37 seconds (yes I timed it). Once you all read this, you'll know which scene I'm referring to too.
Lauren Frazier is a school teacher and she LOVES her job. The new school year brought a child into her life that just threw her whole world into a tailspin. Riley. Achingly sweet, broken hearted and completely devastated over the tragic loss of her parents, now under the care of her uncle.
Noah Wilkes is a hot shot defense lawyer, a big deal in a big city. Needless to say, when his sister and her husband are brutally murdered and he's granted sole custody of their surviving daughter he has no clue what to do. But, he tries his best to pick up the pieces for Riley.
Throw in the fact that they're neighbors too; it's completely inevitable that the fireworks will start. Their love story is beautiful and fast and exactly what they all need to move on. That is until an unexpected wrench is thrown into the mix. Will they be able to make it through?
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!! Riley tore my heart out! That poor baby, but it was really Lauren that made me cry. The wench. <3
While it wasn't an ugly cry, I did cry none the less. For exactly 6 minutes, 37 seconds (yes I timed it). Once you all read this, you'll know which scene I'm referring to too.
Lauren Frazier is a school teacher and she LOVES her job. The new school year brought a child into her life that just threw her whole world into a tailspin. Riley. Achingly sweet, broken hearted and completely devastated over the tragic loss of her parents, now under the care of her uncle.
Noah Wilkes is a hot shot defense lawyer, a big deal in a big city. Needless to say, when his sister and her husband are brutally murdered and he's granted sole custody of their surviving daughter he has no clue what to do. But, he tries his best to pick up the pieces for Riley.
Throw in the fact that they're neighbors too; it's completely inevitable that the fireworks will start. Their love story is beautiful and fast and exactly what they all need to move on. That is until an unexpected wrench is thrown into the mix. Will they be able to make it through?
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!! Riley tore my heart out! That poor baby, but it was really Lauren that made me cry. The wench. <3
April 4, 2019
I'm so happy to receive another ARC from Ms. Stacey Lynn. She's one of my go-to authors when I want to read a feel-good romance.
This is the story of a hot-shot lawyer named Noah Wilkes whose life was upended by a devastating tragedy. He up and left his big city job and his fancy lifestyle to go back to his hometown of Carlton to raise his niece Riley... and here comes sassy but sweet grade school teacher in the form of Lauren Frazier, who also happens to be his backyard neighbor as well.
Lauren did more than her part as Riley's teacher. She really genuinely cared.
Noah did the best he could. It's never easy to go through physically losing a loved-one. I get that there is some kind of level of PTSD when you lose someone so dear to you... I can't blame him for acting the way he did. But at the same we can't also choose our relatives, and I'm speaking from experience.
I love the story! It's something that will definitely pull on your heartstrings... it's tragic and emotional because it involves a child who went through a massive upheaval in her young life. It's just an overall sweet story with just the right amount of angst.
If you've read standalones from Rachel Van Dyken, Tijan Meyer and Corinne Michaels, then this is the book to pick up next.
This is the story of a hot-shot lawyer named Noah Wilkes whose life was upended by a devastating tragedy. He up and left his big city job and his fancy lifestyle to go back to his hometown of Carlton to raise his niece Riley... and here comes sassy but sweet grade school teacher in the form of Lauren Frazier, who also happens to be his backyard neighbor as well.
Lauren did more than her part as Riley's teacher. She really genuinely cared.
Noah did the best he could. It's never easy to go through physically losing a loved-one. I get that there is some kind of level of PTSD when you lose someone so dear to you... I can't blame him for acting the way he did. But at the same we can't also choose our relatives, and I'm speaking from experience.
I love the story! It's something that will definitely pull on your heartstrings... it's tragic and emotional because it involves a child who went through a massive upheaval in her young life. It's just an overall sweet story with just the right amount of angst.
If you've read standalones from Rachel Van Dyken, Tijan Meyer and Corinne Michaels, then this is the book to pick up next.
April 8, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Stacey Lynn. Noah makes a sympathetic hero straight from the start. Lauren is a strong heroine who has put her past in the rearview mirror. When they first meet, they can't stand each other, but the universe throws them together. I love how they interact with each other, and you can just tell that they are made for each other. Their personalities balance each other out, and you are rooting for them almost from the start. This was a very enjoyable read.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
March 28, 2019
What an ugly cry I had while reading this book. Lauren is kind of a lost soul while trying to make her way in a small town. Noah is/was a hardcore attorney who just became and instant dad. Noah is now raising his sisters child Riley. Riley attends school and Lauren is her teacher. Noah is having a hard time and so is Riley with things that have happened in her past. Lauren isn't sure if she wants to break the rules and date a parent but technically he isn't a parent. These two go back forth at each other and you know there is going to be chemistry so just date already! If you haven't read the rest of the series you will not be lost at all. Grab some tissues and block out some time because you will want to read it in one sitting. Stacey Lynn thank you for a gut wrenching book. I stayed up way past my bedtime but I had to know how it ended.
April 14, 2019
4.5 🌟
Loved it
Loved it
April 10, 2019
#4.5 Stars!
If you love to read emotional and heart-wrenching romance then look no further than Before We Fell, a Standalone, and the fourth book in the Love in the Heartland series. This is a-box-of-Kleenex-by-your-side read, so be prepared to cry a little (or if you’re like me, a lot) over this poignant love story. There’s a big jaw dropping surprise in the plotline and it had me shaking with anger and helplessness when it was revealed, devastated over the aftermath left in its wake. But it was all worth it, when it was all said and done, and I happy-sighed over the beautiful ending!
At thirty-five, Noah Wilkes enjoyed his commitment free single life; he had a few friends-with-benefits arrangements, that didn’t include sleeping over, and thought maybe someday he’d settle down. As a big shot defense attorney in St. Louis, Noah worked crazy hours and lived very comfortably in a high-rise condo he bought. All that changed after a tragic and senseless murder, and Noah was named the legal guardian of his beloved eight-year old niece, Riley.
Riley had witnessed something so traumatic that it caused her to become withdrawn and she barely spoke to anyone, becoming a ghost of the inquisitive, rambunctious, and carefree child she’d once been. And now, six months later, Noah had moved to Carlton to be closer to his parents, hoping they could help him raise her, and he bought a house he was currently remodeling. He was making a huge effort, for Riley’s sake.
“People had never been my strong suit. Facts were. Puzzles were. Solving problems and needing square pegs to go into square holes and round pegs into round ones was where I excelled. People? Especially kids? That was a whole school I never attended.”
Lauren Frazier loved her life. She had moved to Carlton, a small and friendly town, a few years ago, and as a third-grade teacher, she was doing what she’d always dreamed of. She had bought a house, one she kept immaculately clean with everything in its place; she knew she was obsessed with cleanliness and order, maybe too much. Having grown up in a chaotic household, she had finally found the structure she’d always longed for. Her parents weren’t abusive towards her; they just ignored her, all their attention was focused on her brother, enabling his bad and dangerous habits, and he’d been in trouble with the law more than once. Now twenty-six, the only thing missing from her life was a husband and children of her own, to complete her dream.
Assigned the new student, Lauren schedules a meeting with Noah to discuss Riley’s problems at school and they do not hit it off. He doesn’t appreciate Lauren’s observations regarding Riley’s behavior and tells her to mind her own business. And they clash further when Lauren realizes the noisy neighbor, repairing the house next door, is none other than Noah. But they decide to put their differences aside and be friendly neighbors, joining forces, for Riley’s sake; one more person on her team couldn’t hurt. When they grow closer and become romantically involved, something horrible happens that threatens to destroy the happiness they finally found.
“He and I were different, as much as I told myself we worked. He saw the worst of people, I hope for the best. And there was another difference between us, something that would cause us to never bridge that ravine. I had a conscience. And Noah? Noah Wilkes couldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt.”
If you love to read emotional and heart-wrenching romance then look no further than Before We Fell, a Standalone, and the fourth book in the Love in the Heartland series. This is a-box-of-Kleenex-by-your-side read, so be prepared to cry a little (or if you’re like me, a lot) over this poignant love story. There’s a big jaw dropping surprise in the plotline and it had me shaking with anger and helplessness when it was revealed, devastated over the aftermath left in its wake. But it was all worth it, when it was all said and done, and I happy-sighed over the beautiful ending!
At thirty-five, Noah Wilkes enjoyed his commitment free single life; he had a few friends-with-benefits arrangements, that didn’t include sleeping over, and thought maybe someday he’d settle down. As a big shot defense attorney in St. Louis, Noah worked crazy hours and lived very comfortably in a high-rise condo he bought. All that changed after a tragic and senseless murder, and Noah was named the legal guardian of his beloved eight-year old niece, Riley.
Riley had witnessed something so traumatic that it caused her to become withdrawn and she barely spoke to anyone, becoming a ghost of the inquisitive, rambunctious, and carefree child she’d once been. And now, six months later, Noah had moved to Carlton to be closer to his parents, hoping they could help him raise her, and he bought a house he was currently remodeling. He was making a huge effort, for Riley’s sake.
“People had never been my strong suit. Facts were. Puzzles were. Solving problems and needing square pegs to go into square holes and round pegs into round ones was where I excelled. People? Especially kids? That was a whole school I never attended.”
Lauren Frazier loved her life. She had moved to Carlton, a small and friendly town, a few years ago, and as a third-grade teacher, she was doing what she’d always dreamed of. She had bought a house, one she kept immaculately clean with everything in its place; she knew she was obsessed with cleanliness and order, maybe too much. Having grown up in a chaotic household, she had finally found the structure she’d always longed for. Her parents weren’t abusive towards her; they just ignored her, all their attention was focused on her brother, enabling his bad and dangerous habits, and he’d been in trouble with the law more than once. Now twenty-six, the only thing missing from her life was a husband and children of her own, to complete her dream.
Assigned the new student, Lauren schedules a meeting with Noah to discuss Riley’s problems at school and they do not hit it off. He doesn’t appreciate Lauren’s observations regarding Riley’s behavior and tells her to mind her own business. And they clash further when Lauren realizes the noisy neighbor, repairing the house next door, is none other than Noah. But they decide to put their differences aside and be friendly neighbors, joining forces, for Riley’s sake; one more person on her team couldn’t hurt. When they grow closer and become romantically involved, something horrible happens that threatens to destroy the happiness they finally found.
“He and I were different, as much as I told myself we worked. He saw the worst of people, I hope for the best. And there was another difference between us, something that would cause us to never bridge that ravine. I had a conscience. And Noah? Noah Wilkes couldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt.”
April 7, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
It didn’t matter that he was sexy. It didn’t matter that when I sat in his living room and spent hours talking to him, I’d felt completely pulled to him.
He was completely off-limits. And I had to remember that.
The first time Noah Wilkes walked into Lauren Frazier’s classroom she was taken with the handsome hot-shot, big city lawyer but his anger and his rudeness overshadowed any of his good qualities. It wasn’t until she witnessed his more vulnerable side when it came to his interactions with his niece Riley, who he had moved back to his small town to care for. Little by little, Lauren chipped away at Noah’s tough exterior and helped not only him, but Riley too. As they grow close and Lauren can finally see the future she’s always dreamed of, a shocking revelation threatens to tear them apart for good. In light of this devastating discovery, can they find their way back to the happiness they once shared or had their fate been sealed long before they’d ever even met?
I knew there was something special about Lauren. Something different, something that made a man re-think his life and his past, and vow to be different.
Stacey Lynn has a knack for delivering stories that’ll pull at your heartstrings and Before We Fell is no exception. From the tragic events that kick off the book to the heartbreaking twist, later on, it’ll give you all the feels. Noah was such a jerk when we first meet him but it didn’t take long to see the good man he kept hidden. Seeing him interact with his niece and his desire to do right by her was really sweet. I enjoyed seeing Lauren stand up to Noah and eventually work her way into his heart. They were very sweet together and I loved the little family they made with Riley. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though and even though I had figured out the twist well before it was revealed, I still read with bated breath as I anticipated the moment the other shoe would drop. And knowing what was going to happen did nothing to diminish the painful fallout. I will say, I understood Noah’s reaction to this turn of events, at least initially, but I was a little disappointed in him as more time passed. I enjoyed how everything ultimately turned out but I would have loved more of a grovel from Noah! Lauren definitely deserved that. In any event, this was still an enjoyable read that hits right in the feels!
Noah was a force all on his own, magnetic, drawing me to him in confusing ways from the moment he stomped down the hallway of my school.
It didn’t matter that he was sexy. It didn’t matter that when I sat in his living room and spent hours talking to him, I’d felt completely pulled to him.
He was completely off-limits. And I had to remember that.
The first time Noah Wilkes walked into Lauren Frazier’s classroom she was taken with the handsome hot-shot, big city lawyer but his anger and his rudeness overshadowed any of his good qualities. It wasn’t until she witnessed his more vulnerable side when it came to his interactions with his niece Riley, who he had moved back to his small town to care for. Little by little, Lauren chipped away at Noah’s tough exterior and helped not only him, but Riley too. As they grow close and Lauren can finally see the future she’s always dreamed of, a shocking revelation threatens to tear them apart for good. In light of this devastating discovery, can they find their way back to the happiness they once shared or had their fate been sealed long before they’d ever even met?
I knew there was something special about Lauren. Something different, something that made a man re-think his life and his past, and vow to be different.
Stacey Lynn has a knack for delivering stories that’ll pull at your heartstrings and Before We Fell is no exception. From the tragic events that kick off the book to the heartbreaking twist, later on, it’ll give you all the feels. Noah was such a jerk when we first meet him but it didn’t take long to see the good man he kept hidden. Seeing him interact with his niece and his desire to do right by her was really sweet. I enjoyed seeing Lauren stand up to Noah and eventually work her way into his heart. They were very sweet together and I loved the little family they made with Riley. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though and even though I had figured out the twist well before it was revealed, I still read with bated breath as I anticipated the moment the other shoe would drop. And knowing what was going to happen did nothing to diminish the painful fallout. I will say, I understood Noah’s reaction to this turn of events, at least initially, but I was a little disappointed in him as more time passed. I enjoyed how everything ultimately turned out but I would have loved more of a grovel from Noah! Lauren definitely deserved that. In any event, this was still an enjoyable read that hits right in the feels!
Noah was a force all on his own, magnetic, drawing me to him in confusing ways from the moment he stomped down the hallway of my school.
April 10, 2019
💕ARC KINDLY PROVIDED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW 💕
My honest review & opinion
* This review will be short and sweet because k don’t want to spoil the story for the ones who have not read it yet.
💕Blurb:💕
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The horror that rocked my small town last winter also brought Noah Wilkes into my life. The first almost broke all of us, but the second changed everything.
He stomped into my classroom all angry scowls and rudeness, the big-shot lawyer who was always too good for this small town. But the moment his smile softened toward his niece, it was me that melted.
The heartbreak that brought him back also brought me closer to him, to the man he hides from the world behind his swagger and aggression. The man I couldn’t help but fall for.
But life has a way of throwing a curveball when you least expect it, and this one could cost me everything--even him.
Turned out, our fates were written in the sky before we ever met—
Before we fell.
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Before We Fell by Stacey Lynn is a very emotional and heartbreaking story! You will find yourself tearing up quite a bit. It has all the feels! I found myself rooting for the couple. I wanted them to find their happiness after so much pain and heartache.
This is a story of love, loyalty and how people can find happiness after so much pain and devastation.
I promise you will love this story and its characters! It will consume you until the last word.
* Riley: poor baby! My heart broke for her. What she witnessed at such a young age!
* Lauren: She was sweet, kind, caring and brave💗
* Noah: Ex manwhore. Caring, jealous and possessive.
💕Chemistry: Smoking hot! Their scenes together? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Lord....
I loved this book so damm much. It made me laugh and cry at the same time! It’s about three people who are trying to find their way back to happiness and build a future together.
H:💕💕💕💕
h:💕💕💕💕💕
Chemistry:💕💕💕💕
Plot:💕💕💕💕
Overall Rating:
4 heartbreaking and beautiful ⭐️ 💕
My honest review & opinion
* This review will be short and sweet because k don’t want to spoil the story for the ones who have not read it yet.
💕Blurb:💕
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The horror that rocked my small town last winter also brought Noah Wilkes into my life. The first almost broke all of us, but the second changed everything.
He stomped into my classroom all angry scowls and rudeness, the big-shot lawyer who was always too good for this small town. But the moment his smile softened toward his niece, it was me that melted.
The heartbreak that brought him back also brought me closer to him, to the man he hides from the world behind his swagger and aggression. The man I couldn’t help but fall for.
But life has a way of throwing a curveball when you least expect it, and this one could cost me everything--even him.
Turned out, our fates were written in the sky before we ever met—
Before we fell.
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Before We Fell by Stacey Lynn is a very emotional and heartbreaking story! You will find yourself tearing up quite a bit. It has all the feels! I found myself rooting for the couple. I wanted them to find their happiness after so much pain and heartache.
This is a story of love, loyalty and how people can find happiness after so much pain and devastation.
I promise you will love this story and its characters! It will consume you until the last word.
* Riley: poor baby! My heart broke for her. What she witnessed at such a young age!
* Lauren: She was sweet, kind, caring and brave💗
* Noah: Ex manwhore. Caring, jealous and possessive.
💕Chemistry: Smoking hot! Their scenes together? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Lord....
I loved this book so damm much. It made me laugh and cry at the same time! It’s about three people who are trying to find their way back to happiness and build a future together.
H:💕💕💕💕
h:💕💕💕💕💕
Chemistry:💕💕💕💕
Plot:💕💕💕💕
Overall Rating:
4 heartbreaking and beautiful ⭐️ 💕
April 11, 2019
Title: Before We Fell
Author: Stacey Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
After the tragic death of his sister and brother-in-law, hot shot, city lawyer Noah finds himself becoming the legal guardian of Riley his eight year old niece. Being thrust into the role of fatherhood Noah decides to move back to his hometown of Carlton to be nearer his parents whilst he adapts to raising Riley. Grade school teacher Lauren notices her new student Riley is struggling, obviously she’s aware of what the youngster has been through and she wants to help her settle in any way she can, she repeatedly try’s to get hold of Noah without success and when she eventually does he’s a complete jerk towards her and to make things even more awkward between them she discovers they’re neighbours.
Noah may be a jerk but he’s a sexy one, the chemistry between Lauren and him is off the charts however the pair try and fight their feelings towards one another but when Lauren sees Noah struggling and doubting his abilities as a parent she steps in and helps him see his self worth, this is when the pair finally give into their feelings towards each other, they may have started off agreeing to a friends with benefits type of relationship but that sneaky little thing called love changes things. Just as the pairs relationship starts progressing in new directions recent past events come back to haunt Riley and them in the most tragic of circumstances. Will the pairs recent declarations of love come to mean anything, can they fight their way through the situation, moving on to a better, brighter future together, with Riley as a family? Read Before We Fell and find out.
Stacey Lynn has delivered us another five star read in this brilliant series, in was sweet and hot making it the ideal romance read to get lost in for a few hours.
The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
Author: Stacey Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
After the tragic death of his sister and brother-in-law, hot shot, city lawyer Noah finds himself becoming the legal guardian of Riley his eight year old niece. Being thrust into the role of fatherhood Noah decides to move back to his hometown of Carlton to be nearer his parents whilst he adapts to raising Riley. Grade school teacher Lauren notices her new student Riley is struggling, obviously she’s aware of what the youngster has been through and she wants to help her settle in any way she can, she repeatedly try’s to get hold of Noah without success and when she eventually does he’s a complete jerk towards her and to make things even more awkward between them she discovers they’re neighbours.
Noah may be a jerk but he’s a sexy one, the chemistry between Lauren and him is off the charts however the pair try and fight their feelings towards one another but when Lauren sees Noah struggling and doubting his abilities as a parent she steps in and helps him see his self worth, this is when the pair finally give into their feelings towards each other, they may have started off agreeing to a friends with benefits type of relationship but that sneaky little thing called love changes things. Just as the pairs relationship starts progressing in new directions recent past events come back to haunt Riley and them in the most tragic of circumstances. Will the pairs recent declarations of love come to mean anything, can they fight their way through the situation, moving on to a better, brighter future together, with Riley as a family? Read Before We Fell and find out.
Stacey Lynn has delivered us another five star read in this brilliant series, in was sweet and hot making it the ideal romance read to get lost in for a few hours.
The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
April 9, 2019
Noah's world shatters in one night. Going from a highly successful, sexy single lawyer with no worries in the world, to caregiver and lonely the next. After the murder of his sister and her husband, Noah gains the guardianship of his sweet dear niece, Riley. A niece who is distraught having born witness to the murder of her parents.
Noah decides to give up his life and move back home to the small town he grew up in, so that he could provide a stable life for Riley and be close to his parents. But Riley is withdrawn and doesn’t speak. That is till a ray of sunshine comes into her life.
Lauren is a teacher and has only lived in Carlton for two years. After graduating from college she decide she loved Carlton and wanted to stay. When the new school year starts the tragedy that rocked the small town last winter, ends up in her classroom. Riley is withdrawn and won’t speak. Lauren is determined to bring her out of her shell, but with no help of the uncle in charge of her care.
As time goes on Lauren begins to bring Riley out of her shell and Noah begins to soften to her, but when things seem to be going the right way, an obstacle unlike any other tears them apart. Will this couple survive the most terrible secret that could be?
This book is emotional and a sweet love story. I fell in love with the characters from the very first page. Noah is a strong and amazing man. Lauren has the patience of a saint and has not had the love and support of anyone her whole life. Riley is adorable and you just can’t help but fall in love with her.
Overall this love story is one of tragedy and strength. It is an inspiring and amazing journey. How can a love so beautiful be so wrong when it all falls apart?
Even though this book is part of a series , it can be read as a standalone. A page turner of emotion so strong that it will touch your soul. So break out the tissue and wine and settle down for this amazing tale of love and strength.
Noah decides to give up his life and move back home to the small town he grew up in, so that he could provide a stable life for Riley and be close to his parents. But Riley is withdrawn and doesn’t speak. That is till a ray of sunshine comes into her life.
Lauren is a teacher and has only lived in Carlton for two years. After graduating from college she decide she loved Carlton and wanted to stay. When the new school year starts the tragedy that rocked the small town last winter, ends up in her classroom. Riley is withdrawn and won’t speak. Lauren is determined to bring her out of her shell, but with no help of the uncle in charge of her care.
As time goes on Lauren begins to bring Riley out of her shell and Noah begins to soften to her, but when things seem to be going the right way, an obstacle unlike any other tears them apart. Will this couple survive the most terrible secret that could be?
This book is emotional and a sweet love story. I fell in love with the characters from the very first page. Noah is a strong and amazing man. Lauren has the patience of a saint and has not had the love and support of anyone her whole life. Riley is adorable and you just can’t help but fall in love with her.
Overall this love story is one of tragedy and strength. It is an inspiring and amazing journey. How can a love so beautiful be so wrong when it all falls apart?
Even though this book is part of a series , it can be read as a standalone. A page turner of emotion so strong that it will touch your soul. So break out the tissue and wine and settle down for this amazing tale of love and strength.
April 10, 2019
HOLY HELL THIS STORY WAS SO AMAZING! Noah Wilkes was a hot shot attorney in the big city until tragedy struck his family, and when he's given custody of his young niece, Riley, he decides to move back home to be near his parents. See, Riley's parents were murdered in front of her, with her being the only witness, so he needed the extra help, as it scarred her badly. Lauren is Riley's teacher, and when she gets Riley in her class, Riley won't talk, or interact with anyone, so Lauren is trying to get together with Noah, who won't even bother to call her back. So you can see that Noah is already pissing me off big time with his attitude, especially since once he does meet with her, he's a total douche. I mean, I know he loves his niece, feels completely powerless, but still, he needed to chill. Lauren is a wonderful woman who is the one person getting through to the emotional Riley, and it broke my heart throughout, as Stacey Lynn really wrote this realistically, so I had to take breaks to breathe from time to time. Noah & Lauren find that they have some serious chemistry, and through time, it won't be denied anymore, so sexy times commence that lit the sheets on fire. It's all going well when BAM! A huge twist comes to knock me on my a**! So HUGE in fact, that it took me a minute to actually drop my favorite f-bomb! It led to so much angst that finally my eyes flooded & wouldn't stop, and boy Noah really pissed me off to the point that I'm not sure if I forgave him or not! Anyway, this was an amazing story that I never saw coming, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
April 19, 2019
OMFG WHAT A DAMN HEARTBREAKING YET UTTERLY BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN STORY.....
Take a bow Stacey Lynn. You so deserve it. This book was so so Beautiful...
Before We Fall will instantly, from the moment you start the Prologue, it will have your undiveded attention. Also it will definitely give you the feel of a certain movie but its absolutely nothing like it.
Noah, Lauren's and Riley's story is nothing like the movie that comes to mind. Its so much more. It's damn Heartbreaking, it sad, you will definitely be trying to hold back a Sob a Time or two.
Noah is Riley's Uncle. Circumstances calls for him to be her legal guardian. This no Nonsense, rich attorney has to give everything that goes with Rich Bacholar life up for his Niece. Which he does in a heart beat.
Lauren is Riley Teacher, she also is Noah's new next door Neighbour. Everyone knows them in town so they know the family history.
Yet Noah's first impression to Lauren is anything but amazing.
He is a Giant Jerk to Lauren but she wastes no time in putting him in his place. It doesn't rake to long for him to start seeing that She is the best thing tp happen to him and Riley.
Watching them all come in with huge baggage and then heal slowly with each others love and support. Watching them all fall on love was just down writen awesome.
These two have it hard, faith really tries to mess with them as well... But the Gods finally know they have been through enough.
Watching them all get their HEA after all the hurt makes you have the biggest smile on facr when you reach the end of a perfect Epilogue....
Take a bow Stacey Lynn. You so deserve it. This book was so so Beautiful...
Before We Fall will instantly, from the moment you start the Prologue, it will have your undiveded attention. Also it will definitely give you the feel of a certain movie but its absolutely nothing like it.
Noah, Lauren's and Riley's story is nothing like the movie that comes to mind. Its so much more. It's damn Heartbreaking, it sad, you will definitely be trying to hold back a Sob a Time or two.
Noah is Riley's Uncle. Circumstances calls for him to be her legal guardian. This no Nonsense, rich attorney has to give everything that goes with Rich Bacholar life up for his Niece. Which he does in a heart beat.
Lauren is Riley Teacher, she also is Noah's new next door Neighbour. Everyone knows them in town so they know the family history.
Yet Noah's first impression to Lauren is anything but amazing.
He is a Giant Jerk to Lauren but she wastes no time in putting him in his place. It doesn't rake to long for him to start seeing that She is the best thing tp happen to him and Riley.
Watching them all come in with huge baggage and then heal slowly with each others love and support. Watching them all fall on love was just down writen awesome.
These two have it hard, faith really tries to mess with them as well... But the Gods finally know they have been through enough.
Watching them all get their HEA after all the hurt makes you have the biggest smile on facr when you reach the end of a perfect Epilogue....
April 2, 2019
I liked this small town series, interesting characters and nice townsfolk. Noah was a hotshot lawyer until his life did a 180 and Ruley came into his care. Moving home to Carlton a small town he grew up in to give her normalcy. He gave up a lot for her and though he felt reluctance at first and not sure if he could do it. For him career was everything so he held lots if anger and confusion. Riley is closed off at first and numb after the events that shook her life. Her teacher Lauren cares a lot qnd her concern helped bridge that.
It was a bit awkward at first Noah and Lauren, helping with Riley did bring them closer. They weren't sure of starting anything due to the uncle and teacher thing but the spark was too strong. Their set up of this maybe typical with the guardian of a kid become somewhat single dad and next door neighbor teacher but along the way Noah changed from jerk and to fully embracing his new role. That included his kind neighbor who was their anchor through it all. They have so much chemistry and sparks and it made way for something new for both.
Being together has some baggage though with a troubled kid it can be tricky. Also when the truth is revealed from the night Noah and Riley's life changed will their new found relationship stand the test? It's a big hurdle and understandably emotional. I wanted a but more grovel but you know the guy can plead his case well enough. It was a cute ending and an easy read that was enjoyable.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
It was a bit awkward at first Noah and Lauren, helping with Riley did bring them closer. They weren't sure of starting anything due to the uncle and teacher thing but the spark was too strong. Their set up of this maybe typical with the guardian of a kid become somewhat single dad and next door neighbor teacher but along the way Noah changed from jerk and to fully embracing his new role. That included his kind neighbor who was their anchor through it all. They have so much chemistry and sparks and it made way for something new for both.
Being together has some baggage though with a troubled kid it can be tricky. Also when the truth is revealed from the night Noah and Riley's life changed will their new found relationship stand the test? It's a big hurdle and understandably emotional. I wanted a but more grovel but you know the guy can plead his case well enough. It was a cute ending and an easy read that was enjoyable.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
April 12, 2019
I'm always hesitant when I'm given an ARC smack in the middle or end of a series. Thankfully, this didn't have the same feel as a normative series novel. To be honest, had it not been for one line at the beginning of the novel, I would've known it was a part of a series. Each character was beautifully developed and impactful. There were even a few moments where I cried with and for the characters.
Noah Wilkes life changed in a flash. One moment he's a high profile defense attorney in St. Louis and the next he's on long term leave in his hometown. Two events occur in his life that changes him and everyone around him. He doesn't always react properly but he doe the best he can. Sometimes his best just isn't enough when it comes to the little person he calls squirt.
Lauren Frazier adores her job. Not once has she hated it even with annoying parents or even a scowling guardian who attempts to make her feel small with his glare. She's determined to get her new girl in class to talk even after the horrific events that have happened to this little girl. She needs to know that Lauren's classroom is a safe place.
Now, if Lauren can get her neighbor to stop doing construction at ungodly early mornings especially on the weekends when she can sleep in. Too bad the neighbor is scowling uncle of her new girl. Why is she so attracted to the man he continues to treat her like crap? She puts that aside to help the sweet cherub who cried over gel pens and braids.
Can their relationship survive the next major event?
Noah Wilkes life changed in a flash. One moment he's a high profile defense attorney in St. Louis and the next he's on long term leave in his hometown. Two events occur in his life that changes him and everyone around him. He doesn't always react properly but he doe the best he can. Sometimes his best just isn't enough when it comes to the little person he calls squirt.
Lauren Frazier adores her job. Not once has she hated it even with annoying parents or even a scowling guardian who attempts to make her feel small with his glare. She's determined to get her new girl in class to talk even after the horrific events that have happened to this little girl. She needs to know that Lauren's classroom is a safe place.
Now, if Lauren can get her neighbor to stop doing construction at ungodly early mornings especially on the weekends when she can sleep in. Too bad the neighbor is scowling uncle of her new girl. Why is she so attracted to the man he continues to treat her like crap? She puts that aside to help the sweet cherub who cried over gel pens and braids.
Can their relationship survive the next major event?
April 12, 2019
I laughed, I swooned and OMG, I cried. What started as a hot single Uncle story turned into quite an emotional and heartrending tale.
Noah Wilkes has been left to raise his sister and brother-in-law’s daughter , Riley, in the aftermath of their murder. Noah was the happy-go-lucky guy who lived life to the fullest and had his share of throwaway companions. After moving back home with his young niece, he struggles to find balance but when he meets Riley’s teacher it’s lust at first sight, although he fights it to begin with.
Lauren has been teaching for three years and is happy with her life. It may be kinda empty right now but she has hopes of finding the right man for her.
Never in a million years would she have expected to fall for a pupil’s parent, or in this case, guardian. Noak Wilkes is all man and even though he was a bit of an a**h*le at first, he soon grows on her. Their relationship is slow growing, and a quiet, gentle kind of love, even with a burning chemistry. But, there’s a giant bump in the road just waiting to trip them up and when it does, it’s massive. It rends and tears and my heart just broke for them all, but mostly Lauren as she ended up bearing the brunt of it.
It’s not often that the heroine in a story gets to air her feelings when the hero has done her an injustice, but thankfully Lauren got her moment to tell Noah exactly where he went wrong and how. Not gonna lie, I cried with her here.
Did Noah see the error of his way? Or did her let the best thing in his life just walk away forever? Find out when you grab your copy of Before We Fell.
Noah Wilkes has been left to raise his sister and brother-in-law’s daughter , Riley, in the aftermath of their murder. Noah was the happy-go-lucky guy who lived life to the fullest and had his share of throwaway companions. After moving back home with his young niece, he struggles to find balance but when he meets Riley’s teacher it’s lust at first sight, although he fights it to begin with.
Lauren has been teaching for three years and is happy with her life. It may be kinda empty right now but she has hopes of finding the right man for her.
Never in a million years would she have expected to fall for a pupil’s parent, or in this case, guardian. Noak Wilkes is all man and even though he was a bit of an a**h*le at first, he soon grows on her. Their relationship is slow growing, and a quiet, gentle kind of love, even with a burning chemistry. But, there’s a giant bump in the road just waiting to trip them up and when it does, it’s massive. It rends and tears and my heart just broke for them all, but mostly Lauren as she ended up bearing the brunt of it.
It’s not often that the heroine in a story gets to air her feelings when the hero has done her an injustice, but thankfully Lauren got her moment to tell Noah exactly where he went wrong and how. Not gonna lie, I cried with her here.
Did Noah see the error of his way? Or did her let the best thing in his life just walk away forever? Find out when you grab your copy of Before We Fell.
April 5, 2019
Stacey Lynn knows how to make me feel. She knows which words to use in which situation to bring out the deepest emotions. Before We Fell was exactly that. The swoony feelings, the heartbreaking feelings and the loving feelings all came out perfectly. Just perfectly.
Noah was a hot shot lawyer who was living a grand life and it shatters in one night. His sister and her husband is killed by a random guy. And their daughter Riley is in Noah's custody now. He leaves everything and moves to Carlton near his parents so that Riley can have a better life. He is sad, angry, helpless and trying too hard to be a great uncle for Riley. But he is drowning as Riley is suffering from Post traumatic stress from witnessing the gory death. Enter Lauren, the happy chirpy always kind and helpful teacher and also his neighbour. She helps Riley and helps Noah until the reality come crashing.
I love the slow burn small town romance and Stacey Lynn just nailed it. Noah will make you swoon and sigh and exasperated and ache in your heart and melt your panties. And I equally love Lauren. The chemistry was intense and soul deep. And can I say I am awed by Riley? The sweet strong kid was breaking my heart all over again. The twist towards end made my jaw hit the floor. That was one masterstroke.
Before We Fell is more than a sizzling hot and dreamy love story. This is about resilience and survival. This is about finding light in the darkest despair. Noah and Lauren own my heart.
Noah was a hot shot lawyer who was living a grand life and it shatters in one night. His sister and her husband is killed by a random guy. And their daughter Riley is in Noah's custody now. He leaves everything and moves to Carlton near his parents so that Riley can have a better life. He is sad, angry, helpless and trying too hard to be a great uncle for Riley. But he is drowning as Riley is suffering from Post traumatic stress from witnessing the gory death. Enter Lauren, the happy chirpy always kind and helpful teacher and also his neighbour. She helps Riley and helps Noah until the reality come crashing.
I love the slow burn small town romance and Stacey Lynn just nailed it. Noah will make you swoon and sigh and exasperated and ache in your heart and melt your panties. And I equally love Lauren. The chemistry was intense and soul deep. And can I say I am awed by Riley? The sweet strong kid was breaking my heart all over again. The twist towards end made my jaw hit the floor. That was one masterstroke.
Before We Fell is more than a sizzling hot and dreamy love story. This is about resilience and survival. This is about finding light in the darkest despair. Noah and Lauren own my heart.
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