Falling

by Kris Bryant

Shaylie Beck just wanted to go home.

She managed to snag the last seat on a late flight from New York to Denver. No one thought anything would go wrong. Nobody expected the unimaginable to happen. When the plane crashes, Shaylie fights for her life and is one of only eleven survivors.

Piper Cole wants answers.

Why did her fiancée’s plane crash? She lost everything that night, and the investigation is taking too long. To help cope with losing the woman she loved, Piper attends a support group for survivors.

The friendship Piper and Shaylie develop helps each to heal, but as their feelings turn to love, Shaylie’s torn. She can follow her heart to the woman she loves, or she can come clean about what really happened right before the plane crashed and risk losing Piper forever.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Lesbian, Contemporary, Audiobook, Femme Femme

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big Bryant fan. She has been on such a roll lately, so many wonderful books, that she’s slowly cracked my top five list of current favorite lesfic authors. While this wasn’t my favorite book by her, I was not disappointed in the least.

This story started off with a bang, with a well written, hold your breath tragedy. I knew from that first chapter I was going to enjoy this. I like Bryant’s writing style and I was excited to go along for the ride. The rest of the book did slow down and not as much happened after the intense beginning, but I was already hooked into the story so I didn’t mind.

The romance itself went at a nice pace. It wasn’t insta love which I always appreciate. I enjoyed the characters together and though the sex scenes were well done. Since this book is in first person I felt Piper, whose POV we were not in, was not quite as well developed as Shay. That tends to happen in some first person books so it wasn’t that big of deal to me.

Besides the slight underdevelopment of Piper, my only other little complaint was I thought Bryant didn’t quite go into the trauma or possible PTSD Shay was facing enough. It was brought up, and we know she went to therapy, I just felt the book could have had some really emotionally gripping scenes. It’s only a slight complaint and I thought it could have changed this book from a 4 to 5 star read. It didn’t stop my enjoyment, I just think this book could have been pretty powerful.

Overall, I would recommend this to romance fans and of course fans of Bryant. She really is on a roll lately and it makes me excited to think of what she could be writing next.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'

**'Great dialogue has transparency.Something is being said while something else is being felt..Sentences are not different enough to hold the attention of readers unless they are dramatic..'

Kris Bryant takes readers on a meandering journey in 'FALLING' which is written with a gentle tenderness and empathy -- though perhaps it is this tenderness borne from her mission to really emphasize on the personal growth of each character after the plane crash. It felt like there was an awareness of this author's connection to the story because it was evident in the depth and intimacy that resonates within it. Some readers might notice that certain parts of a few chapters seems a bit like some carefully constructed narrative of an introspective to being traumatize then having the choice of being truthful to the person you Love because the course of true Love never runs smoothly.
Though the storyline reads with a certain rhythm and felt almost like being in the turbulence which led to the crash -- even while getting different snapshots of everything that Shaylie was enduring, it might help readers to become entrenched with the storytelling from beginning to end.
Shaylie did wrestle with that overwhelming after-effect of being depress and traumatize, even dealing with that burden of survivor's guilt and the complexities of her memories -- then eventually feeling better as the storyline progresses. She also finds herself learning how not only to be accepting of being alive but to thrive -- making lots of positive changes in her life, letting her heart be open to falling in Love and be prideful at watching her best friend (Marisa) finally find Love.
There's also a paean of independence pertaining to both the main and secondary characters, of self-reliance and then that searing quiet comfort of living honestly while being in Love as a family.

Ultimately, with a feeling of warmth,a little humor and the graphic,evocative details of the plane crash, those remote picturesque towns in Denver, those ever growing friendships (from acquaintances to relationships) and some characters's daily struggles vividly to life, I do think that 'FALLING' can be viewed as somewhat as a heartwarming,Love story that involves two very close friends (Shaylie & Marisa) finding joy,peace and that overpowering kinda Love for others (Piper & Jason)
Recommended book!

[Corporate Slave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn!!!! That was unbelievably good!! Wow it’s been a while since I got those feelings when u finish a book and think : “life is good” !
While the story is based on my worst fears ever (major plane phobia coupled with my excessive flying due to work isn’t a good combination trust me), somehow it was a happy read as well..
both main characters were incredible strong women, and supporting characters as well added a lot to the story.
Very very solid 5!! Good on u Kris Bryant, in less than a month you’ve got yourself a big fan :)

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody, frickin', amazing balls, fantastic.

Kris Bryant has outdone herself in these here pages. This is one of the most compelling stories I've read in a very long time. From the first page, my heart was in my throat.

I came to care deeply for both leads. They are three dimensional women who jumped off the pages and into my heart.

What seems to be a pre-requirement in lesfic reared its ugly head around the 80% mark. However, rather than piss me off as the troupe tends to do, it didn't bother me one iota. Why? Because unlike other books, it didn't feel forced. The emotion was raw and totally fitting considering what both have been through, separately and together.

Rather than continue to ramble, I'll end by saying go grab a copy. I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Book, via NetGalley.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise for Falling really drew me in. I don't have a fear of flying but every single time I go through a takeoff, I hold my breath. Not my favorite thing when the plane goes at breakneck speed and launches itself into the air. Totally just shuddered. This book has so many emotions running through it. The beginning is intense and gripping. There is sorrow, pain, doubt but there is also the sweetest romance. This book is by far Kris Bryant's best work. She nailed every aspect of this book and it is every bit worthy of a 5 stars review.

When we meet Shaylie Beck she is having a crappy day. A long meeting, late flight, sucky seatmates that spend hours making out but she is almost home. Almost. Shaylie takes a last minute bathroom break before the plane begins to descend. That is when all hell really breaks loose. You got it, worst nightmare moments as the plane begins to break apart and head for a crash landing in the forest of Colorado. Shaylie is one of the few survivors.

Piper Cole isn't on the plane, but her heart is. Her fiance and best friend/business partner are flying home from a business meeting in New York. She lost everything that night when the plane went down. Devastated and alone, Piper trudges on with work as yoga studio owner but she wants answers as to why the plane went down.

Piper and Shaylie meet in grief counseling and immediately strike up an easy friendship. They become a lifeline for each other. Piper is processing her sadness and pain while Shaylie is going through survivors guilt and learning how to really live. Don't think this book is the ultimate bummer because it is anything but. While you do witness all their emotions they are both amazing characters that really become endeared to your heart. I absolutely adored their friendship and rooted for the romance the whole time. The supporting characters that are in this book are also written marvelously and really make it extra special.

This is a story you don't want to pass on. A fabulous read that you will have a hard time putting down. Maybe don't read it as you board your plane though. This is an easy 5 stars!

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got dyspraxia so sometimes when I get too enthusiastic about what I’m reading or when I’m tired, my eyes go faster than the rest of me and I end up spoiling myself by reading the end of the page before the middle. So I’ve learned to hide the lines below the one I’m reading with my hand (like little kids). I don’t usually need to do it all the time, except maybe with mysteries, but I ended up reading almost this whole book with my hand hiding what was coming next. I got so invested in what Shaylie was feeling that I didn’t want to miss even one word. I even almost had to take a break when I was two thirds in, there were so many emotions.

The premise for this novel is a lot of people’s worst fear, a plane crash. Shaylie survives. Piper’s best friend doesn’t, and neither does her fiancée. When Shaylie and Piper first meet at a support group for survivors, then a second time by chance, they’re immediately drawn to each other but at first they don’t know whether they want to be friends helping each other to heal, or more. Bryant dealt with that beautifully.

Like other reviewers, I could have had a bit more on Shaylie’s PTSD but I get why the author would want to focus on the good that comes from the bad. As I wrote above, there were already so many feelings coming from that good, I didn’t feel like I was missing out. And though I knew there was a HEA coming, I nevertheless sometimes had doubt as to whether Shaylie and Piper would reach it. They had a lot of heavy stuff to deal with, and as meant as they were to be together, it could not be easy.

Definitely one of my favorite books so far this year.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Bugs · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I'll read anything from Kris Bryant, that’s for sure. So when the blurb of her latest novel, "Falling," came out, I couldn't wait to read it, obvs, not just because it’s Bryant, but the book’s subject matter! And then that aesthetically photographed cover....Let's just say that's prolly the first-ever book cover featuring a photo of a model as its focal point that caught my full attention. There's just something about it - how the model was posed, the filters used, the lighting and angle of the camera lens, the flow of the hair and the clothing material -  a natural flow of emotions and senses, in perspective. Contrast that with what the title could mean in the context of the story. I was effectively curious. The metaphor of the cover made perfect sense to me after reading the book. Acquiescence. Obviously, this is just my own interpretation. I could be way off from what Bryant intended. Or, the cover could mean nothing except being stunningly aesthetic! But hey, art is subjective and interpretative, innit? Speaking of the title, I like to play on words, see. A plane "falling" out of the sky. A survivor "falling" for the grieving fiancée of one of the crash victims. "Falling" from grace due to a secret. A premise ripe for an inside look into the journey of survival, second chance at life and second chance at love between two people, I'd say. Needless to say, I finished the book in one short sitting.

I must say, there were a couple of mentions in the blurb that I thought would play out like I assumed but didn't. Interesting, though, how we make assumptions based on how we feel when reading a blurb, innit? Interpretation - it's a thing. Anyway, I dove into the story assuming something but discovered that I had misinterpreted. My fault! No matter because I soon readjusted my mind's lens and carried on with renewed interest with what Bryant was churning out in this ride. Needless to say, this story was pure romance deriving from the worst possible scenario between two unexpected women and a predicament that either party couldn't shed. An intriguing journey to explore, nonetheless albeit in a different context. In other words, a straight-up, unadulterated romance, Bryant-style! Brilliant!

The first chapter literally jolted my senses to a point where I was hanging on to every word Bryant used as her tale-weaving took me to an intense, adrenaline-filled, thrilling ride from the moment Shaylie, the main character, stepped into the plane's lavatory to the plane falling from the sky and crashed. That was one harrowing sequence that would imprint the fear of flying into anyone's psyche, that's for sure! The aftermath of the disaster was brilliantly and affectingly described by Bryant - the smell, the feel, the pain, the screams, the endless sense of confusion and chaos all jumbled together - I could feel the heavy air of doom and gloom and..death. Riveting!

Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words

*An ARC copy of this book was given to me by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaylie Beck is a real state broker on a flight home that goes terribly wrong. When the plane crashes, she is one of the eleven passengers lucky to be alive. In the support group for survivors, she meets Piper Cole, a yoga teacher who lost both her fiancée and her best friend on that flight. As Shaylie and Piper’s connection deepens, Shaylie is faced with the decision of telling Piper what she saw before the crash and risking losing her forever…

‘Falling’ is a slow-burn romance that starts with the extremely stressful situation of a plane crash. The author herself says that she is afraid of flying and came up with the idea of writing this novel based on the premise that the best can come out of the worst circumstances. Ms. Bryant is really good at choosing one-word book titles that can catch readers’ attention and this is no exception. ‘Falling’ conveys not only the plane crash but also falling apart and falling in love. This novel deals with all of them.

This book is written in first person as it’s usual for this author, in this case, from the point of view of Shaylie. That gives the reader a prime seat to her process of falling, literally and metaphorically. However, compared to Ms. Bryant’s previous book ‘Listen’, this novel focuses more on the good aspects of Shaylie’s recovery process rather than the post-traumatic consequences of her accident. On the other hand, with this single point of view, it’s hard to understand what is going on with Piper and how she is dealing with her loss. Hence, her actions might feel a bit out of character and unpredictable.

This is mainly a romance and its feel-good aspects. As a Yoga enthusiast, I loved the description of its healing powers. The cast of secondary characters and the m/f romantic subplot also help in bringing up the good in humanity. It might feel too sweet at times but it works well with the main feel-good premise of the book.

Overall, a very good slow-burn romance about falling apart and falling in love. 4 stars.

ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com

[Joc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a friend who survived a plane crash and I was so in awe of the fact that I peppered her with questions without being mindful of the residual trauma she must have felt, even years afterwards. This novel puts into context a number of things I haven’t really thought about. Shaylie Beck is one of eleven people who survive a plane crash. At a meeting of survivors and relatives of survivors she meets Piper Cole, who lost her fiancé and reconnects with Jason, the man who assisted her. In their shared experience, a friendship between them begins to form.

I loved the concept of this story and all the possibilities it holds. Told in first person from Shaylie’s point of view, her friendship with Piper slowly develops into more for Shaylie. Besides the obvious of Piper still grieving, Shaylie also has a secret and the way she battles with herself is really well-expressed. I enjoyed the pace of this slow burn connection. Shaylie’s best friend, Marisa, and her interest in Jason add a lovely dimension to the story too.

Bryant’s style of writing is definitely one I enjoy and I was thoroughly engaged for the first three quarters of the book until a character crossed one of my invisible, undulating lines. The problem is that I don’t always know where they are and often enough it’s a surprise to me to discover that I have completely switched off a character. In this case it was both the event itself as well as the length of time it took to resolve which was not helped by the luke-warmness of the resolution. From then on I had totally lost my belief and trust in the character which doused any hopes for a lasting HEA.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romance with a unique inception.

Shaylie, a real estate professional, survives a plane crash. She ends up meeting Piper, a yoga instructor, at an airline communication conference trying to get info about root cause. Piper is a relative of a couple of people who did not survive the crash. Shaylie ends up developing feelings for Piper and feels guilty because of the circumstances.

I'm a fan of Kris Bryant. She writes well and I loved 'Listen' And 'Breakthrough.' Unfortunately, this one was just OK. It is a solid romance and worth reading, but you won't be blown away.

The book suffered with pacing. Started off with a bang and slowed down significantly from there. Then things got resolved at breakneck speed toward the end.

I really liked the concept and idea but it just never met my expectations. I wanted more from all of the different situations Bryant presented to us. I wanted friends on the camping trip to take notice and take issue. I wanted the best friend to do something instead of just constantly warning Shaylie. I wanted Shaylie to hold Piper accountable for a bit.

In other words: I didn't think there was enough drama. There are a LOT of readers out there that will be appreciative of that. So take this for what it is: My opinion only.

There were a few things that I didn't care for. There was an excessive amount of winking. At one point Piper was described having braided hair but in the next minute she is described with her hair messily up in a bun. I never understood why Shaylie thought so highly of Jason as her hero. The guy carried her out. If he hadn't, the rescue people would have. It wasn't like she was in the fiery inferno of the main cabin and had to be dragged away to safety.

What I did like was the realism of giddiness with the initial texting between Shaylie and Piper. My relationship started with fun and flirtatious texting so it was something I could relate to and feel right along with Shaylie.

There were some intimate scenes that definitely made me blush.

I recommend this to people who love romance, catastrophe, giddy texting, friendship, Denver, Wyoming, and yoga.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review

[hubsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have read other books by Ms. Bryant and have enjoyed many of them, this one missed the mark for me. I was very drawn to the premise, even though it is based around what is basically everyone's worst nightmare, but saw the potential for a read full of emotional depth and courage and perseverance. Sadly, I didn't get much of that.

Another reviewer used the term "meandering" (Thanks Diane) and that perfectly described how I felt after the initial trauma took place. Nothing much happened.

Too much:

-Best friend talk between Shaylie and Marisa. They are besties forever (actual phrase used) and their babies shall grow up together and also be best friends, etc. This is when I wondered if this was written for a more YA audience. If that's the case, the book read quite well! But seen as though the two MCs were late 20's, I may be mistaken.
-Repeating phrases of rather mundane situations, for example how many times it was stated how beautiful the ranch was. The editing could have been tightened up.
-And also, how nice everyone was. Tied up in nice packages having nice family dinners, where there are nice ranchers with nice cops and nice parents and even nice baristas. I need some jerks thrown in!

I found it difficult to connect with the either MC, Shaylie or Piper. Shaylie survived the crash, yet had somewhat shallow/limited emotions from this massive event. This is really intense subject matter, and the scene itself was pretty detailed, though thankfully short, but the aftermath wasn't believable for me. Traumatizing feelings were suggested but didn't follow through, and I couldn't feel her depth..... No angst, no dark fears (except avoiding flying), no PTSD symptoms. And Piper fell flat. Though she lost two people on that flight, I got nothing from her besides liking yoga and tea. If the author tried alternating perspectives chapter to chapter, perhaps this would have given her more layers, and digging into her backstory may have made her more interesting. Overall a 2.75/5.

*Thanks much to the ARC I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *

[Andy★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.

3.5 ★

This is the story of Shaylie Beck who is one of eleven survivors in a plane crash. After the plane crash she finds herself attracted to Piper, a woman who lost her best friend and fiancé in the crash. As Piper and Shaylie develops a friendship, Shayle also starts developing feelings but is unsure of how to proceed because of the circumstances.

I liked this book a lot, as someone who's terrified of flying even though I've never even been in an airport maybe this book wasn't ideal for me but I'm happy I read it and it was worth it.

I thought the first half of the book was amazing after that I felt it slowed down a bit, it was still really good though. I really enjoyed that it wasn't bombarded with drama and angst, the whole story was pretty sweet and light (except for the plane crash obviously).

I really enjoyed Kris Bryant's writing and all the characters. Surprisingly my favorite relationship wasn't between the love interests but between the main character Shaylie and her best friend Marisa. I usually don't think a lot of the relationships between friends in novels but their relationship was just super sweet. I definitely wished I had a friend like Marisa.

I did enjoy the relationship between Shaylie and Piper as well though of course but I felt like something was missing, I don't know if it was lack of chemistry or something else.. The whole story was really well written though, there were a lot of sweet romantic scenes, funny scenes and of course some steamy scenes that will make you blush like crazy.

If you're scared of flying maybe this isn't the book for you but other than that it's a really sweet and cute story. I would love to read more of Kris Bryant's books in the future.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I knew I wanted to read Falling by Kris Bryant when I heard about the book several months ago. Ms. Bryant is an exceptional author, so I had high hopes that this would be a really good story. I am very pleased to tell you that this novel has exceeded all of my expectations.
The story is told in first person narrative which makes the beginning even more compelling and terrifying since you will experience a major plane crash through the eyes and other senses of the main character, Shaylie Beck. This tragic accident changes not only Shaylie’s life but those around her as well. It also leads her to meet Piper Cole. Piper lost loved ones in the crash as well. Shaylie, her best friend Marisa, Jason (the man who pulled Shaylie out of the plane wreckage), and Piper meet at a survivors group therapy session. This leads to all of them forming a friendship and then maybe more as the story continues. There is a secret that Shaylie keeps from Piper though, and this secret could end up causing a lot of heartache.
Ms. Bryant is changing my view of first person narrative. I normally don’t like to read this POV because it can be limiting. It is a hard narrative to write in, but Ms. Bryant is an expert and gives the reader everything they need through Shaylie. This novel could be used as a textbook example on how to write in this point of view.
Falling is one of the best stories I’ve read so far this year and is definitely going into my favorites folder. It is a wonderful and heartwarming story that you really do not want to miss.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story. Plane crash survivor meets grieving fiancé. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Shaylie and Piper grow and develop, both taking baby steps to allow the other to process their grief and recovery. The secondary characters and best friends, Marisa and Jason made a nice counterpoint to the starring couple.

So why the average rating?The events following the dramatic opening scenes felt repetitive with little plot development. Everyone was so nice. Lack of conflict, even during the expected breakup portion of the romance dulled what little heat the couple generated. The epilogue was over the top saccharine sweet.

Readers who love their HEA’s with whipped cream and a cherry on top will enjoy this read. It was too sweet for this old bird.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just exceptional.
Shaylie has just survived a plane crash. She’s a little bit broken in places and she’ll heal but it’s shaken her life. In an attempt to get back to some normality, she meets Piper during a support group for survivors. Piper lost her best friend and her fiancée in the plane crash and she needs answers. Piper and Shaylie become fast friends and help each other heal. Shaylie begins to fall for Piper and the more time she spends with her she knows this woman could be the one...

I’m getting this feeling writing up this review. This story is extraordinary. I cried my way through it and it’s the best book Kris Bryant has ever written but it’s now my favourite Lesbian Fiction Book... Ever!
The pace of the book was perfect. The first chapter gave me chills as we enter the book just minutes before the crash. Kris Bryant’s descriptions during this scene were outstanding and boy did they cement my focus on the book. Next minute I knew, I was at the end and you certainly could see the track marks of my tears.

When it comes to characters Piper and Shaylie are soul mates. They just complement each other in every way and it’s just circumstance that they meet the way they do. I believe in my heart they would have met no matter what. The chemistry they have when they finally get together (this is a romance and Kris Bryant, we all know it happens) was palpable. I could feel it sizzling of the page.

The sex scenes blew my mind. There is one in particular that I think is Kris Bryant’s best ever sex scene. It was really well described and the actual scene was sexy, and hot as hell.

I can’t finish the review of this book without mentioning the epilogue because it’s everything. I have a tightening in my chest just thinking about how magical it was. If there was ever a book that finished with me knowing these protagonists not only make it but live happy ever after, this is the one.

A complete triumph and I know I haven’t done this book justice in the review but how could I when it’s my perfect book. Buy this book and make your heart happy people... it’s a must read!
An outstanding 5 stars

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling by Kris Bryant started with a bang. A very vivid plane crash throws us straight into the action. Enjoy it, because that is all the excitement you’re going to see in this story.

Told from plane crash survivor Shaylie Beck’s point of view we see a small part of her road to recovery (other than her fear of flying Bryant chose not to delve too much into the trauma). Her boss is pissed at her refusal to fly to perspective jobs (Shaylie is in commercial real estate) and we see all throughout the book that there is no love lost between those two. There are not many work related scenes so it’s more peripheral.

Much time is spent on her relationship with bff Marisa and said friend’s burgeoning romance with Shaylie’s personal savior, rancher Jason. So you get two sweet romances for the price of one (although one is straight). We see Shaylie befriend and slowly fall in love with yoga goddess Piper Cole. Piper lost her fiancée and best friend on that same flight. The fiancée and best friend who were sitting next to Shaylie and were making out like there was no tomorrow (well… in their case there wasn’t). This secret weighs heavy on Shaylie’s mind as her relationship with Piper evolves and deepens and you can rest assured it will come back to bite her in the ass.

Like I said, most excitement is in the first chapters, after that we coast along between the yoga studio, work, Jason’s family ranch, home. The inserted drama at the 80% mark was one of ridiculous proportions and I had to deduct points for that. I would have preferred we had coasted on with all the nice, rich people towards the wedded bliss and the babies.

Romance lovers will certainly get their money’s worth.

f/f explicit. Bryant has proven by now she can write hot sex scenes.

Themes: there was PTSD on both sides but it was mostly handled off screen, Piper remained a bit 2 dimensional, Clifford the cat gets a special shout out, lawsuit, yoga, real estate, Piper’s crisis was just silly.

3.6 stars

* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of me loves how divided readers are on this book. I totally get it. Some expected angst, drama and an emotional heavy hitter and were understandably disappointed. Others, myself included, expected to be swept off our feet by the romance, and we liked this. Then there are those who went into this with no expectations whatsoever... I envy you.

Before I launch into my now usual list of pro's and cons, I need to confess to being a little biased when it comes to Shaylie. Trying desperately not to be attracted to a close friend while also clearly picking up on a certain flirty vibe between the two of you, will drive you crazy. Not that I have any experience with that.

+ Shaylie's personal and professional development.
+ The Chemistry™ *fans self*
+ I liked the pacing despite it lagging a little.
+ Clifford; I love finicky felines.
+ May need a change of underwear for some scenes.²

- ²No change of underwear for some scenes.
- So much ranching. This isn't Brokeback Mountain.
- Planning your unborn child's wedding to your BFF's.
- PTSD aspect needed more attention.
- I wanted more of Piper's backstory.

This might not be my favorite by KB but damn it was good. Full 4* rating for this one.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little skeptical to read this book. As someone who travels a bit, airplane tragedies are not something that makes me comfortable to read. However, though this is the catalyst of everything that happens between all four characters involved, two MCs and two great supporting, it is definitely not the focal point. The story between Shay and Piper is told from What's point of view and at times I do wish Piper's PIG was voiced. Mainly because she was going through something tragic too and it's always nice to have that other voice of the main character. I don't know if I would say this is a slow burn romance and I wouldn't say it's a friends to lovers either. It kinda falls inbetween. Regardless, it was well-written, the characters I believe we're well developed, secondary characters were really great and added to the story, and the romance though quick in a sense was well done. I enjoyed the book.

[Farah]

I had some great times with Ms.Bryant / Ms.Ryder's work. I paired up Falling with 4 other books and I finished them all but Falling was left alone, just like my least favorite veggies left on the plate and no beloved pets to come to the rescue - brussels sprouts, petai and mustard leaves. I will always love you for giving us Brynn Coleman and a love story set in Alaska and looking forward to your future tales.

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, albeit predictable romance, but easy to read and little angst, just for the right amount of drama. I appreciated the epilogue and best friend character to add to the realism.

[JulesGP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of crazy fears, the dark, heights, enclosed spaces, social anxiety, but I thankfully do not have one of flying because this book would have kicked it into overdrive.

Shaylie Beck is caught in the stuff of nightmares, the one in 11 million odds of being in an airplane crash. She survives but is profoundly affected, both physically and mentally. Her family, friends, and the hero who saved her circle the wagons to help her heal. There’s one other vital person and that’s Piper Cole who is the fiancée of one of the passengers who was killed. Friendship okay but romance presents a lot of ambiguous feelings for Shaylie and Piper.

I’ve seen people who survive near death or have a loved one die violently often go one of two ways, the person who now wants to suck every drop out of life because nothing is to be taken for granted and the individual who cocoons themselves, left afraid of everything. It’s Shaylie and Piper’s new bond that pulls them into a hopeful future and out of what could be a downward spiral. Overall, a very good read. Not as smooth as some of her other books but I think that had more to do with the subject matter than the quality of the story. ARC read courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Heat · Rating 4 out of 5]

When reading the blurb I was quite interested in how Bryant was going to make this work. After reading I can say that she made it work wonderfully.

I was hooked immediately when the book started with the action on the plane. For a minute I thought there was going to be some time spent before being found (stranded on the island type idea) but I'm happy that wasn't the case. Talking about the crash was a big part of the book but not the crash itself.

Both main characters were very likeable and the build-up was done well. I just wish that we were privy to Piper's feelings before she revealed them to Shay. I couldn't exactly tell what she was thinking leading up to that moment.

One thing that I really loved was that there wasn't a huge blowup between the two mains about Piper's building and Shaylie's part in the initial plans for redevelopment.

Marissa and Jason were nice secondary characters. I liked that Marissa kept Shay in check where her feelings for Piper were concerned. That seemed like something a best friend would do.

This is a great book and definitely worth the read.

(A copy was generously provided by BSB via NetGalley)

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So...I was supposed to listen to this audiobook on my way to and back from work, and it would have lasted me all week, but when I got home this afternoon I just kept listening to it. I supposed I did enjoy it :p

3.5 stars - As I've come to expect from Ms. Bryant, it's well written, the characters are all well developed, but I didn't like the main couple all that much. I had nothing in common with either of them and so, I couldn't relate to them or the situation they were going through. But that's not the book's fault. I would still recommend it.

The narrator, Brittni Pope, was pretty decent. The intonation was slightly off at times, but I think it might just be because I listened to it at 2x speed.

Note: I won a copy of the audiobook in a Twitter giveaway the author was hosting.

[Elske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much, as I do most of Bryant’s books. She is a very good writer. This was a warm-hearted romantic story with very little angst. Though the premise (an airplane crash that leaves Shaylie wounded and kills Piper’s fiancée and best friend) sounds horrific, this is not a tragic story. This book is a fun read with some humour and nice characters. A small point of criticism is that I feel that the protagonists recover a little too easily. Recommend, 4.3 stars.

[Guerunche · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I make my way through Kris Bryant's work I am very happy to find that her books are exactly what the die-hard romantic in me loves - sweet, sexy, happily-ever-after stories that aren't terribly angst-ridden. Not that this one doesn't start with some drama. It does - but not the romantic kind. When successful commercial real estate broker Shaylie Beck catches a flight home from New York to Denver, she certainly doesn't expect the plane to go down or be one of the few survivors. And she REALLY doesn't expect to later meet an incredible woman at a support group for survivors and their loved ones - especially one that lost her lover and best friend on that flight.
There is much to appreciate about this story. There are really lovable characters in Jason - Shaylie's hero who pulled her to safety after their plane went down, her best friend Marisa who she has a really loving relationship with, and Piper, the woman Shaylie befriends and eventually falls for. There are lots of issues at play here - survival, recovery, betrayal and the difficulty of moving forward after a devastating loss. Bryant weaves through them with aplomb.The attraction between Shaylie and Piper is almost immediate, but they become friends - not lovers - neither ready to take that step. But as their feelings become undeniable, will they have the courage to open themselves up to the possibility of long-term happiness?
Others have commented that there could have been a bit more on the PTSD aspect of being involved in a plane crash and I don't disagree. This story does focus on more of the romance than on Shaylie's recovery. The story wraps up neatly and beautifully - exactly as you'd want it to. I'm good with that. Just give me the happy.
And how gorgeous is that book cover?!?

[Simone11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaylie Beck is one of a handful of survivors when her plane goes down. But even out of the darkest days there is hope. She meets Piper Cole, who lost her fiancée and best friend in the crash, at a support group and they hit it off right away. They become fast friends as they move forward in their lives in the face of the tragedy. Soon their feelings begin to change. Is it too soon? Or is true love always meant to be?

This was a really neat idea for a story. However I don't think the plane crash and the emotions surrounding it were done justice. This is a first-person book that has so much telling where such an emotional storyline really should draw you in with the emotional aspect of such a tragedy. I didn't feel or see Shaylie's pain or fear. I enjoyed the romance however outside of the plane crash, it was sweet and genuine. Honestly the little side romance with Jason and Marissa was what really stole the show for me. I loved Jason's family and the warmth it brought to the story - I think that's where Bryant's writing shone the most. If you accept the plane crash was just a way for Piper and Shaylie to meet and enjoy the rest of the ride, it's a really sweet and simple story.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Arn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. I really liked the two previous books by Bryant but this just didn't work for me on any level. There was no connection beyond two attractive women liking each other because they're attractive and none of them are particularly engaging. I just didn't care about any of what happened in the book beyond the first few chapters. The premise and the start were really strong but the rest of it... meh.

Piper didn't come off as grieving or devastated. I'm told she is all kinds of messed up, but she's fine really. To the point, I'm thinking she didn't care for them at all. And Shay just bored me. I feel like the book does not live up to its premise, it's all so shallow.

It's hard to believe this book is written by the same author as Listen.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good read ... though I can’t help but felt that something was missing from this book. Maybe it’s because I don’t get to read Piper’s POV. Getting her POV would have been good just so that we can get some insights on her feelings and thoughts having lost 2 loved ones and the betrayal she felt after learning the truth. And the trauma that Shaylie had to endure was kinda skin deep... I was expecting a little more narratives on Shay’s traumatic experience. I guess the focus of the story is more on the romance... Liked the Epilogue which was nicely done; all wrapped-up in a box and tied with a ribbon 🎁

Ratings: 3.5 - rounding it up cos I really liked the cover 🙂

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed score: 3.5 rounded down

This book is pure lesrom - it hits every tropey note it possibly could and the angst is minimal and swiftly resolved. But there’s something to be said for that, yanno? Sometimes a good old HEA is exactly what you feel like. Plus the pwoarrrr scenes are ... *fans self*

Having said that, there are a couple of irritants in this book that prevented the round up:
- the characters constant focus on looks and fitness. It just got off putting and really stopped me connecting with either lead
- the leads are shallowly painted and there is a bit of tell not show in some key scenes
- excess location / work descriptiins that aren’t necessary for the story.
- very shallow / light on / unnecessary ‘bad boss’ storyline

Overall this was a fair read. I don’t regret spending the money but definitely not a ‘must read’